Best Glutathione Products and Brands

Firstly, know that glutathione is a tripeptide — a compound composed of three amino acids, viz. cysteine, glycerine, and glutamic acid. A significant portion of the glutathione in the body is generated from the ɑ-amino acid homocysteine. 

At the start, homocysteine is converted to cysteine by the action of two enzymes. The latter phase comprises two other enzymatic reactions, which finally yield glutathione.

Do note that each enzyme used in the process requires specific nutrients to act the right way. These are known as cofactors and include glycine, Vitamin B6 and magnesium.

The production of glutathione that we just talked about takes place in multiple steps, with each being quite delicate. As such, an increased concentration of toxins like peroxides, free radicals, heavy metals, and lipid peroxides can lead to major disruptions in the process. 

Naturally, this will weaken the body’s ability to produce glutathione consistently. You’ll then need to restore the levels of this versatile antioxidant in the body. 

Commonly referred to as GHS, glutathione is an antioxidant that fights damage by free radicals and improves digestive health. 
If the amount of free radicals in the body exceeds antioxidants, it will give rise to inflammation and several other health problems, including:

1. High blood pressure 
2. Diabetes
3. Alzheimer’s Disease

So, maintaining the right glutathione levels in the body can help prevent such medical conditions in the long term by eliminating excess antioxidants. 

Some research studies have also revealed that glutathione plays a key role in the creation and repair of DNA and proteins and can activate several enzymes. Moreover, it’s involved in effective nutrient breakdown for optimal absorption and digestion. 

Glutathione is undoubtedly among the world’s most powerful antioxidative supplements — it negates the destructive action of the highly damaging free radical molecules. 

If you didn’t know this yet, let’s tell you that even the stress of intense exercise can enhance free radical activity in the body. That’s why glutathione supplements are especially beneficial for people regularly engaging in intense physical activities. 

Let’s now take a closer look at the other benefits of this supplement:

a) Enhances insulin resistance
One of the many bodily changes associated with aging is the decrease of glutathione levels. 

That said, some researchers have conducted studies on both animals and humans to understand the role of this antioxidant in insulin resistance and weight management. The findings showed that low levels of glutathione decelerate the fat-burning process in the body. 

b) May reduce psoriasis
A 2013 study found that whey protein can be useful in treating psoriasis when taken orally. And this protein had been shown to raise glutathione levels previously. Do note that each participant was given 20 grams of the supplement for three months. At the same time, the researchers have stated that this subject needs to be studied more. 

c) May reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
You might already know that Parkinson’s disease impacts the body’s central nervous system and comes with symptoms like tremors. Although no medications or treatments have been found to cure the disease completely, an older study recorded some positive effects of an intravenous glutathione injection on some symptoms. 

This report suggests that glutathione might help reduce such symptoms to improve the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients. 

d) Treats cells damaged by fatty liver disease
Liver cells might die if the organ is deficient in antioxidants, including glutathione. This might lead to fatty liver disease in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic people. Research has revealed that glutathione may improve enzyme, protein, and bilirubin levels in the blood of patients facing this disease. 

Notably, a specific study found the orally administered form to be especially useful for patients trying to enforce lifestyle changes proactively. Each patient was provided with 300 milligrams of glutathione each day for four months.

e) Helps fight autoimmune disease
The inflammation resulting from autoimmune diseases may enhance oxidative stress considerably. Some common autoimmune diseases include celiac disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. A study found that glutathione acts on oxidative stress by either reducing or stimulating your immunological response. 

An autoimmune disease generally targets the mitochondria within specific cells, which glutathione can prevent by removing the damaging free radicals behind the disease. 

f) May Treat peripheral artery disease
Glutathione supplementation is also regarded as beneficial for skin lightening — several glutathione-based skin whitening products are available on the market. But keep in mind that there’s little research to support this claim. 

g) May reduce the impact of uncontrolled diabetes
High blood sugar levels are associated with lesser amounts of glutathione, which can cause tissue damage and oxidative stress in the long term. 

Glycine and cysteine have been shown to boost glutathione levels, which lowers oxidative damage and stress in people suffering from uncontrolled diabetes. Notably, the participants in the study were placed on a dosage of 1.33 mmol/kg glycine and 0.81 mmol/kg of cysteine for two weeks. 

Though this compound is capable of producing cysteine, it may not function well if the body doesn’t have enough cofactor nutrients for the key enzymes to work. Even genetic variations can cause these enzymes to weaken considerably. 

In comparison, going for a bioavailable form of glutathione will ensure you’re able to sustain, recycle, and reuse the compound effectively. 

Though these supplements might appear the same at first, they’re different in many ways. That’s why you’ll have to watch out for some key factors to ensure you’re getting an option of high quality:

1. Ingredient Quality
Checking the quality of ingredients used is a primary lookout, as it will tell you a lot about the safety and effectiveness of the supplement. 

