The body produces glutathione, which is an essential molecule. The medical community has been very interested in this substance and has performed several research studies on it. One of the things that they learned was that increasing its levels may lead to health benefits. One of those benefits is the reduction of the oxidative stress that contributes to the symptoms of several chronic diseases. In this article, we will focus on liposomal glutathione vs. glutathione and the difference between them.
The three amino acids glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine form the tripeptide “glutathione.” The liver produces this substance, and it is necessary for a variety of bodily processes. These processes include repairing tissue, building it, and producing proteins and chemicals that the body needs. It also supports the functioning of the immune system.
This substance acts like an antioxidant because it seeks out free radicals and helps detoxify the system.
“Liposomal” is a way of preparing supplements and drugs that increases the body’s ability to absorb them. This advanced absorption allows more of the supplement or medicine to reach the affected location. Liposomal drugs tend to have fewer side effects in addition to working more efficiently than other drugs.
The bioavailability of a supplement tells you how well the body can absorb it and use it in the manner that it was intended. A supplement that is not bioavailable does not allow enough of the substance into the body, and it may not have the effect that you would like it to have. The medical community increases bioavailability by taking advantage of liposomes.
Liposomes are made from phospholipid bilayers, the material from which your cell membranes are made. This material forms a microscopic spherical bubble, and the supplement is contained inside this protective substance. This delivery system is stable and the safest way to bring a supplement or drug into the body.
Glutathione and liposomal glutathione are both antioxidants, but the plain version does not have the delivery system described above. Therefore, liposomal glutathione allows for greater absorption and is more effective than the other. In addition to that, the plain version must go through the digestive system, and this further reduces its bioavailability.
In contrast, liposomal glutathione capsules will enter the body’s cells before they enter the small intestine. Therefore, this increases the body’s absorption of the substance. Liposomal glutathione also comes in a liquid form, and this causes it to be absorbed quickly as well.
It seems that liposomal glutathione is the better choice.
There are many liposomal glutathione benefits to consider, including the following:
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease, and the medical community states that it is related to oxidative stress. In 2020, researchers studied glutathione and how it relates to inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers discovered that in subjects with IBD, there was less glutathione present in inflamed sections of the colon. This was in comparison to those without IBD. The researcher theorized that the substance plays a role in this disease.
A study done in 2023 suggests that it can treat those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers believe that this is because of the antioxidants and the substance’s ability to detoxify the body.
People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are known to be “insulin resistant.” Insulin is needed for the body to move glucose from the bloodstream into its cells, where it uses glucose or sugar as energy. In a study from 2018, researchers discovered that their subjects with insulin resistance also had lower levels of glutathione. This was especially the case if these subjects also had retinopathy or neuropathy. A research study conducted in 2013 also reached these same conclusions.
In 2024, a research study showed that increasing the consumption of liposomal glutathione may help prevent type 2 diabetes or even control it.
The body produces this important substance, but the ability to do so decreases with age. The toxins and the stress you are exposed to also cause production to decrease. Boosting the production may have many health benefits for you, and the medical community considers it to be safe. Looking into supplementation may be just what you need.
