Can I Take Glutathione and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Together?

Article Summary:

• Glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid are potent antioxidants with proven health benefits.
• Alpha-lipoic acid enhances a depleted level of glutathione.
• Tesseract’s proprietary nutrient delivery technology enables optimal absorption and bioavailability of glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid.

Oxidative stress in the body caused by an excessive level of free radicals and lipid peroxides is associated with several degenerative conditions. To resist this, glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid are critical components of the body’s endogenous antioxidant defense system by helping to eliminate free radicals and lipid peroxides.* In addition, research indicates that alpha-lipoic acid can regenerate other antioxidants, including glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E. 

Can glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid be taken together, given that they are both antioxidants with proven health benefits? This post highlights several studies that describe the benefits of co-supplementation with glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid, the factors you should consider before co-supplementation, and why an advanced nutrient delivery system is crucial for optimal absorption of these two antioxidants.

Benefits of Co-Supplementation with Glutathione and Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Glutathione

Glutathione is the so-called “master antioxidant” that shields cellular macromolecules from reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.* It is also involved in detoxifying both xenobiotic (external) and endogenous (internal) compounds, such as medications, environmental toxic substances, and cellular metabolic waste.* In addition to scavenging free radicals, glutathione is also involved in promoting the recycling of vitamins C and E.* Glutathione exists in cells in two forms – reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG). Its depletion is strongly associated with various age-related health conditions and loss of functions. 

Alpha-Lipoic Acid 

Alpha-lipoic acid exists in right-handed (R-alpha lipoic acid) and left-handed (L-alpha lipoic acid) mirror image forms (or stereoisomers). Alpha-lipoic acid plays an essential role in up-regulating various beneficial mitochondrial reactions.* In addition, alpha-lipoic acid reacts with reactive oxygen species, interacts with vitamin C and glutathione to recycle vitamin E, helps maintain normal blood sugar levels, and acts as a redox regulator of proteins.*  

Several studies have established the beneficial effects of alpha-lipoic acid on glutathione levels. In an animal study, alpha-lipoic acid supplementation increased total glutathione levels in the liver and blood.¹ Lipoic acid supplementation limited the exercise-induced dip in heart glutathione S-transferase activity. In another study, alpha-lipoic acid protected against hepatotoxicity through the regeneration of glutathione through cell signaling pathways.*² 

The following table highlights two studies that explored the effects of co-supplementation with glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid.

There is ongoing research on co-supplementation with glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid. Although some studies remain inconclusive, the beneficial effects of the two antioxidants are well-established.  

Can I take Glutathione and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Together? It Depends. 

Can I take glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid together? The short answer is yes. However, when taking them together, you should consider the efficacy and safety of the supplement formulations. 

• Efficacy of a supplement formulation: The nutrients’ absorption and bioavailability determine the supplement’s efficacy. Nano-delivery of nutrients through cyclodextrins has been found to optimize their absorption and solubility. Advanced formulations utilizing such nutrient delivery help achieve their therapeutic benefits. 

• Safety of a supplement formulation: The safety of a supplement is equally important and is determined by the manufacturing practices used to make the formulation. Formulations with the right amount of active ingredients help make them a therapeutic reality without causing adverse side effects. 

Tesseract Medical Research has developed glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid formulations using their advanced CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology. Because molecules such as glutathione are conventionally difficult to absorb, ssing proprietary technology to deliver these nutrients at the desired point in the intestinal tract achieves optimal absorption. In addition, the unprecedented absorption of active nutrients enables micro-dosing — using a lesser amount of active ingredients than previously required to achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes. 

Tesseract combines the highest-quality nutrients with cutting-edge delivery systems to support health functions. We follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), including scientifically advanced analytical techniques and quality control systems, to ensure the efficacy and safety of our supplement formulations.

Citations: 

¹Khanna S, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation: tissue glutathione homeostasis at rest and after exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md.:1985) vol. 86,4 (1999):1191-1196. doi:10.1152/jappl.1999.86.4.1191

²Gu L, et al. α-Lipoic acid protects against microcystin-LR induced hepatotoxicity through regeneration of glutathione via activation of Nrf2. Environmental Toxicology vol. 35,7 (2020):738-746. doi:10.1002/tox.22908

³Bast A, Haenen GR. Interplay between lipoic acid and glutathione in the protection against microsomal lipid peroxidation. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta vol. 963,3 (1988):558-561. doi:10.1016/0005-2760(88)90326-8

⁴Puri BK, et al. Co-administration of α-lipoic acid and glutathione is associated with no significant changes in serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase or γ-glutamyltranspeptidase levels during the treatment of neuroborreliosis with intravenous ceftriaxone. Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine vol. 12,3 (2015):227-230. doi:10.1515/jcim-2014-0058