What is the best glutathione supplements 2022, and is there a single best liposomal glutathione supplement? Some may think, “Do glutathione supplements work?” But, we can without a doubt promise they do and provide a review of the best options along with an answer to the question, “What is the best form of glutathione to take” and “How long does glutathione take to work”?

There are tons of brands and many with strong marketing, but the reality is, many of them are… well… probably not as potent as their marketing makes them out to be or delivered in a form that allows you to absorb them. 

So, pay close attention to the options on this list. Additionally, we’ll also be digging into how to take liposomal glutathione, how long it takes for glutathione to work, and what foods are high in glutathione. 

Glutathione- The Mother of All Antioxidants 

You probably know by now that the real OG and king of antioxidant-town in our bodies is glutathione, so it’s absolutely crucial we work on optimizing these levels if we want to have peak energy and strength. Glutathione is actually the most-produced antioxidant our body makes and needs to be produced consistently to maintain our health.[1] 

Glutathione can help just about everything our body does. Even more importantly, when our glutathione levels are low, we’re at increased risk for aging faster than necessary, illness, and struggling to detox. 

Essentially, low glutathione levels are going to cause your body to run less efficiently. This will simply cause chaos with everything your body does.

So, knowing the best glutathione supplements to make sure our levels are where they need to be is absolutely crucial. Additionally, if you choose our top recommendation, it may be a game-changer for how your body functions, leading to improved long-term health. 

Do Glutathione Supplements Work?

Glutathione is responsible for the removal of all kinds of “reactive species” and “Persistent Organic Pollutants” (fancy name for chemicals and pollution in our environment). 

Glutathione is excellent at the removal of reactive species means, which are free radicals AKA JUNK in our body that needs to be cleared out such as xenobiotic compounds (AKA foreign chemical substances we ingest from our environment such as pesticides, VOCs etc.), and much more. When it comes to removing this stuff from our body, glutathione is a #BOSS. So, it would be no surprise to know that glutathione supplements have been proven in the research work.[2]

However, asking, “Do glutathione Supplements work” is a tricky question though because it neglects to ask what form of glutathione someone is using. The simple answer is yes, they do work, but some are dramatically more effective than others. 

Liposomal supplements will work much more effectively than non-liposomal forms. In fact, liposomal glutathione was found to be 100x more effective at restoring depleted glutathione levels in cells vs non-liposomal forms.[3]

What Studies Show That Glutathione Supplements Work?

When scanning the research to determine the answer as to do glutathione supplements work, many studies are found with conflicting results. 

While there are many studies showing its success in helping cancer patients, there are also many studies on healthy individuals showing it was of little benefit. However most of the studies showing it was of little benefit for various reasons were studies using non-liposomal forms of glutathione. Understanding that liposomal glutathione is ~100x more effective than non-liposomal forms, we cannot translate how liposomal glutathione supplements may benefit us from analyzing research that used non-liposomal forms. 

Multiple studies show glutathione supplements help reduce neurotoxicity and neuropathy in cancer patients.[4,5] These studies are not surprising since it is understood that glutathione helps us detox better. 

What is really interesting for healthy individuals is the research on liposomal glutathione which shows daily liposomal glutathione supplementation helps improve immune function and reduce oxidative stress.[6]

What is the BEST Form of Glutathione to Take?

Liposomal glutathione is the best form of glutathione to take since it is absorbed about 100x more than non-liposomal forms. 

The problem with glutathione is that it is an amino acid just like many of the proteins we consume. So, our body will break it down like food unless we consume the glutathione in a unique form to help it absorb into the body. This is why it is important to use a liposomal supplement.

A liposomal supplement works by essentially putting whatever needs to be delivered to the body (in this case, glutathione) into a “liposome”. Liposomes are essentially a little blob or sphere of something like an oil (sunflower oil is one common oil used) that helps the item that needs to be delivered get absorbed into the mount or past the harsh environment of the stomach. 

When this is done, the item that needs to be delivered gets absorbed into the body instead of simply being passed through the digestive system. 

