Glutathione (liposomal / S-acetyl)
Endogenous antioxidant with poor plain oral bioavailability, liposomal and S-acetyl forms produce measurable systemic elevation in small RCTs.
Why
Glutathione (γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine, GSH) is the body's principal endogenous antioxidant, depleted in oxidative stress and ageing. Plain oral glutathione is rapidly hydrolysed in the gut and has minimal systemic bioavailability. Liposomal (Richie Eur J Nutr 2015) and S-acetylated forms have small RCTs demonstrating sustained plasma and intracellular glutathione elevation. Whether systemic glutathione elevation translates to clinical-outcome benefits remains an open question, NAC (cysteine donor) has the better outcome-trial base for the same biochemical pathway.
How it works
Direct substrate for glutathione peroxidase (peroxide reduction) and glutathione S-transferase (xenobiotic conjugation). Reduces oxidised vitamins C and E in the antioxidant recycling cycle. Liposomal encapsulation protects against gastric hydrolysis.
Expected onset · Plasma glutathione elevation within days; clinical endpoints not consistently characterised
How to take
Dosage
Liposomal glutathione: 250–1,000 mg/day. S-acetyl glutathione: 100–300 mg/day.
Timing
On empty stomach for liposomal absorption
On the label
Specifically 'liposomal glutathione' (Lypo-Spheric, Setria) or 'S-acetyl-L-glutathione'. Plain oral glutathione capsules are largely degraded in the gut.
Ideal for
Adults exploring antioxidant-pathway supplementation; people with documented low intracellular glutathione (rare); people seeking adjunct to NAC for the same pathway.
Safety
Evidence
Richie 2015 Eur J Nutr RCT (n=54): oral glutathione 250–1,000 mg/day for 6 months raised blood glutathione by 30–35%. Sinha 2018 confirmed liposomal absorption and increased natural killer cell function. Preliminary evidence, no Cochrane review, EMA HMPC monograph or EFSA-authorised health claim covers this indication; cited RCTs are small or in non-tier-1 journals. Useful as honest reference rather than evidence-grade recommendation. NAC (covered separately) supports the same pathway with stronger outcome evidence.
Preliminary evidence, no Cochrane review, EMA HMPC monograph or EFSA-authorised health claim covers this indication; cited RCTs are small or in non-tier-1 journals. Useful as honest reference rather than evidence-grade recommendation.
Where to get it
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