As an antioxidant, it can fight free radicals<\/strong> (more on this below) and draw out toxins in the body, such as mercury and other heavy metals (3<\/a>). This is basically detoxification in a nutshell<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s another interesting indicator of glutathione\u2019s importance. It is found in roughly the same concentration as these 3 life-sustaining nutrients \u2013 cholesterol, glucose, and potassium (4<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The<\/strong> body\u2019s production of glutathione naturally goes down over time.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n To maintain good health, we need to have ample stores of glutathione in the body. Obviously easier said than done. It’s an uphill battle, especially when you grow older. The body\u2019s production of glutathione naturally goes down over time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Other culprits behind low glutathione levels include stress, infection, illness, and exposure to toxic chemicals (5<\/a>). Supplementing with a daily dose of glutathione (specifically liposomal glutathione \u2013 you\u2019ll find out why in a bit) is therefore an excellent idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are 2 forms of glutathione (4):<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m sure you\u2019re aware that we eat food to sustain and power our bodies. But did you know that all this energy production happens at the cellular level?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You see, every single cell in our body has its very own \u201cpower plant\u201d a.k.a. the mitochondria<\/strong>. Food molecules like glucose, fats, and amino acids are converted into energy inside the mitochondria (6<\/a>). The resulting energy is what powers our entire body, so we can think, breathe, and move around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But here\u2019s the problem \u2013 the mitochondria\u2019s job actually creates free radicals. Fortunately, glutathione is also present in the mitochondria to neutralize and ‘clean up’ these free radicals. <\/strong>This allows the mitochondria to go about its job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what happens when your GSH levels fall to extremely low levels? Well, it results in cell death. This is another indicator of the importance of glutathione – it literally protects the mitochondria (and therefore the cell) and prevents it from dying<\/strong> (7<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping our mitochondrial GSH levels up is important and essential for our very existence.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Ah, \u2018glutathione\u2019 and \u2018free radicals\u2019 \u2013 can you name a more iconic duo? It\u2019s interesting to see how these two words are often lumped together in the same sentence in glutathione products and advertisements. Don\u2019t worry \u2013 there\u2019s a perfectly valid reason why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, let\u2019s examine what free radicals are. To do this, we\u2019ll need to recall a few basic science lessons. You probably remember some of the terminologies below from high school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you\u2019re probably already aware, the human body is extremely complex:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The root cause of free radicals are missing or unpaired electrons<\/strong>. Electrons are negatively charged particles that NEED<\/strong> to exist in pairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But because of certain chemical processes in the body (like metabolism, for instance), an electron will eventually go missing. A previously stable molecule (with paired electrons) now turns into a free radical (with an unpaired electron).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Free radicals are on a mission to find themselves a partner. It doesn\u2019t matter where it grabs a spare electron from as long as it finds one.<\/strong> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Whether we like it or not, free radicals continuously form in the body. It\u2019s no reason to panic though because the entire process is entirely natural! <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, free radicals even serve an important purpose in the immune system<\/a><\/strong>. They really only become a problem when there are not enough antioxidants to neutralize them (3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Antioxidants keep free radicals in check by neutralizing them. It donates an electron to a nearby free radical WITHOUT becoming unstable and transforming into a free radical itself<\/strong> (8).<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the body produces antioxidants on its own, it\u2019s not nearly enough to combat and neutralize all the free radicals inside. Therefore, it\u2019s important to eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidant-rich foods<\/strong> such as fruits and vegetables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from glutathione, some of the best-known antioxidants are vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids<\/a><\/strong>, beta-carotene (a precursor for Vitamin A), lycopene, selenium, flavonoids, resveratrol, and other phytonutrients (8<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not getting enough antioxidants from food, then supplementing with glutathione<\/strong> (specifically liposomal glutathione \u2013 find out why in the next section!) is an excellent idea. Otherwise, free radicals may overwhelm your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what happens when there are far too many free radicals floating around in the body and not enough antioxidants?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, this leads to a condition known as oxidative stress<\/strong>. Unfortunately, oxidative stress is bad news. Free radicals aggressively steal electrons from nearby molecules, which triggers a chain reaction. This does not bode well for healthy cells. Losing an electron basically damages the cell, alters lipids and proteins, and changes DNA structure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on what cells were damaged in the process, oxidative stress can lead to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s, and more<\/strong> (5).