How Vitamin C and Glutathione Support a Healthy Gut Microbiome

A healthy gut microbiome influences all other aspects of health, including hormones, metabolism, weight, and brain function. Yet, the high stress and abundance of processed foods in the modern world make it challenging to maintain gut health, and sometimes we need some assistance.

Vitamin C and glutathione supplements can support digestion and a healthy gut microbiome through their antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. When used together, they contribute to a balanced gut environment and support the body's natural gut-healing abilities.

"Vitamin C and glutathione supplements can support digestion and a healthy gut microbiome through their antioxidant and immune-boosting properties."

This article will discuss how to improve the microbiome with vitamin C and glutathione. We'll explore:

• The benefits of a gut microbiome test through a functional medicine lens
• Vitamin C for gut health
• Glutathione for gut health
• Liposomal supplements from Core Med Science to support and optimize gut healing benefits

Gut Microbiome Test

A gastroenterologist may test patients with symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain for specific pathogens. However, a functional medicine doctor will often order a comprehensive stool analysis. This type of gut microbiome test will also test for specific pathogens, but it goes a step further.

A functional stool test evaluates the abundance and diversity of beneficial bacteria in the gut, the "good guys" that promote health and keep pathogens in check. Additionally, functional stool tests look at digestive function, markers of inflammation, and gather additional helpful clues. The test points to an overall pattern of gut health or dysfunction, which you can then address clinically through nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and supplements.

"The test points to an overall pattern of gut health or dysfunction, which you can then address clinically through nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and supplements."

The goal isn't simply the absence of pathogens but optimizing a healthy gut microbiome to promote health.

How to Improve the Microbiome with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a critical nutrient for gut health and microbiome balance. In the case of bacterial overgrowth and metabolic imbalances, endotoxemia can occur where bacterial toxins, including lipopolysaccharides (LPS) enter the body, contributing to symptoms and disease. Endotoxemia increases inflammation and oxidative stress. (Source 1)

However, research shows that in cases of dysbiosis (microbiome imbalances) and endotoxemia, a higher intake of vitamin C helps to restore gut-liver functions. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in the gut and helps maintain gut barrier function (so LPS can't escape into the body). Interestingly, scurvy, which is an extreme vitamin C deficiency, is associated with a breakdown of gut barrier function. Additionally, vitamin C promotes collagen production to maintain the gut lining. (Source 1)

Vitamin C supplementation also increases Bifidobacteria, a genus of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and positively modulates the microbiome. (Source 2)

How to Improve the Microbiome with Glutathione

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant; the body makes it and it's also available in certain foods and through supplementation. Glutathione is found throughout the GI tract, where it protects gut cells from oxidative stress. There is a direct relationship between the concentration of glutathione in the gut and the health of the mucosal lining; a decline in glutathione may contribute to gastrointestinal issues. (Source 3)

Glutathione supplementation supports gut function and microbiome balance. In a 6-month study of people with diabetes, those who received 500 mg of glutathione daily showed improved levels of beneficial bacteria and a reduced load of pathogenic bacteria in their guts. (Source 4)

Liposomal Supplements for Gut Health

Supplementing with vitamin C and glutathione supports a healthy gut microbiome. Liposomal supplements offer additional support. They are much gentler on the digestive system and better tolerated, making them the best choice for those with digestive symptoms or sensitive guts. Additionally, liposomal nutrients have better absorption and tolerance than standard supplements, supporting healthy nutrient levels in the gut.

"Supplementing with vitamin C and glutathione supports a healthy gut microbiome."

Try Core Med Science Liposomal Vitamin C Softgels and Core Med Science Liposomal Glutathione Softgels, which are our go-to gentle liposomal formulas to support gut microbiome balance.

"Liposomal supplements offer additional support. They are much gentler on the digestive system and better tolerated, making them the best choice for those with digestive symptoms or sensitive guts."

From a functional medicine perspective, you don't always need a complicated protocol for healing. Often, the first place to start is simply by restoring the nutrients the body needs to function optimally. When it comes to the gut microbiome, vitamin C and glutathione are at the top of the list.

References:

1. Traber, M. G., Buettner, G. R., & Bruno, R. S. (2019). The relationship between vitamin C status, the gut-liver axis, and metabolic syndrome. Redox biology, 21, 101091. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6327911/
2. Hazan, S., Dave, S., Papoutsis, A. J., Deshpande, N., Howell, M. C., Jr, & Martin, L. M. (2025). Vitamin C improves gut Bifidobacteria in humans. Future microbiology, 20(7-9), 543-557. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12153399/
3. Loguercio, C., & Di Pierro, M. (1999). The role of glutathione in the gastrointestinal tract: a review. Italian journal of gastroenterology and hepatology, 31(5), 401-407. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10470601/
4. Gaike, A. H., Kalamkar, S. D., Gajjar, V., Divate, U., Karandikar-Iyer, S., Goel, P., Shouche, Y. S., & Ghaskadbi, S. S. (2023). Effect of long-term oral glutathione supplementation on gut microbiome of type 2 diabetic individuals. FEMS microbiology letters, 370, fnad116. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37935462/