The body’s own master antioxidant, made from three amino acids. Liposomal delivery protects it through digestion.
Why it’s used: Helps neutralise free radicals and supports the liver’s normal processing of compounds.
Glutathione is a small molecule made from three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. Every cell makes its own, and it is often called the body's master antioxidant because it helps neutralise free radicals and recycles other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. The liver holds particularly high levels, where it takes part in the normal processing of compounds.
Food contains some glutathione, especially fresh fruit, vegetables and meat, and the body also builds it from the cysteine in protein foods. The challenge with glutathione supplements is that it is a peptide, so a good deal of it can be broken down in the gut before it is absorbed.
That is why you will see different forms on labels. Reduced glutathione, often written L-glutathione or GSH, is the standard form. Liposomal glutathione wraps the molecule in tiny bubbles of phospholipid, designed to protect it through digestion. Researchers have studied both forms in small trials measuring blood glutathione levels, and the results are encouraging but still early.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
Six-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 54 non-smoking adults taking 250 or 1,000 mg a day. Glutathione rose 30–35% in red cells, plasma and lymphocytes at the higher dose, and oxidative stress markers fell.
One-month pilot study in 12 healthy adults taking 500 or 1,000 mg liposomal glutathione a day. Whole blood glutathione rose by up to 40%, and plasma 8-isoprostane fell by 35%.
Open-label pilot study in 34 people with fatty liver disease, taking 300 mg glutathione a day for four months after three months of lifestyle changes. ALT, triglycerides and ferritin fell significantly; 29 completed the study.
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Partly. Glutathione can be broken down in the gut, but a six-month trial found that daily oral glutathione raised levels measured in the blood and in cells. A small liposomal pilot also saw increases. The evidence is promising but comes from small studies.
Liposomal glutathione is wrapped in microscopic bubbles made from phospholipids, the same material as cell walls. The idea is to shield it from digestion. Early studies show it can raise blood levels, but it has not been proven better than standard glutathione.
Eat enough protein, because your body builds glutathione from amino acids, especially cysteine from foods such as poultry, eggs, dairy, legumes and seeds. Sulphur-rich vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, onions and garlic, plus plenty of fruit and vegetables, all form part of a supportive diet.
Videos from doctors, research scientists and registered dietitians, for general education. They are independent of Nutra Formulations, do not refer to our products and are not medical advice for you.
Glutathione: The Master Antioxidant
Dr Yvonne Burkart, PhD, toxicology · Yvonne Burkart, PhD on YouTube
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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