Article Summary:
- Glutathione is a poorly absorbed molecule, and research is underway to determine the best way to take it as a nutritional supplement.
- This ‘master antioxidant’ is rapidly degraded naturally in the small intestine, followed by its elimination from the body.
- Tesseract’s SafeCell® is an innovative S-Acetyl-Glutathione complex that enables unprecedented absorption of glutathione.
Glutathione, referred to as “the master detoxifier”, is an essential antioxidant present in every cell of the body. It plays a critical role in:
- Scavenging free radicals
- Supporting nutrient metabolism
- Maintaining necessary cellular activities, such as protein synthesis, cell signaling, and immune regulation
However, several factors can lead to reduced levels of glutathione in the body, such as:
- Advancing age
- Poor lifestyle choices
- Pathologies that can compromise the body’s antioxidant defenses
Unfortunately, dietary intake of glutathione-rich foods may not be sufficient to maintain optimal levels. For this reason, glutathione supplementation may be necessary to adequately support various health functions in the body.
But can glutathione be effectively taken as a nutritional supplement? Are there potential side effects? What is the recommended daily intake of glutathione? This article answers frequently asked questions about glutathione supplementation.
What is the Most Effective Way to Take Glutathione?
Glutathione is commercially available in various delivery forms:
- Oral supplement (Let’s not use these three in this list – we should say “oral sprays, and capsules”)
- Intravenous (IV) drip
- Intranasal drops or spray
- Nebulized glutathione
Each of these delivery forms has its advantages and limitations, but oral supplementation remains a widely used and accessible option for most practitioners and patients.
The most common forms of oral glutathione supplements are powders, tablets, and capsules.
Notably, oral glutathione supplements have not been considered the most effective in terms of absorption. Co-supplementation of glutathione with other nutrients can enhance its solubility. For example, one clinical study showed that taking glutathione along with vitamin C can enhance glutathione’s concentration in the blood.*1
Recent research suggests that oral glutathione formulations in liposomal or sublingual forms might be more bioavailable.
What is the Recommended Daily Intake of Glutathione?
The recommended daily oral intake of glutathione is 500mg—1,000 mg. In a balanced diet, fruits and vegetables can contribute up to 50 percent of the recommended intake, while meat consumption typically contributes less than 25 percent.
When is it the Best Time to Take Glutathione?
A glutathione supplement is usually best taken before or after breakfast or dinner. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the right time to take one.
What are Glutathione’s Absorption Challenges?
Glutathione is naturally a difficult-to-absorb molecule; therefore, its health-promoting benefits can be significantly limited due to its poor natural bioavailability and absorption. The following are the common absorption challenges of glutathione:
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Common Absorption Challenges of Glutathione |
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What is the Average Amount of Glutathione Present in a Nutritional Supplement?
Glutathione supplements generally contain between 150 mg and 1,000 mg of glutathione. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the right amount of daily glutathione your body needs to support the targeted health functions.
Are There Side Effects of Glutathione Supplementation?
The safety profile of glutathione supplements is well established, with only minimal side effects reported, such as:
- Mild stomach upset
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
There is limited safety data on prolonged usage of glutathione beyond two months and above 500 mg daily intake. And, if pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult your healthcare provider before including a daily glutathione supplement in your diet.
Are There Innovative Glutathione Supplement Formulations for Enhanced Bioavailability?
Various innovative approaches have been explored to enhance glutathione’s absorption and bioavailability, including:
- Using nutrient delivery nanotechnology: Nanostructured nutrient delivery systems enable the encapsulation of glutathione molecules in lipid carriers, thereby enhancing its absorption.
- Formulating supplements with an acetylated form of glutathione: Glutathione supplement formulations that contain the highly stable S-Acetyl-Glutathione are more readily absorbed.
Tesseract Medical Research’s SafeCell® is an S-Acetyl-Glutathione complex that utilizes Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery technology. This nanomolecular nutrient delivery technology addresses the natural bioavailability challenge of glutathione by enabling the unprecedented absorption of billions of glutathione molecules at the optimal point in the intestinal tract — one molecule at a time. This technology unlocks the significant health-promoting potential of this ‘master antioxidant’ molecule to optimally support your health and wellness goals.*
The power of Tesseract’s nutritional supplements lies in improving palatability, maximizing solubility, absorption, and bioavailability, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Visit our website for more information about how Tesseract’s products can support your hepatic health .*
Citation
1Johnston CS, Meyer CG, Srilakshmi JC. Am J Clin Nutr 1993 Jul;58(1):103-105. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/58.1.103. PMID: 8317379.