How Long Does Glutathione Take to Work? 

Glutathione, if taken in liposomal form, will start to be absorbed immediately in the mouth. It is best to hold the liquid in your mouth for ~30 seconds or longer to allow the absorption to start before swallowing.  

Being in a liposomal form will allow the liquid that is swallowed to bypass the harsh environment of the stomach to allow continued absorption of the glutathione in the intestines.  If the glutathione is not in liposomal form, much of it will start to be broken down in the stomach, just like any other protein that is consumed. 

How to Take Liposomal Glutathione for Optimal Effectiveness 

If you decide to buy some of this magic potion, please know that it’s good to take glutathione intermittently or at most 6 days a week so that you avoid discouraging your body from making its own glutathione.

Glutathione is recommended to be taken first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach or at least 10-minutes before a meal, in a liposomal form, and held in the mouth for ~30 seconds before swallowing. 

Glutathione levels are lowest in the mornings, which is why many suggest it is best to use glutathione supplementation before bed or first thing in the morning.[11]

Important Note: If you experience increased fatigue, nausea, joint or muscle aches, or any other adverse reaction when taking glutathione, seek the attention of a functional medicine-trained dietitian or physician. As Glutathione helps remove toxins, it can cause negative side effects, and you will need further evaluation by a functional-trained specialist to determine if glutathione supplementation is right for you. Depending on the amount and type of toxins released and your specific genetic makeup, taking glutathione could cause harm or trigger other health issues. 

Keep in mind the information on this website and provided by FWDfuel Sports Nutrition is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for questions you have concerning your health and wellness. Omnia Function LLC dba FWDfuel Sports Nutrition is not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information they provide.

The Best Glutathione Supplements & The Best Glutathione Supplement Brand

1. Quicksilver Scientific Glutathione Complex

• Best Glutathione Supplement Brand
• Our #1 Best liposomal glutathione supplement as its formula includes ingredients that enhance the effectiveness of liposomal glutathione

Why is Quicksilver Scientific the best glutathione supplement brand and best liposomal glutathione supplement? Simple, they use better liposomes than other brands, and they’re the only ones to offer a product to offer a comprehensive product that enhances the detox process associated with glutathione supplementation.

Quicksilver Scientific specializes in producing liposomal supplements, which allows them to fine-tune their manufacturing processes to produce liposomes that are the smallest in the industry. The smaller the liposomes, the easier and quicker they can be absorbed, allowing for greater delivery of the desired supplement. 

The Quicksilver Scientific Glutathione Complex is hands-down the best glutathione supplement available as it is the most powerful and most unique on the market.

In addition to having liposomal glutathione, their Glutathione Complex includes bioavailable b-vitamins and milk thistle, which boost energy to help the body carry out the detox process.  

Quicksilver Scientific Glutathione Complex is available on Amazon, but a better option is to 👉purchase on Fullscript👈, which is nearly $34 cheaper 🤯when you use our affiliate link to create your Fullscript account (there is zero cost to you, but we may earn a commission which helps support our website). You will also receive 20% off all Fullscript orders for life when you create an account with our link.  

Additionally, all supplements shipped from Fullscript come directly from temperature-controlled warehouses and are shipped in temperature-controlled packaging.  IT IS CRUCIAL TO PREVENT LIPOSOMAL GLUTATHIONE FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT EXPOSURE. For this reason, we buy all our supplements, especially glutathione, directly from Fullscript. 

If you want to save some money and purchase the best liposomal glutathione supplement on Fullscript, simply use our link to create your account. This link will take you directly to our favorite glutathione supplements. Free shipping on orders over $49 too.🙂

2. Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Glutathione

• Best Glutathione Supplement Brand
• Our top pick for the best liposomal glutathione supplement of those that are glutathione only

Want a liposomal-only supplement or simply a quality glutathione supplement that is more affordable than the Glutathione Complex? Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Glutathione is your top option. 

As already mentioned, their liposomal technology sets them apart from most other companies allowing for quicker and greater absorption. For this reason, this is the one we frequently keep in stock in our fridge.  

