Sign up
Log In
Log Out
Preferences
Should You Be Taking Glutathione?
Terms of Use Privacy Policy Hide
Should You Be Taking Glutathione?
Getty Images

Should You Be Taking Glutathione?

Everything You Need to Know About This Viral Anti-Aging Supplement

Doing a strenuous workout. Laying out in the sun all day. Taking a stroll through a city with poor air quality. Spraying pesticides in your yard. These seemingly innocuous daily habits can create a build-up of free radicals in the body — and those free radicals are what cause oxidative stress: a common culprit for diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and premature aging. The best way to combat these free radicals, and bolster your body’s defenses against them? With antioxidants, of course — and none are as potent as glutathione.

“Glutathione, which is found in every cell in the body, is often called the 'master antioxidant' for its role in cell repair, metabolism, inflammation control, immune support, heart health, and nerve function,” explains Allison Jordan, FDN-P, a gut health specialist and founder of Better Belly Therapies. “It’s produced in the liver, a key detox organ, and its high sulfur content helps detoxify the body by binding to toxins and free radicals for removal.”

Some medical organizations even claim glutathione can help your muscles heal faster and more effectively from exercise so you perform better.

“It’s also involved in and recycling other antioxidants like vitamin C and E to keep your cells functioning at their best,” adds Darshan Shah, MD, a longevity doctor and founder of Next Health. “Think of it as the quarterback that keeps the whole antioxidant team in play. Plus, it’s crucial for detoxifying harmful substances in the liver, so it’s really doing a lot of the heavy lifting behind the scenes.”

RELATED: Expert-Recommended Supplement Brands You Can Trust

Unfortunately, studies show that our glutathione levels start naturally declining with age. That’s where supplements come in. Experts say supplementing with glutathione can have a slew of major health perks — but that said, not everyone should be taking it. Wondering whether you could benefit from a glutathione supplement? Here’s what to know.


Signs of a Glutathione Deficiency


The only way to know for sure if you have low glutathione levels is to take a test — typically a blood test.

That said, here are some signs that suggest you might have a glutathione deficiency, according to Trista Best, a registered dietitian at The Candida Diet and adjunct nutrition professor.

  • Fatigue/low energy
  • Frequently getting sick
  • Poor sleep
  • Poor exercise recovery
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Brain fog

According to Shah, even dull skin that’s aging prematurely can be a red flag that you’re not getting enough glutathione.


Should I Take Glutathione?


Glutathione is only a wise investment if you need it — and if you’re feeling generally well and energetic, you probably don’t need it, says Jordan.

“However, in situations of increased toxin exposure, such as air travel, supplementing with liposomal glutathione can help boost detoxification,” she explains. “This proactive approach can support your body's ability to handle higher toxin loads effectively.”

Best and Shah also note that glutathione can also be particularly beneficial for anyone who’s living with an autoimmune disorder, or who has a job that exposes them to increased oxidative stress — like athletes, firefighters, and industry workers who deal with certain chemicals.

RELATED: Vitamin Buying Guide: What Men Need to Know

“Honestly, most people can benefit from it, especially in today’s world with pollution, processed diets, and stress running rampant,” says Shah.

Remember, though, that supplements aren’t the only way to get more glutathione — experts strongly recommend increasing your intake through your diet whenever possible.

According to Shelley Balls, a registered dietitian and nutritionist for Consumer Health Digest, these are some of the best food sources of glutathione:

  • Garlic
  • Asparagus
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Okra
  • Almonds
  • Cauliflower
  • Cabbage

Benefits of Glutathione


Research has shown that glutathione deficiency is associated with a number of chronic illnesses, including:

  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Cardiovascular, renal, and liver disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Autism
  • Schizophrenia
  • Autoimmune diseases

But beyond reducing your risk for the aforementioned diseases, you might also notice some other health improvements when supplementing with glutathione.

“The big wins are often better energy, clearer thinking, great looking skin, and improved recovery from workouts or illness,” says Shah. “I’ve also had clients notice fewer colds, better digestion, and even brighter moods.”

It doesn’t take long to notice some of these benefits, either. Jordan notes that her clients often notice improved energy and reduced brain fog pretty quickly after they begin taking a glutathione supplement.

According to Best, some people also report improved skin health, faster recovery from physical recovery, and getting sick less frequently.


Glutathione Side Effects and Risks


As with any supplement, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor before adding glutathione to your daily regimen. This is especially important if you’re currently taking any prescription medications, have asthma, or are pregnant.

The good news, though, is that side effects are rare, according to Shah.

“For most people, it’s well-tolerated,” he tells AskMen. “But taking too much could upset your stomach or cause mild gastrointestinal issues. And if you have specific health conditions, like sulfur sensitivities, check with your doctor first.”

Taking glutathione long-term is also linked to lower zinc levels, which is an important nutrient needed for immunity and healing, says Balls.

“If you have asthma, you may want to avoid inhaling glutathione because it could trigger an asthma attack,” she adds.

According to Jordan, one potential risk of taking glutathione is experiencing a strong detox reaction if you have a particularly high toxin load — which can make you feel temporarily worse.

“In such cases, reducing toxin exposure — like addressing mold in your home or workplace, is crucial,” says Jordan. “Alternatively, consider taking precursors like alpha-lipoic acid or N-acetylcysteine, which the body converts at its own pace. If you feel significantly worse, stop taking it and identify the exact toxins you’re being exposed to with a healthcare provider.”


Best Glutathione Supplements


Obviously, the best glutathione supplements are the ones that are safe and effective — which is why Balls strongly advises seeking out a product that’s third-party tested. This ensures that it contains the amount of glutathione that it promises, and doesn’t contain any potentially harmful contaminants.

Across the board, all experts agree that liposomal glutathione supplements are superior to other delivery forms, such as capsules and tablets.

“Glutathione by itself doesn’t always survive the digestive process,” explains Shah. “Liposomal delivery wraps it in a fat layer so it can actually get into your cells where it’s needed.

Jordan’s favorite liposomal glutathione products include Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Glutathione and Designs For Health Liposomal Glutathione.

Another popular option is the Cymbiotika Liposomal Glutathione — this brand is also third-party tested, and comes in a tasty citrus berry flavored liquid.

Shah is also a fan of transdermal glutathione — more specifically, a product called Glutaryl.

“And, of course, you can't beat the direct delivery from IV Glutathione available at cutting edge clinics like Next Health,” he adds.

You Might Also Dig:

xxfseo.com