Glutathione Supplementation Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a molecule found naturally in your body. It is made up of three amino acids: L cysteine, Glycine and L Glutamate.
Glutathione is produced by the liver (the main organ responsible for detoxification), and by specific neurons in the central nervous system. It also functions in the tissues and organs throughout the rest of the body.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that can slow down the ageing process and can help lessen the effects of many of the diseases of ageing, such as heart disease, dementia and cancer. It does this by reducing the impact of oxidative stress and free radical damage on the body.
What are the benefits of Glutathione?
Glutathione’s benefits are many and varied.
They are believed to include:
- Slowing the ageing process.
- Boosting energy
- Helping leaky gut syndrome
- Improving cognitive function
- Improving liver function
- Helping regulate immune function,
- Improving skin tone and clarity
- Alleviating sleep problems
- Stabilising metabolic issues and help cleanse the body after mould and mycotoxin exposure.
What is the function of Glutathione?
Glutathione also plays a significant role in energy metabolism.
It gathers and expels toxins in a form that can be excreted by the body, and it recycles other vitamins, including vitamins C and vitamin E.
This critical molecule also protects cells and their mitochondria, (the powerhouses in cells that are responsible for energy production), from free radical damage.
This allows the cells to achieve peak performance, thereby promoting optimum health and increased energy.
Is Glutathione safe?
Glutathione taken orally or topically is generally considered safe and is generally very well tolerated.
Inhaled glutathione may trigger asthma attacks in some people with asthma, so should be carried out only in the presence of a qualified physician.
Long term use may be linked to lower zinc level, which can be alleviated by supplementing with zinc.
Experts are unsure if taking glutathione is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
As with any supplement, ask your doctor before taking Glutathione to ensure your doctor can check on any potential interactions.
Which forms of Glutathione are bioavailable?
Liposomal Glutathione and S Acetyl Glutathione are the only forms of Glutathione which are bioavailable.
Bioavailability refers to the fraction of a drug that reaches the systematic circulation.
Other forms of glutathione are not able to be processed by the body and are destroyed in the digestive tract before they can be absorbed.
What is Liposomal Glutathione?
Liposomal Glutathione uses a unique system where nanoliposomes encapsulate the glutathione molecule to enable it to pass through the stomach and be absorbed intact in the lower digestive tract.
What is S Acetyl Glutathione?
S Acetyl Glutathione is the acetylated version of glutathione.
It is orally active and stable in the intestines and is absorbed directly by the cells here.
Which foods are high in Glutathione?
Asparagus, cabbage, brussel sprouts, spinach, avocado, broccoli, garlic, chives, tomato, cucumber, almonds, walnuts and okra all contain glutathione.
How Does Glutathione work?
Glutathione works by detoxifying the body and neutralising free radicals.
How do you increase Glutathione?
You can increase glutathione levels by supplementing with liposomal or S Acetyl glutathione or eating more foods that contain high amounts of glutathione.
What ages is Glutathione suitable for?
Glutathione is suitable for people over the age of 18.
Glutathione levels drop significantly after the age of 45 so people over this age must replenish their glutathione levels for healthy body function.
What is the best way to take Glutathione?
It is best to take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
How long does Glutathione take to work?
It takes around a month of daily supplementation for glutathione levels to return to the optimum.
Can Glutathione Whiten Skin?
Several studies have shown that glutathione may decrease the amount and shade of melasma on darker-skinned women.
How much Glutathione do you need to take to whiten skin?
General intake of glutathione for this purpose is around 250-500 mg daily.
Can Glutathione cause Acne?
There is no evidence that glutathione causes acne.
Can Glutathione clear scars?
Glutathione is a potent antioxidant, so it may help cell turnover, which in turn may help scars look less visible.
Can Glutathione cause liver damage?
Glutathione is used to help improve liver enzymes and protein and bilirubin levels in the blood of people with alcoholic liver disease.
Is Glutathione good for weight loss?
Studies have shown that older adults with high glutathione levels have higher levels of fat-burning, lower levels of fat-storage and improved metabolism over those with low glutathione levels.
Is Glutathione good for the kidneys?
The kidneys are highly reliant on an adequate supply of glutathione to maintain normal functioning.
Studies have shown it may help prevent kidney damage by preventing oxidative stress in kidney cells.
Is Glutathione good for the immune system?
Glutathione is essential to the body’s natural defence system. It may assist the immune system by functioning as an antioxidant within immune cells and by enhancing the activity of immune cells.
Is Glutathione anti-aging?
As an antioxidant, glutathione acts to lessen the damage done to the skin by pollutants and the environment which cause premature ageing.
Is Glutathione an antiviral?
Studies have shown Glutathione plays an essential role in helping our body fight viruses in the body and of the central nervous system.
Is Oral Glutathione effective?
Liposomal and S Acetyl glutathione are the only two types of glutathione that are bioavailable and able to be used by the body. Other types are ineffective.
Is Glutathione by Injection effective?
Glutathione injections may cause the bleeding and bruising that might occur with any injection, but may also rarely cause- rapid detoxification, body aches, nausea, headaches, mild diarrhoea and chills.
How much Glutathione should I take per day?
Studies have shown that amounts of up to 2 grams can be taken with no apparent side effects, but dosages of between 200mg and 500mg are most common.