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Getting your antioxidants from food is always the #1 option as it\u2019s obviously the way nature intended. But in the hustle and bustle of today\u2019s world, buying fresh, whole foods is not always the cheapest option. Neither is it convenient to prepare healthy meals every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dietary supplements, on the other hand, are a convenient way to get a good dose of antioxidants at an affordable price. In fact, according to CRNUSA<\/a>, 77% of American adults take dietary supplements <\/strong>\u2013 it\u2019s a billion-dollar industry with the numbers expected to go up even more! <\/p>\n\n\n\n The only problem is that supplements aren\u2019t created equal and bioavailability varies from brand to brand, which brings us to our next point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you go searching for glutathione products, you\u2019ll find that it comes in many shapes and sizes. Aside from liposomal glutathione, you can buy glutathione pills, tablets, capsules, and even soap and lotion. You can even have it injected straight into your bloodstream!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s take a closer look at the 3 most popular ways of getting more glutathione in your body \u2013 oral, liposomal, and intravenous (IV)<\/strong>. The topical forms (soap and lotion) are typically used for skin lightening, so we won\u2019t include this in our discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will be evaluating the oral, liposomal, and intravenous modes of glutathione delivery against these 3 criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s begin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oral glutathione differs from liposomal glutathione in that it does not use liposomes as a means of delivery. It usually comes in a traditional pill, capsule, or tablet form. <\/strong>It\u2019s convenient and easy enough to take.<\/p>\n\n\n Out of the 3, oral glutathione is the most affordable<\/strong>. For example, a 2-month supply of 500mg capsules can set you back about $20-$30, which isn\u2019t really bad at all. Despite the price, it\u2019s actually effective at boosting GSH levels (but not as much as liposomal and IV glutathione).<\/p>\n\n\n\n You see, when you swallow the oral glutathione, it is first broken down in the stomach before it makes its way to the bloodstream. The digestive enzymes in your stomach degrade the glutathione and severely limits its absorption rate. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What this essentially means is that not all of the 500mg glutathione you just swallowed actually makes its way to your bloodstream. This makes oral glutathione\u2019s bioavailability less than ideal (9<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, oral glutathione may be cheap, but you\u2019re not really getting your money\u2019s worth since you don\u2019t benefit from the full dosage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Liposomal glutathione is also administered orally, but unlike traditional oral supplements, liposomal glutathione hides the GSH inside vesicles known as liposomes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n So, what exactly is a liposome?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Liposomes are microscopic drug-delivery systems<\/strong>. Think of a microscopic bubble with an ultra-protective barrier, keeping the content within safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The barrier is called \u2018phosphatidylcholine<\/strong>,\u2019 a substance that forms a major part of our cell membranes. This material allows the body to absorb the liposomes, and in effect, the glutathione hidden within (10<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Liposomes are resistant to digestive enzymes, bile salts, and free radicals<\/strong>, so they can deliver their contents safely without degrading (11<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of bioavailability, liposomal glutathione ranks higher than traditional oral glutathione, which gives you better bang for your buck. Price-wise, it is more expensive than oral GSH but not as expensive as the third option, intravenous glutathione.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Convenience-wise, it can come in both softgel<\/strong> and liquid form<\/strong>. Obviously, softgels are more convenient because you can just pop one in your mouth. With the liquid form, you\u2019d need to grab a teaspoon or dropper to measure out a precise dosage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While some people are brave enough to buy vials of GSH and inject it on themselves, it is best to leave it to the professionals. This will of course ramp up the cost, but at least, you\u2019re in much safer hands than if you do it yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n Since the GSH goes straight into the bloodstream, absorption rates are \u2018expected\u2019 to be much higher than either oral GSH or liposomal GSH<\/strong> (12<\/a>). It skips all the digestive enzymes and liver metabolism \u2013 the GSH is deposited right where you want it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That being said, the human body is complex, so there\u2019s actually no guarantee your body will absorb all that GSH<\/strong>. Our bodies are pretty adept at knowing its limits \u2013 it will absorb what it requires and expel the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another problem with IV GSH is that it\u2019s largely unregulated<\/strong> with regards to the dosage. Some clinicians may recommend a dose of 600mg, others may go up to twice or even thrice as much! <\/p>\n\n\n\n This may lead to effects such as skin rashes, thyroid, kidney and liver dysfunction, abdominal pain, potentially fatal Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and lethal complications from infections (13<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, IV GSH is the priciest option<\/strong> to get your fix of GSH antioxidants. But it doesn\u2019t end there. You will be advised to get GSH injections or IV treatment a few times per week, which can be impractical as a session can take up to 30 minutes to an hour (depending on the dosage).