Recommended by highly respected functional medicine doctors worldwide, this is one of the most well-respected supplements available when it comes to liposomal glutathione. In recovering from our massive mold illness as well as other bumps that have occurred in life, and to simply strive for optimal health, we have used and continue to use the Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Glutathione.

One of many essential components to Quicksilver Scientific being the best glutathione supplement brand and overall best liposomal glutathione supplement is the fact that all of their products go through third-party testing to encourage quality and potency. Their supplements are also produced in “cGMP” facilities which means they’re audited regularly and follow appropriate manufacturing practices. 

You may purchase Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Glutathione on Amazon. A better option, however, is to 👉buy it through Fullscript👈, which is nearly $20 cheaper 🤯when you use our affiliate link to create your Fullscript account.

3. Douglas Labs Liposomal Glutathione

• Top Pick if you want a softgel capsule instead of a liquid 
• Identical formula to one of the most trusted brands on the market, Pure Encapsulations, and a few pennies cheaper!

This liposomal formula is a blend of two different forms of glutathione, one called the BioGlute® Complex, and the other Setria^® Glutathione. By using a blend, the Liposomal Glutathione from Douglas Labs contains different forms of liposomes to enhance absorption.[11,12,13]

This product is identical to the one sold by Pure Encapsulations and they’re owned by the same parent company. So, our 3rd and 4th pick are essentially a tie. We slotted Douglas Laboratories just above Pure Encapsulations due to their product being just a few pennies cheaper. But, really, they’re the same product.

Save BIG $$$ by 👉buying it through Fullscript👈.

4. Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Glutathione Softgels

• Choose this one if Douglas Labs Liposomal Glutathione is out of stock

Pure Encapsulations is one of the highest-quality brands on the market. Known for their transparency and unbelievable open-door policy that allows anyone to visit their manufacturing facilities at any time, Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Glutathione in capsules is undoubtedly one of the best liposomal glutathione supplements. 

Both Douglas Labs and Pure Encapsulations are Emerson Quality Program Gold Partner meaning their sourcing of materials, manufacturing, and production of supplements is in the tier in the industry. Additionally, Pure Encapsulations makes both a liquid and capsule form of their glutathione to allow you to consume glutathione in whichever method works best for you (some people don’t like the taste and prefer pills, while others don’t like to swallow pills). So, we would consider Pure Encapsulations one of the best glutathione supplement brands in addition to Quicksilver Scientific.

Save over $30 by 👉buying it through Fullscript👈.

5. Thorne Glutathione-SR 

• Choose this one if you’re a collegiate or professional athlete who goes through drug testing, as it is the only option that is NSF for Sport Certified.

Thorne is the go-to supplement brand for collegiate and professional athletes. Used by countless numbers of professional teams as well as being endorsed by the UFC, CrossFit, and Mayo Clinic, Thorne is known for producing some of the best supplements for top athletes around the world. All Thorne supplements are NSF Certified for Sport®, meaning every batch of supplements created is 3rd-party tested for banned substances, potency, and purity.

The Glutathione-SR by Thorne is not a liposomal form of glutathione, but it is a reduced and active form of glutathione that has been uniquely formulated to release slowly for enhanced absorption.

Save money by 👉buying it through Fullscript👈.

6. Integrative Therapeutics Glutathione Cell Defense – Glutathione with Anthocyanins from Beet Root, Elderberry & Bilberry Fruit Extract

Cell Defense by Integrative Therapeutics is another all-star liposomal formula and is considered one of the best glutathione supplements because they include several antioxidants from beetroot, elderberry, bilberry, and anthocyanins to enhance its effectiveness. It’s a bit pricey, but the transformation your body will experience from boosting its detoxification and antioxidants is more than worth it.

Integrative Therapeutics is another one of our best glutathione supplement brands due to creating such a unique glutathione supplement formula and because they are an Emerson Quality Program Gold Partner meaning they meet stringent standards for manufacturing, testing, and production of their supplements.

