What are the benefits of Glutathione?
The main reason to add glutathione to your routine is because of its position as the ‘master antioxidant’. Antioxidants are what the body uses to protect us and fight against the damaging free radicals that cause oxidative stress, which plays a major role in the ageing process both internally and externally. Taking glutathione may help slow down the ageing process and keep you healthier for longer.
As well as protecting our cells from damage, glutathione is also needed to ensure effective detoxification pathways, produce energy in the mitochondria, support brain health and shore up immune function. We told you it was important.
What does the research say?
Glutathione is all about cellular health
It’s hard to overstate the importance of glutathione for crucial cellular processes. Glutathione directly chemically neutralises oxygen, hydroxyl and superoxide free radicals. This makes it the most powerful antioxidant nutrient in the body. It's also a cofactor for several antioxidant enzymes and is needed to regenerate vitamins C and E to use again in the antioxidant pathways. In the liver, it neutralises free radicals produced by Phase 1 liver detoxification of chemical toxins. It then works directly on the products from Phase 1 detoxification to make them water soluble for excretion by the kidneys.
Why do I need to supplement glutathione?
Our bodies do produce reduced glutathione naturally, but that production declines as we age. This means we may not be producing enough for all its crucial functions throughout the body. Also, if there are low levels of cysteine in cells during times of oxidative stress, this may limit their ability to make their own glutathione.
Certain foods do contain glutathione, such as spinach, whey protein, avocado, and asparagus. However, because the intestines contain an enzyme that degrades glutathione, this can reduce the bioavailability of glutathione in food and also most oral supplements.
Glutathione for anti-ageing
When we talk about free radicals and oxidative stress, most people think only about the skin - wrinkles and visible ageing. But it’s ageing and damage beneath the skin that’s arguably more important. Excessive oxidation can cause permanent damage to cell structure and function throughout the body, eventually leading to cell death. In the heart, cell damage can increase the risk of heart disease. Cell death in all organs will contribute to illness and degeneration.This is a major cause of ageing.
Glutathione for liver health
Glutathione supports both Phase 1 and Phase 2 Detoxification pathways. This is the process where enzymes in the liver convert several toxins into more excretable forms so the body can get rid of them more easily. Some of these toxins are produced naturally in the body, some might be pollutants, others can be medications. Many people have used glutathione to support liver damage from alcohol misuse. Taking glutathione can support the body’s natural detoxification pathways.
Glutathione for skin health
Reduced glutathione has been shown to help protect the skin from UV radiation because of its antioxidant properties. Prolonged exposure to UV rays causes melanocytes in the skin to become overactive and produce too much melanin, which can lead to hyperpigmentation and also the production of hydrogen peroxide ( a strong, damaging free radical). Taking glutathione can support people struggling with hyperpigmentation because of its antioxidant action and by modulating the expression of melanocytes.
Glutathione and the immune system
Glutathione is needed to help the lymphatic system function properly. The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system that helps protect the body from infections.
Reduced glutathione is found in all lymphoid cells, supporting their immune function. Similarly, glutathione works in the white blood cells called macrophages to dampen down oxidative stress and inflammation. This means that glutathione often becomes depleted during and after infections. Taking glutathione can support the immune system, especially during infections.
What is the best way to take Glutathione?
Glutathione Zooki can be taken any time of day or night either with or without food.
How long until I see the effects?
We wish we could say you’ll feel better overnight. But the truth is that because glutathione is working on a deep, cellular level, it can take a few weeks to truly feel the effects. Most studies achieve sustainable results from 3 months onwards. And consistency is important. Like many good things though, we think you’ll agree the results are worth the wait.
Is Glutathione suitable for everyone?
Because of its detoxification effects, anyone on medication should always check with their doctor first before supplementing glutathione. There have been some recorded allergic reactions to glutathione but only when it’s been injected or taken intravenously. As there’s never any research for pregnancy or breastfeeding, we always recommend caution and checking with your doctor before taking.
Liposomal glutathione is one of the most popular forms of this supplement. It stays encapsulated during the journey through the stomach and the glutathione particles are released when they reach further down the intestines, where they can be easily absorbed through the gut lining into the bloodstream. Some liposomal formats are not actually liposomal. Some are mixed with lecithin which does not make a liposome. Others suspend the glutathione in beeswax which also does not guarantee to make liposomes.
FAQs
Please read our FAQs page to find out more.
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant produced naturally by the body, however our body's natural production declines with age. It's composed of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. Glutathione's primary role is to neutralise harmful free radicals, detoxify the body, and support the immune system. It's crucial for maintaining cellular health and can be found in every cell in the body.
How is liposomal Glutathione different to regular Glutathione?
Zooki Liposomal Glutathione contains glutathione that has been wrapped in tiny lipid bubbles which increase the transport and absorption of the nutrient into the bloodstream, so you get more of the good stuff when and where it's needed. Our unique liposomal formula has been clinically proven to deliver up to 4x greater absorption vs. regular, non-liposomal supplements.
What's the best time of day to take Zooki Glutathione?
You can take Zooki Glutathione at any time of day, whenever is most convenient for you - take two capsules, with or without food.
Is Zooki Glutathione vegan?
Yes, this product is suitable for vegans.
Can I take it if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
We recommend those who are pregnant or breastfeeding consult with a health professional before adding a new supplement into their routine.
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Meet the author...
Sarah Carolides is one of the UK's top functional medicine and nutrition specialists with over 20 years experience, listed by Vanity Fair as one of 'The A-List people to know in London.'