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Money doesn\u2019t grow on trees, so depending on your financial capacity and your antioxidant needs, we suggest the following course of action:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A quick search online will yield hundreds of liposomal glutathione products. To help narrow down your search, here are a few pointers on what you should be looking for in a liposomal glutathione supplement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The smaller the liposome, the better the absorption rate. Our Intelligent Labs Liposomal Glutathione supplement <\/strong>uses liposomes that are, on average, only 200 microns wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid brands that use cheaper-sourced glutathione. Instead, look for a product that uses premium Setria Glutathione<\/strong> as it\u2019s the gold standard for glutathione supplements. It\u2019s clinically proven to raise blood glutathione levels, help increase the body\u2019s GSH stores, and increase natural killer cell activity (14<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Either form offers better absorption rates than traditional oral glutathione. The softgel form may be more convenient than liquid, but you cannot quickly adjust your dosage with this form. Liquid liposomal glutathione, on the other hand, gives you maximum control.<\/strong> For instance, if one serving is 500mg, you can take half (250mg) at the beginning and gradually adjust the dose as your body gets used to the supplement. You cannot do this with softgels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most liposomal GSH products use a 500mg serving. <\/strong>However, the Setria study actually used 1000mg\/day which didn\u2019t lead to any adverse outcomes \u2013 quite the opposite, in fact (14)! After the study concluded, the researchers also found that it did not affect the body\u2019s natural GSH production, which is a good thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you\u2019ve learned in the previous section, liposomal glutathione gives you excellent value for your money compared to oral GSH and IV GSH. However, prices can vary widely in this type of GSH product. That said, our Intelligent Labs Liposomal Glutathione is priced very competitively for thirty 500mg servings (1-month supply)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier in this article, we mentioned that GSH has a sulfur component. As such, GSH supplements have a distinct, interesting taste. Some people can\u2019t stomach the taste, while others quickly chase it down with some water or juice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While taste is not the reason most people buy supplements, it can make a difference between wanting to take it or throwing the entire bottle in the trash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To make our own liposomal glutathione more palatable, we\u2019ve added natural strawberry flavor and stevia<\/strong>, a zero-carb and zero-calorie sweetener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the benefits you will reap by supplementing with this powerful antioxidant: <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, oxidative stress is the result of having way too much free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them. It can damage your cells and even your DNA, which can lead to a bunch of diseases. But by supplementing with liposomal glutathione, you\u2019re getting a healthy dose of antioxidants to help reduce oxidative stress and allow your body to start healing<\/strong> (4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inflammation is an important immune system response. However, when the inflammation becomes chronic, it\u2019s bad news. Now, oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation (and subsequently chronic diseases). If GSH can fight oxidative stress, then it will also inhibit and reduce inflammation <\/strong>(15<\/a>). For instance, lung diseases that result from inflammation can be treated by increasing GSH levels in the body (16<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the body\u2019s master antioxidant, sufficient GSH levels can help regenerate vitamins C and E<\/strong> \u2013 both potent antioxidants \u2013 that can help fight off oxidative stress (4). With more than one type of antioxidant actively fighting free radicals, your body has a much better chance of succeeding and whipping you back into good health!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to being a master antioxidant, GSH is also a master detoxifier. Now, the main detoxifying organ in the body is the liver and GSH is found in huge quantities there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GSH will bind metals, toxins, and other pollutants (including alcohol).<\/strong> It will then transform these xenobiotics (it just means substances that are foreign to the body) into water-soluble compounds that can then be transported out of cells and then excreted from the body (17<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n GSH has also been used to treat chronic liver diseases <\/strong>(such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and acute poisoning<\/strong>. This is usually administered via IV injection for maximum absorption (18<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember how GSH protects the mitochondria, a.k.a. the powerhouse of individual cells? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, by supplementing with liposomal glutathione, you\u2019re also ensuring the mitochondria is able to withstand constant attacks from oxidizing substances<\/strong> called \u2018Reactive Oxygen Species\u2019 or ROS. If the ROS overpowers the mitochondria, it can lead to cell death. And if it goes on unabated, it can lead to the progression of disease (19<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, liposomal glutathione can help the mitochondria avoid that fate. And in the process, you get more energy to help you get through the day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve mentioned earlier that people with chronic stress have low GSH levels<\/strong>. Apparently, the same thing is true for people suffering from anxiety and depression (20<\/a>), schizophrenia (21<\/a>), bipolar disorder (22<\/a>) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (12).