7. MitoZen GlutaMax Bullet+

• Its offered in a “bullet” suppository that allows for bypassing the harsh environment of the stomach which a significant amount of glutathione is often broken down. Additionally, this delivery method offers slow release over a 5-7 hour period.
• It includes probiotics and terpenes, a plant compound, which together increase the effectiveness of glutathione delivery.

• Choose this if you want a super-slow release formula
• One of the top choices for high dosages

Looking for a way to get a HUGE dose of glutathione, in a slow-release delivery, without consuming a liquid, softgel, or capsule? Well then, the MitoZen GlutaMax Bullet+ is the top dog.

Available in 350mg, 600mg, and 1,500mg dosages, this is, without a doubt, the supplement option with the largest dose of glutathione on the list.

The MitoZen GlutaMax Bullet+ definitely belongs on our list of the best glutathione supplements not only for being available in extremely large doses but because it is the only option that is available in a suppository. By using a suppository or “bullet” delivery method, the glutathione avoids going through the stomach, which is often lost due to digestion.

We understand some people may be hesitant to try a suppository. I can be weird the first time, and a significant other may look at you with 8 eyes after you tell them what you’re doing. But, its really not that bad, and the process of inserting the bullet is over in about 5 seconds. Lay on your side for a while, make sure it stays there, then you’re good to go. Easy peasy.

9. Tri-Fortify Liposomal Glutathione Gel

• For higher dosages, this is arguably the best bang for your buck (~43 cents per 100mg vs ~$1.00 per 100mg of Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Glutathione

Tri-Fortify Liposomal Glutathione Gel from Researched Nutritionals is a highly-researched product that was proven to be effective in an 8-week human study performed at Penn State University.

The research validated that the formula produced by Researched Nutritionals increases intracellular glutathione after just 2 weeks and helps reduce oxidative stress levels.[14]

The Tri-Fortify Glutathione Gel is a somewhat unique formula in that, in addition to glutathione, it also includes MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) and vitamin C.

The primary reason to choose this product is that you’re looking for a product that you can most affordably do high doses with.

10. MitoZen SandMan Bullet (Glutathione & Melatonin)+

• UNBELIEVABLE results for improving sleep- Rave reviews from both clients and family members
• Top glutathione supplement for taking large doses

Enter the SandMan… OK a cheezy intro to this description, but the name of this product couldn’t be more fitting. If you’re unaware, the Sandman was a comic book character who put people to sleep with magical dreams by sprinkling his magic sand on them.

Well, we’ve tested and confirmed the MitoZen SandMan Bullet (Glutathione & Melatonin)+ does work wonders for sleep. In fact, we’ve had several family members and clients who rarely sleep through the night, struggle to sleep in on the days they would like to catch up on sleep, and others who often complain of simply overall poor quality sleep, state that they had some of the best sleep they’d had “in years” after taking the SandMan from Mitozen.

Note: if you wake up a bit groggy from the melatonin, try to get some natural light exposure to help rid your body of the melatonin.😉 Oh, and you can also cut the bullets in half to cut down the dosage next time.

11. ReadiSorb GO Liposomal Glutathione Powder Packs

• Great option for travel as it doesn’t need to be refrigerated
• Substantial research to support its use
• Easy-to drink powder is a unique liposomal delivery formula

Readisorb is another product with substantial research behind it to show its effectiveness.

With the support of Dr. Fredrick (Tim) Guilford, one of the top glutathione researchers in the industry, ReadiSorb has been validated in 4 separate research studies to help restore proper glutathione levels in children and adults with low levels due to HIV, Type 2 Diabetes, or Autism.

We’re a fan of this product because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated and comes in packets that dissolve in water, and are easy to drink. This makes it a great option if taking pills, using suppositories, or the taste of some of the other products on our list is less than desirable to someone.

Additionally, an essential highlight of this product is that since it doesn’t need to be refrigerated, the individual packets can easily be taken on the go. For someone who travels a lot and wants to keep their glutathione supplementation consistent, this is definitely one of the best options.