We’d suggest checking the label to ensure the glutathione used is obtained from a non-GMO source. Make sure it isn’t made from soy lecithin, a GMO-rich compound. In comparison, non-GMO sunflower lecithin will be a much safer alternative. 

Also, remember that glutathione is high in sulfur, which is why it can provide a sulfuric smell and taste to the compound. That’s why several manufacturers use sugar and other sweeteners to mask such a smell and taste. Additionally, ensure that it doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners such as sucralose or aspartame. 

2. Absorbency
In addition to including good-quality ingredients, the supplement should be such that it’s readily absorbed by your body. Going with liposomal glutathione is the best decision in this regard. 

This variety is encapsulated with liposomal technology in small fat bubbles, a mechanism that protects the three amino acids making up the compound. As such, these components can easily pass through the intestine and into the bloodstream, enhancing glutathione bioavailability. 

3. Manufacturing
You’ll also need to check if the manufacturer is transparent in showcasing the supplement. 

Ensure the website mentions the place of manufacture and the dosage and ingredients used. Also, it should have enough verified customer reviews to help you develop an idea about the effectiveness of the product — no information should appear to be hidden. 

4. Purity
A glutathione supplement with a pure composition is likely to yield the most effective results. So, make sure to check whether the product you’re considering is free from fillers, flavorings, and preservatives. These are often added to the average supplements to make them look “more effective.”

5. Label 
A thorough check of the product label is another essential step in determining product quality. It will help you ascertain whether the supplement provides the active ingredient in a dosage large enough to fetch the desired results. 

At the same time, keep in mind that there haven’t been any research studies on the ideal glutathione dosage to date. That’s why we’ve included higher and milder doses to suit the needs of all users. 

Another point worth noting is that most brands nowadays provide images of the label on the product page. So, it won’t be difficult for you to check the essentials of the product composition. 

6. Third-Party Testing 
A brand that utilizes third-party testing to confirm the purity and potency of its supplements allows users to be more confident about their effectiveness. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely entirely on the brand’s claims and customer reviews. 

Although a few people have reported mild side effects from its regular consumption, Glutathione won’t have any massive impact on the body system. That’s why it’s safe for all users — even if you’re just looking to improve overall health and well-being, you can take such supplements without any worries. 

Glutathione is unlikely to harm the kidney in any way. In fact, this organ requires a substantial amount of antioxidants to function properly — it often gets affected by free radicals and other damaging oxidants. 

Due to the lack of enough research on this antioxidant, there’s little information about the side effects associated with its use. But a few people reported that they experienced bloating and cramps after the first few days of use, while some others faced allergic skin reactions such as rashes. 

There’s not much scientific evidence with regard to determining the dosage, either. Some studies conducted to investigate specific health conditions have come up with various dosage recommendations. 

The best dosage for a particular user will depend on various factors, including their sex, medical history, and age. 

Know that glutathione is abundant in several vegetables and fruits. On the other hand, a study in the journal Nutrition and Cancer revealed that bread, cereals, and dairy products are typically low in this antioxidant. Vegetables and fruits contain moderate to high amounts of GSH, while meats prepared freshly have higher amounts. 

Personal care products and dietary supplements containing glutathione are available across online retail platforms and in drugstores, vitamin shops, and natural-food stores. 

Yes, glutathione injections are safe for the body as long as you’re using them in accordance with the prescribed guidelines in the healthcare field. We’d suggest hiring a healthcare professional to administer the injection as they’re well-versed with such rules. 

Speaking of their effectiveness, glutathione injections are believed to function by bypassing the digestive system. That’s why they may facilitate efficient absorption of the antioxidant. Keep in mind that these injections mainly support healthy aging and speed up cell renewal. These beneficial effects can, in turn, boost energy levels and promote weight loss. 

While this antioxidant is unlikely to react with most medications, you should avoid taking it while using chemotherapeutic and antipsychotic drugs.  

Yes, taking vitamins with glutathione supplements can, in fact, boost their effects by working with them synergistically within your body. A point worth noting here is that Vitamin C and B12 are the best options to pair up with your daily glutathione dosage. 

While taking Vitamin B12 and the antioxidant can protect you from several deficiency diseases, Vitamin C maintains optimal glutathione levels in various tissues. 

Glutathione is most effective when taken before eating or with an empty stomach, as that helps enhance the action of the antioxidant on the body. 

Yes, these supplements are safe to be taken together — no side effects have been recorded for such a dosage. 

Taking glutathione regularly helps shift the body’s focus from fat production to the development of muscles. Also, it works to burn off more fat cells and removes toxins in the liver, which ultimately contribute to weight loss.  

You get a wide range of products to choose from, meaning that there are options that suit different budget ranges. Also, keep in mind that the price will depend upon the glutathione delivery mechanism used and the form of the supplement. 

For instance, an acetylated glutathione supplement such as the product from Dr. Amy Myers costs more than many others