Liposomal glutathione: The new supplement everyone is talking about

A potent antioxidant formula hailed for its superior absorption, liposomal glutathione is making waves for all the right reasons.

Every so often, something creates real buzz in the health and wellness space.

This time around it’s liposomal glutathione, a supplement that’s embracing a new way of delivery into the body and as a result is said to be more efficient than its current counterparts.

What is liposomal glutathione?

Glutathione is an antioxidant that is made in the body’s cells.

“(It’s important because) it stops things (in the body) breaking down and wearing out,” says House of Wellness pharmacist and master herbalist Gerald Quigley.

It’s also important for generating other antioxidants including vitamins E and C.

Liposomes are tiny bubbles made of the same material as a cell membrane, which can be used to encapsulate an active ingredient.

Naturopath Mim Beim says liposomes effectively administer medication or supplements because they are “able to cross over barriers in the body, like the intestinal wall, and the blood brain barrier”.

Unlike traditional supplements, which have to be absorbed by the body, liposomes can bypass the metabolic process.

Because of this they offer more potency for the ingredient they is carrying – in this case, glutathione.

It is this technology that is largely creating the buzz around liposomal glutathione.

What are its benefits of liposomal glutathione?

Glutathione is an important antioxidant in the body because of its restorative properties.

“It decreases inflammation, so it’s working behind the scenes to protect the body from oxidative damage and from the damage caused by inflammation,” Mim says.

Glutathione can help address a number of health concerns.

Gerald says glutathione can also help with ageing issues and wear and tear on the body caused by certain conditions such as arthritis and asthma.

“Anything in your body that withers from the skin in, might benefit from taking glutathione,” Gerald says.

“It’s also used to help settle issues with Crohn’s disease, diabetes, Lyme disease, hepatitis, liver function, irritable bowel syndrome … the list goes on.”

Sources of glutathione

The human body naturally produces glutathione in the liver.

It can also be found a range of foods including asparagus, avocado, eggs, garlic, walnuts, and whey protein, Gerald says.

A study found mushrooms are also an excellent dietary source of glutathione.

How do you take liposomal glutathione?

While the technology involved with liposomal glutathione is fairly new, it’s still taken orally.

But because it is quite new, Gerald says you can expect to pay more for the liposomal form, compared with other supplements in tablet or powder form.

Is it worth it?

As liposomal glutathione has only been around for a few years, more research is needed on its efficacy.

But the results from current studies are interesting.

One US study found oral supplementation of liposomal glutathione helped reduce oxidative stress and improved the immune system.

As our bodies naturally produce glutathione, taking a supplement won’t necessarily bring any significant changes.

Both Mim and Gerald stress it is important to get professional input as to whether you actually need to take a glutathione supplement at all.

Written by Tania Gomez.

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