## 8 Nanotechnological Tools for Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods
### Liposomes for Nutraceutical Delivery  
Several molecules gradually deteriorate and lose their nutritional content, which is a significant challenge in producing (fortified) foodstuffs and dietary supplements. Various microencapsulation methods can be implemented to enhance their stability. While the liposomal technique was initially developed for pharmaceutical applications, its benefits have recently been utilized by the food industry. Liposomes and nano-liposomes can encapsulate a broad range of nutritionally crucial elements, including essential oils, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C, for instance, is supplied to a variety of commodities to prolong shelf life, as detailed by [PERSON] et al. [241]. Spray cooling or spray chilling and fluidized-bed coating can be used to add vitamin C to solid foods (biscuits and bread).  
In contrast, liposomal encapsulation adds vitamin C to liquid products. While vitamin C is used to extend the shelf life of some foods, it is also used for its functional and pharmacological actions. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and a crucial cofactor for several enzymes responsible for physiological functions. Despite its significance in various processes, vitamin C has limited bioavailability and cannot be generated by the body on its own. Therefore, it must be consumed through the diet [242].  
Even though most Western cultures now have access to vitamin C sources, including fruits and vegetables, the increasing use of microwaved foods has contributed to a rise in the prevalence of scurvy (severe vitamin C insufficiency). Vitamin C deficiency has also been linked to chronic disorders, notably obesity [243], with vitamin C supplementation improving lipid buildup and endothelial function [244]. Researchers have begun to examine liposomal formulations as a potential alternative to traditional oral vitamin C administration to enhance vitamin C bioavailability and enhance its therapeutic effects. [PERSON] and colleagues [245] performed the first investigation to compare the pharmacokinetics of different single doses (5, 20 and 36 g) of liposomal vitamin C to \"standard\" oral vitamin C (5 g). According to the study, the most significant peak plasma level (-400 uM/L) was obtained with 36 g, peaking -5-6 h after intake. Liposomal vitamin C's effectiveness and consequences on ischemia-reperfusion injury were studied in more studies [246]. A placebo pill or 4 g of vitamin C was administered via oral unencapsulated, liposomal or parenteral administration. Liposomal vitamin C generated higher blood levels of vitamin C than unencapsulated vitamin C, but not as high as those induced by intravenous vitamin C delivery.  
Furthermore, all medications exhibited equal protection against hypoperfusion damage [247]. Because iron deficiency is a prominent cause of anemia in nondialysis chronic kidney disease (ND-CKD) patients, [PERSON] et al. [248] investigated whether liposomal iron improved anemia in ND-CKD patients. Ninety-nine patients with CKD and iron deficiency anemia for three months were randomly assigned 30 mg/day of oral liposomal iron (LI; \(n=66\)) or intravenous iron gluconate (IV: total dosage = 1000 mg; \(n=33\)) using a randomized experimental technique. After three months, both the LI (5.6%) and IV (9.3%) groups had considerably higher Hb levels than baseline, with no differences between interventions. On the other hand, the IV group exhibited a more noticeable upward trend, with markedly greater Hb in months 1 and 2 than the LI group. In contrast, while no serious negative consequences were observed, the proportion of LI individuals who suffered at least one possibly treatment-related adverse reaction (3.1%) was much lower than the IV group. Because iron deficiency and anemia are significant problems for the health and performance of great male and female athletes [249], and because liposomal iron has been demonstrated to facilitate exercise-related anemia in an in vitro model [250], more studies into liposomal iron in athletes are recommended.