Want the absolute best price out there? Check it out on Fullscript for 20% off!!

What Foods are High in Glutathione?

Your body naturally makes glutathione, and if you want to boost it, the most direct way to do this is with supplementation using liposomal glutathione. The reason for this is that the glutathione in many foods is broken down in the gut and poorly absorbed. 

However, you can use foods to boost your body’s natural ability to produce glutathione. 

So keep in mind that eating these foods can help provide support, but they likely will not be able to give you a massive boost if that is what you’re looking for. 

Do you have doubts that certain foods can actually boost your glutathione production? Fortunately, there is evidence, such as in a high-quality 2018 double-blinded, placebo-controlled study that found consistent whey protein supplementation increased glutathione levels by nearly 12%![7]

So, ready to provide natural increases in your glutathione levels? If so, support your glutathione levels naturally with these top foods:

1. Choose citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, and bell peppers to bump up your intake of vitamin C-rich foods! When vitamin C stores are up to par, glutathione is spared and less likely to be broken down for other uses in the body. 
2. Curcumin (turmeric) has been shown to encourage glutathione biosynthesis (converting enzymes into glutathione) within our cells!
3. Choosing high-quality animal and plant-based protein each day provides our body with the amino acids that serve as the building blocks to create glutathione.
4. Grass-Fed Whey Protein is a precursor for glutathione production in the body. However, please note that this only makes sense if you tolerate dairy and use a high-quality product. Otherwise, we are doing more harm than good.
5. Bonus: Spinach, okra, avocados, and asparagus contain naturally-occurring glutathione.

Is Taking Glutathione Orally Effective?

In its raw state, glutathione taken orally is not well absorbed and is easily broken down in the stomach similar to other proteins. However, when taken in liposomal form, glutathione has been shown in several research studies to be an effective form of glutathione to take orally.[15.16]

When taken in liposomal form, absorption of glutathione starts immediately in the mouth, allowing some of the supplement to bypass the digestive process. So, if you’re taking a liquid liposomal glutathione, try to allow some of if to sit in your mouth for 30 seconds or so before swallowing. Additionally, liposomal forms of glutathione help most of the glutathione supplement to avoid being broken down in the stomach and reach the liver, where it can be effectively absorbed.[17]

Anecdotally, we can say that oral glutathione, without a doubt, is effective.

How can we say this?

From working with countless clients in overcoming various forms of toxicity, as well as our own journey with mold toxicity, we can say that taking too much oral glutathione will cause a release of too many toxins leading to an exacerbation of symptoms. Personally, we can say that brain fog, fatigue, vision disturbance, and other symptoms that we only have experienced when exposed to mold have been provoked by dosing with too much oral glutathione. If oral liposomal glutathione were simply being broken down in the stomach, these symptoms would not occur.

What to Take if You’re Concerned with The Effectiveness of Oral Glutathione

If you’re concerned about the effectiveness of oral glutathione, our top recommendation is to consider the bullet suppositories by Mitozen which allow you to skip the harsh environment of the stomach and have absorption occur through the rectum.

If you’re looking to enhance your sleep, consider the MitoZen SandMan Bullet suppository.

If you simply want a pure glutathione product or don’t tolerate high doses of melatonin well, consider their GlutaMax Bullet suppository. Available in 3 different super supraphysiological dosages (a dose that is larger than that found in the body), the MItozen GlutaMax Bullet is available in 250mg, 600mg (most common), and even a massive 1,500mg dose of glutathione.

One thing to remember about using the suppository bullet from MItozen is that if you decide using suppositories doesn’t work for you for whatever reason, you may take the bullets orally. You may cut them up to be taken in smaller dosages if needed as well.

As always, we’ve tried this product and can state that, without a doubt, it is a high-quality, highly potent liposomal glutathione supplement!

Reduced Glutathione vs Glutathione

Glutathione is available in two different forms in the body- reduced and oxidized. The reduced form is often abbreviated as GSH, while the oxidized form is abbreviated GSSG.

The ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione is often a measure of health, as having high amounts of oxidized glutathione is present in times of extreme stress or injury, shock, and in neurodegenerative diseases.[18,19]

Final Thoughts on the Best Glutathione Supplements and the Best Liposomal Glutathione Supplement

Hopefully, by now, it is clear there are a lot of great supplement options available, and the best glutathione supplements for you may vary depending on the dosage and delivery system you desire. Determining the best liposomal glutathione is not a one size fits all answer, and one could easily argue which ones deserve to be at the top of our list.

When considering the question, “what is the best form of glutathione to take”, liposomal forms have hands-down been proven in the research to be better absorbed and more effective than non-liposomal forms.

It should be known that when wondering how long does glutathione take to work if taking a liposomal version, whether by powder, liquid, or suppository, it can start to be absorbed almost immediately and begin to work within minutes. However, for glutathione to really “work,” it really requires 2 weeks or more to see glutathione levels in the body increase.

We hope in the vast array of delivery systems highlighted in this article, we’ve also answered the question of how to take liposomal glutathione. There are a variety of answers to this question, and none of them are wrong. Once again, the true answer to this question will depend on the individual, as the research has clearly validated that different delivery systems can all be effective. The one key point to consider is that if taking a liposomal liquid, be sure to hold it in the mouth for 30 seconds or more to allow it to start to absorb right away.

Why You Need to Be Careful When Supplementing with Glutathione

One extremely crucial note to keep in mind with glutathione supplementation is that while it can be extremely helpful to a variety of people, it is not for everyone and can in fact be harmful to some.

Keeping in mind that glutathione helps our body detox, some people need to be extremely careful in how they detox and how quickly they do it. Whether someone is trying to detox from mold illness, heavy metals, or any other number of issues, detoxing too quickly can cause extreme fatigue, harm the immune system, and lead to additional undesirable health issues.

One recommendation for boosting your detoxication process that can easily be controlled to be done gradually and eventually more aggressively in the future as the body allows is to consider the use of a sauna. We also love the use of sauna blankets which are super affordable and super effective. Learn more about our favorite infrared sauna blanket and sauna benefits now.

We’re also big fans of supporting our body’s cellular energy levels so it has the energy to detox, repair, and thrive. Detoxification can be a fatiguing process, and we need to make sure they have the energy to carry out this process. If you feel your energy levels need a boost, consider red light therapy, and using one of the best NAD-boosting supplements to increase cellular energy naturally may be helpful.

If you’re curious if glutathione is a good fit for you or if you’ve taken it and noted increased fatigue, it would be best to discontinue supplementation and consult a highly-qualified dietitian who can perform a detailed evaluation and determine the best path for you to achieve optimal health whether that is with or without glutathione. We offer a free 15-minute strategy call to map out a plan for coaching with our dietitians to achieve optimal health. We’ve changed the lives of hundreds of clients and encourage you to check out our 5-star reviews to see the transformations so many people have experienced!

References: 

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24791752/ 
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntPAaa3ubnI&t=253s   
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/44661127_Liposomal-Glutathione_Provides_Maintenance_of_Intracellular_Glutathione_and_Neuroprotection_in_Mesencephalic_Neuronal_Cells 
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19287306/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17405895/ 
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29565716/ 
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28853742/ 
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31281572/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770193/ 
10. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-to-the-root-cause-with-dr-fong/id1497179299?i=1000465673157
11. https://setriaglutathione.com/en/about-setria-glutathione
12. https://www.differencebetween.com/what-is-the-difference-between-liposomal-glutathione-and-reduced-glutathione/
13. https://www.douglaslabs.com/liposomal-glutathione-dl.html
14. https://www.researchednutritionals.com/product/tri-fortify-orange-liposomal-glutathione-vitamin-c-heat-stable-gmo-free/
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8975622/
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3628138/
17. https://readisorb.com/about/
18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20700719/#:~:text=The%20ratio%20of%20reduced%20GSH,and%20Alzheimer’s%20disease%20(AD).
19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2730630/