How to Take Glutathione Effectively as an Oral Supplement

Article Summary:

• Glutathione is conventionally known for its poor absorption, and the best way to take it effectively as an oral supplement is still being researched. 
  
  
• The poor absorption of glutathione is attributable to its rapid degradation in the small intestine, followed by elimination from the body.
  
  
• Tesseract’s SafeCell® is an innovative S-Acetyl-Glutathione complex that enables unprecedented absorption of glutathione.    

Glutathione is an essential  antioxidant present in our cells. It plays a critical role in scavenging free radicals, nutrient metabolism, and maintaining cellular events, including protein synthesis, cell signaling, and immune response. Depleted glutathione levels in the body due to aging, poor lifestyle choices, and certain pathologies can compromise the antioxidant defenses of your body and make you susceptible to the harmful effects of oxidative stress.* Although you can include glutathione-rich foods in your diet, it might not be sufficient to achieve adequate glutathione levels. This is when you need a glutathione supplement to support various health functions in your body.

But how should you take glutathione effectively as an oral supplement? Are there side effects? What is the recommended daily intake of glutathione? Read more to find out the answers to frequently asked questions about glutathione supplements.  

What is the most effective way to take glutathione?

Glutathione is commercially available in different delivery forms — as an oral supplement, intravenous (IV) drip, intranasal drops or spray, and nebulized glutathione. It is worth noting that each delivery form has pros and cons, and currently the most effective way to take glutathione is still being debated.

Glutathione powder, tablets, and capsules are the most common form of oral glutathione supplements, although they are not considered the most effective in terms of absorption. A clinical study¹ shows that taking glutathione along with Vitamin C can enhance glutathione concentrations in the blood. 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 – 1000 mg a day. In a balanced diet, fruits and vegetables can contribute more than 50 percent of the usual dietary glutathione intake, while meat typically contributes less than 25 percent.  

What is the best time to take glutathione?

Although clinical studies are inconclusive about the best time to take glutathione, a glutathione supplement is usually best consumed before or after breakfast and dinner. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the right time for taking a glutathione supplement.  

What are the common absorption challenges of glutathione? 

Glutathione is a difficult-to-absorb molecule and its therapeutic benefits are significantly limited due to its poor bioavailability and absorption. The following are the common absorption challenges of glutathione:

What is the average amount of glutathione present in a supplement?

Glutathione supplements generally contain between 150 mg – 1,000 mg of glutathione. You should consult with your healthcare provider to determine the right amount of glutathione needed by your body to support the targeted health functions.    

Are there side effects of glutathione supplementation?

The safety profile of glutathione is well established, with only minimal side effects, such as mild stomach upset, abdominal cramps, and bloating. There is limited safety data on the prolonged usage of glutathione beyond two months and above 500 mg daily intake. If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your healthcare provider before including a glutathione supplement in your diet.   

Are there innovative glutathione supplement formulations?

Innovative approaches, such as nutrient delivery nanotechnology, help address glutathione’s poor bioavailability and absorption. Supplement formulations that contain the highly stable, acetylated form of glutathione (S-Acetyl-Glutathione) are more readily absorbed. Nanostructured nutrient delivery systems enable the encapsulation of glutathione molecules in lipid carriers, thereby enhancing absorption. 

Tesseract Medical Research’s SafeCell® is an S-Acetyl-Glutathione complex that utilizes the proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery technology. This nanomolecular nutrient delivery technology addresses the common bioavailability challenge of glutathione and enables unprecedented absorption of billions of glutathione molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract — one molecule at a time. The technology unlocks the therapeutic potential of this ‘master antioxidant’ molecule to optimally support your health and wellness goals.* 

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.  Omit the study title to avoid making claims.