What Happens When You Stop Taking Glutathione?
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant, but many people don't make enough or need more of it. That's where glutathione supplements come in, especially liposomal ones. Liposomal glutathione is very safe and helps keep glutathione levels high. But what happens when you stop taking glutathione? Do you need a break?
Today's article will dive into this burning question and more. Keep reading to discover answers to:
- What is glutathione?
- What are the benefits of glutathione supplements?
- What happens when you stop taking glutathione?
- What is the best liposomal glutathione supplement?
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a tripeptide (small protein) made from three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamate. It's the most abundant antioxidant in every human cell and known as the "master antioxidant" for its role in protecting cells from free radicals, as a cofactor in antioxidant enzymes, and regenerating other antioxidants (vitamin C and vitamin E.) (Source 1)
In addition to its antioxidant roles, glutathione has many other vital functions, including:
- Anti-inflammatory actions and immunity
- Cellular regulation
- Protein synthesis
- Liver detoxification
- Nutrient metabolism
- Genetic expression
- Cell signaling
- And more (Source 1, 2, 3)
What are the Benefits of Glutathione Supplements?
Supplementing with glutathione can support overall wellness by contributing to all the cellular functions glutathione is responsible for. Glutathione supplements may also help restore glutathione levels in cases of glutathione deficiency or when someone has greater needs, such as from toxin exposures.
Glutathione deficiency occurs when cells have less glutathione than needed, contributing to aging, poor detoxification, and an increased risk for chronic disease. People with Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, infertility, autoimmune diseases, liver disease, and type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions are more likely to be deficient in glutathione. (Source 1)
"Supplementing with glutathione can support overall wellness by contributing to all the cellular functions glutathione is responsible for. Glutathione supplements may also help restore glutathione levels in cases of glutathione deficiency or when someone has greater needs, such as from toxin exposures."
Read more about the health benefits of glutathione in 14 Benefits of the Master Antioxidant.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Glutathione?
You might wonder if you need to take glutathione forever. The answer depends on the original reason for supplementation. For example, long-term supplementation might be advised If you have a glutathione deficiency or related disease. Luckily, glutathione is generally safe and non-toxic, even at high doses and over the long term. (Source 4)
When you stop taking glutathione supplements, you may not notice anything immediately, but your glutathione levels will return to baseline. If glutathione production isn't robust or factors continue to contribute to glutathione deficiency, you may have lowered immune support and antioxidant protection without supplemental support.
Always work closely with your functional medicine doctor for personalized guidance regarding supplements, especially if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Your doctor can help you decide how long you should supplement with glutathione.
Additionally, there is some concern with long-term glutathione supplementation depleting zinc levels. Your functional medicine provider can monitor zinc levels and suggest glutathione breaks or zinc supplementation if indicated. (Source 5)
Liposomal Glutathione
Typical glutathione supplements have a couple of issues that make them inferior to liposomal glutathione. First, because glutathione is a protein, it breaks down in digestion and may be absorbed as individual amino acids instead of intact. Second, because glutathione is an antioxidant, it is unstable.
Liposomal glutathione solves these issues by encapsulating the active form of glutathione in a phospholipid liposome that mimics the body's cell membranes. This preparation allows intact absorption of glutathione and greater bioavailability.
"Liposomal glutathione solves these issues by encapsulating the active form of glutathione in a phospholipid liposome that mimics the body's cell membranes. This preparation allows intact absorption of glutathione and greater bioavailability."
Further, liposomal glutathione is more effective at raising glutathione levels in cells. One study found a 40% increase of glutathione levels in blood after just one week of supplementation! (Source 6)
Core Med Science Liposomal Glutathione provides 500 mg per serving of high-quality glutathione in a liquid phosphatidylcholine complex. It's well-tolerated and a customer favorite for its taste and health benefits.
"One study found a 40% increase of glutathione levels in blood after just one week of supplementation!"
Every cell of your body requires glutathione for proper function. Ensure you have enough with a high-quality liposomal supplement, like Core Med Science Liposomal Glutathione. Long-term use may be beneficial with proper guidance. Let this master antioxidant help you master your wellness!
References:
- Wu, G., Fang, Y. Z., Yang, S., Lupton, J. R., & Turner, N. D. (2004). Glutathione metabolism and its implications for health. The Journal of nutrition, 134(3), 489-492. Full text: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623026639?via=ihub
- Averill-Bates D. A. (2023). The antioxidant glutathione. Vitamins and hormones, 121, 109-141. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36707132/
- Pastore, A., Federici, G., Bertini, E., & Piemonte, F. (2003). Analysis of glutathione: implication in redox and detoxification. Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry, 333(1), 19-39. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12809732/
- Zeevalk, G. D., Bernard, L. P., & Guilford, F. T. (2010). Liposomal-glutathione provides maintenance of intracellular glutathione and neuroprotection in mesencephalic neuronal cells. Neurochemical research, 35(10), 1575-1587. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20535554/
- Mahim A, Karim M, Petering DH. Zinc trafficking 1. Probing the roles of proteome, metallothionein, and glutathione. Metallomics. 2021;13(10):mfab055. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8527460/
- Sinha R, Sinha I, Calcagnotto A, et al. Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018;72(1):105-111. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6389332/