What is Liqua-Vade™?
Liqua-Vade™ is an oral delivery technology designed to enhance the absorption of active ingredients from the gastrointestinal track. When dosing, Liqua-Vade can either be taken undiluted or mixed with a glass of water (or juice) and consumed as a beverage.
Our Liqua-Vade technology is based off the well established Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SEDDS) utilized by the pharmaceutical industry. (1-15) SEDDS have been proven to enhance the absorption of non-water soluble compounds by dispersing the active ingredients into a highly bio-available emulsion. (7-10) To understand exactly how an emulsion increases the uptake of active ingredients it’s important to understand how an emulsion is formed.
First of all, an emulsion is simply an even dispersion of two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water. In order to create an emulsion, Liqua-Vade utilizes a blend of unique fatty esters, represented in the image below -
Because standard fat molecules have a high proportion of fat solubility they naturally conglomerate and form large fat droplets, even after digestion through the stomach. (20, 21)
However, in comparison to standard fat molecules, the fatty esters have a higher proportion of water soluble area and therefore increased water solubility. Immediately after being mixed with water, the fatty esters are able to disperse into small micro-droplets and form completely stable and homogenous emulsions. (8, 9, 25)
The micro-droplets formed by fatty esters are known as micelles. Micelles are microscopic spherical structures (50-150nm) that form when fatty esters are mixed into an aqueous liquid. Active ingredients that lack water solubility are forced to partition into these lipophilic (fat soluble) micelles. (3, 8, 9, 25)
Immediately after mixing Liqua-Vade with a glass of water (or stomach fluid) it creates an emulsion which disperses the non-water soluble ingredients into micellar structures, such as the Liqua-Vade solution seen here -
How does Liqua-Vade enhance the absorption of active Ingredients?
Liqua-Vade enhances absorption of active ingredients by 3 primary mechanisms –
1. Molecular dispersion of a compound is a requirement for absorption across a biological membrane. Liqua-Vade delivers active ingredients in a molecular dispersed form, allowing them to easily penetrate the cellular membranes lining the oral, esophageal and intestinal surface. (1, 19, 26)
2. The water soluble micelles formed by Liqua-Vade are able to carry active ingredients past the aqueous barrier to reach the surface of the cellular membranes. (1, 6, 18)
3. Penetration of the cellular membranes is enhanced by Liqua-Vade fatty esters which invaginate the lipid bilayer of the cells surface. This enhances permeability and penetration of the active ingredients into the cells. (6, 8, 9, 15)
Below is a representation of how Liqua-Vade enhances delivery of active ingredients through the intestinal track -
Ingredients that are not completely dissolved or dispersed won’t absorb into the body. Here you can see regular pills or tablets that fail to disperse cannot be absorbed completely and efficiently. –
How fast does Liqua-Vade start delivering active ingredients to my blood stream? Is it timed released?
Immediately after consuming Liqua-Vade the active ingredients are partitioned through the biological membranes of the oral and esophageal surface. Within seconds, the active ingredients are absorbed by the microvasculature and carried to the blood stream. (1, 19, 26)
Liqua-Vade can sustain heightened blood levels of active ingredients for up to 10-12 hours. Beyond this point, the half-life of the active ingredient(s) in the blood stream will depend on the level of systemic metabolism and excretion.
Does Liqua-Vade have any side-effects?
The ingredients in Liqua-Vade are food grade and non-toxic to the body. (9, 23) Because Liqua-Vade was designed as a low surfactant based formula it is easily digested and well tolerated by most all individuals, even those with sensitive digestive systems.
In some individuals, drinking Liqua-Vade may cause a slight burning sensation in the throat. To prevent this, Liqua-Vade can be added with more or less water (or juice) to make the taste more acceptable.
When should I take Liqua-Vade? Can I take it with food and/or other supplements?
For dosing time, it is best to follow the unique recommendation for the given product.
It is fine to take Liqua-Vade with or without food. There is no limit to the amount of food or beverage that can be consumed with Liqua-Vade.
Keep in mind, Liqua-Vade may enhance the delivery of other non-water soluble supplements and/or medications. Therefore, it is important to consult your practitioner prior to consuming prescription medication in conjunction with Liqua-Vade.
Liqua-Vade products can be dosed several different ways -
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