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that by supplementing with GSH, you can restore your GSH levels to normal and reduce your GSSG levels<\/strong> (the inactive form of glutathione). If you\u2019re suffering from any of the conditions above, then you may soon start feeling better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GSH improves your health from the cellular level, so it\u2019s not surprising to know that supplementing with it can improve your health in so many ways. In addition to the benefits already listed in this section, GSH can also help improve your overall immunity<\/strong> (16). Your body can fight off free radicals and minimize the effects of oxidative stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Glutathione is marketed as a beauty product in many countries, especially in Asia. The target? Women who are hoping to have luminous, porcelain skin with a lighter complexion. But does it really work as an anti-aging substance?<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a 2017 Thai study done on 60 women, oral GSH given to subjects at a dose of 250mg\/day for 12 weeks resulted to positive changes on the patients\u2019 skin<\/strong> (less wrinkles and improved skin elasticity) (23<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The same outcome was also experienced on a study done on 30 Filipino women where 90% of the subjects experienced moderate skin lightening <\/strong>(less melanin pigmentation). The women were given 500mg of a buccal lozenge daily for 8 weeks (24<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, a literature review published on the DPC Journal advised to take these results with a grain of salt due to limitations<\/strong>, such as the small sample size and lack of follow up. While the researchers pointed out the relative safety of oral and topical GSH, they discouraged using IV GSH for beauty reasons due to possible health risks (13).<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy do we have low glutathione levels?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"couple](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/liposomal-glutathione-an-ultimate-guide-to-the-body-s-master-antioxidant-02.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe two states of glutathione<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Glutathione and the mitochondria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"girl](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2-8-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are free radicals?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"guy](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/liposomal-glutathione-an-ultimate-guide-to-the-body-s-master-antioxidant-04.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow do antioxidants like glutathione work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where to get your antioxidants, e.g. glutathione, from?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/liposomal-glutathione-an-ultimate-guide-to-the-body-s-master-antioxidant-05.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the best form of glutathione \u2013 oral, liposomal, or intravenous?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Oral Glutathione<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"glutathione](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/liposomal-glutathion-der-ultimative-gudie-zum-hauptantioxidant-des-korpers-05-300x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLiposomal Glutathione<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"intelligent](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/6-2-1-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIntravenous Glutathione<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"preparing](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/liposomal-glutathion-der-ultimative-gudie-zum-hauptantioxidant-des-korpers-07-300x153.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSo, what\u2019s the best form of glutathione in terms of bioavailability, price, and convenience?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/liposomal-glutathione-an-ultimate-guide-to-the-body-s-master-antioxidant-08-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat to look for in the best liposomal glutathione supplement?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The size of the liposomes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where is glutathione sourced from<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Liquid vs softgel form<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dosage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Taste<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"health](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/9-5.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are the health benefits of taking liposomal glutathione?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #1: Fight oxidative stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #2: Reduce inflammation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #3: Regenerate other antioxidants<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #4: Protection from toxic materials and pollutants<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"glutathione](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/liposomal-glutathione-an-ultimate-guide-to-the-body-s-master-antioxidant-10-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBenefit #5: Get more energy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #6: Improve mental and brain health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #7: Improve your immunity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #8: Younger-looking skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"what's](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/11-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe right dosage \u2013 how much liposomal GSH should you take?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"can](\"https:\/\/eu.intelligentlabs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/liposomal-glutathione-an-ultimate-guide-to-the-body-s-master-antioxidant-12.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n