November 20, 2019 9 min read

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    While certain products may be powerful enough as singles, or simply better off without any additions, there are others whose power is greatly enhanced when used in the right combinations. When it comes to supplements whose efficiency peaks when properly combined, Liposomal Glutathione being one of them, it is of utmost importance to pick the accompaniment wisely in order to get the desired effect. And if you’re looking into ground rules of supplement mixing, we always advise you to check out our detailed guide.

    Since glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant and pretty much the strongest detoxifier, its role in human health is undeniable. However, today we will tackle glutathione’s effects in different combinations, exploring the possibilities of joined supplements.

    The Body’s Master Antioxidant: A Brief Overview

    Glutathione, also referred to as the “mother of all antioxidants” is naturally manufactured in the human body, which may lead to a rather obvious question: Why supplement with it if we’re able to produce it on our own? Unfortunately, our natural glutathione is jeopardized by numerous factors the modern age has brought about, including stress, pollutants, and NSAIDs, as well as numerous health conditions which only reduce its levels in our body.

    Glutathione is a simple molecule comprised of three extremely valuable amino acids, which are also the building blocks of protein, glycine, glutamine, and cysteine. However, what many believe to be the key factor are the sulfur groups in glutathione, which represent the very core of its protective role. Namely, sulfur has been found to attract all the negative elements, including free radicals, heavy metals, and mercury like a magnet - hence the detoxifying, health-preserving effect of glutathione.

    Keep on reading to discover more about glutathione’s promising benefits, as well as its potent combinations with other supplements.

    The Anti-Aging Elixir: Glutathione & Vitamin C

    Liposomal Supplements

    The most important mutual benefit that glutathione and vitamin C have in common is their role as powerful antioxidants. According to a study on oxidative stress in aging human skin, vitamin C has a significant role in various enzymatic reactions, including collagen cross-linking. Furthermore, the same study stresses the role of vitamin C in skin health, especially when it comes to photoaged skin. Namely, vitamin C has been found to decrease skin aging on both intrinsic and extrinsic levels.

    Skin health is precisely the battlefield where vitamin C and glutathione join their forces, combating numerous compromising factors. Glutathione, just like vitamin C, has been shown to detoxify Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) - commonly known as free radicals - while also regenerating retinol.

    When it comes to skin aging, a substantial decrease in the levels of antioxidants has been noted. Speaking of antioxidants, glutathione and vitamin C seem to suffer the most throughout the aging process, as their levels can be reduced up to 70%. So, how does elevating their levels affect the skin aging process? According to a study by M. Rinnerthaler and colleagues, vitamin C does its part by reducing oxidized tocopherol, while glutathione preserves vitamin E, salvaging its own natural manufacturing process.

    Therefore, a “cocktail” of antioxidants (a mixture of Liposomal Vitamin C & Reduced Liposomal Glutathione)is absolutely necessary for the process of skin rejuvenation. These two antioxidants combined have been found to slow down the aging process, protect the skin from UV rays and pollutants, while also managing inflammation and lipid peroxidation.

    Furthermore, this antioxidant duo has been found to play a vital role in the immune system, protecting the body against free radicals and oxidants. What’s more, supplementing with all-natural bioavailable vitamin C has can help to boost natural glutathione levels in the body and vice versa. A study by K. J. Lenton et al. suggests that glutathione represents an electron donor in the event of vitamin C regeneration.

    This same study also suggests that the two antioxidants often work simultaneouslyin different processes. As we’ve mentioned earlier with skin aging, levels of both glutathione and vitamin C seem to drop as a result of the aging process, leading to similar conditions in elderly individuals.

    Additionally, the roles of these two overlap in yet another function, that of cardiovascular health. A studyby Gao F. and colleagues suggest that these two valuable nutrients seem to preserve cardiac health by joining forces against free radicals.

    Physical Performance at Its Best: Glutathione & L-Citrulline

    Let’s start with a brief introduction of L-citrulline, in case you two haven’t crossed paths yet. L-citrulline is by definition, an amino acid largely present in kidneys, vascular endothelium, as well as other tissues, which can be converted into L-arginine, a study by S. McKinley-Barnard and colleagues states. What’s more, the aforementioned study casts light upon some of the unfairly neglected benefits of the conversion of L-citrulline into L-arginine, including increased blood flow and vasodilation.

    The very root of the connection between glutathione and L-citrulline can be found in L-arginine turnover, in which glutathione plays a vital role by stimulating this process. Furthermore, combining glutathione with L-citrulline has been found to lead to a proliferation of nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as one of the most valuable highly reactive signaling molecules with numerous roles in human health, including blood flow and vascular tone. Glutathione has also been found to protect against a dangerous oxidative reduction of nitric oxide.

    If you’re a fan of resistance training, there’s an interesting link between glutathione and L-citrulline that you might find particularly appealing. A study on combined L-citrulline and glutathione supplementation finds this mix to be extremely efficient when it comes to muscle protein synthesis and muscle performance, as well as recovery from strenuous exercise.

    In addition, yet another study focused on the conjunction of glutathione and L-citrulline supplementation highlights the fruitful alliance between the two when it comes to physical performance and muscle growth. The mutual positive effect of mixed supplementation is based on glutathione’s regulatory role when it comes to NO levels, as well as its protective role when dealing with free radicals. As a result of a proper mix of Liposomal Glutathione and L-citrulline supplementation, NO has been shown to positively impact muscle protein metabolism, as well as skeletal muscle function.

    Optimized Reproductive Health: Glutathione & L-Carnitine

    When talking about reproductive health, it is of utmost importance to point out all the negative factors that could potentially jeopardize it. Needless to say, reactive oxygen species (ROS), commonly referred to as free radicals, seem to be at the very top of the list when it comes to pretty much every single aspect of human health - and reproductive health is no different. In this case, ROS has been found to target sperm quality - one of the top-priority elements of male reproductive health.

    This is precisely where the combination of two well-known ROS scavengers, glutathione and L-carnitine, comes into play. The combination of the two has been found to preserve plasma membrane in case of oxidative damage, resulting in improved sperm morphology and mobility, a study on the effect of L-carnitine and glutathione supplementation suggests.

    But what exactly does L-carnitine do? In case you haven’t read much about this nutrient it is important to say that it plays a vital role in energy production in all humans, as well as animals. Namely, L-carnitine is responsible for the transportation of long-chain fatty acids, aiding in the release of excess body fat. Moreover, L-carnitine has been found to aid in yet another crucial process - the release of triglycerides into the bloodstream.

    Furthermore, L-carnitine has been found to actively participate in the maturation of sperm, while combining with glutathione results in improved sperm motility and concentration, as well as a lowered level of non-motile sperm, a study conducted by A. O Al-Amery states.

    However, a study by A. Garolla et al. suggests that beneficial effects of L-carnitine related to sperm mobility and male fertility in general may only be obtained in the presence of all-natural glutathione supplementation.

    A Skin-Tight Connection: Glutathione & Collagen

    A clinical studyconducted by C. De Luca and colleagues highlighted an often-overlooked, yet vital role of glutathione which concerns digestive health. Namely, glutathione has been found to promote gut health by repairing stomach ulcers. Furthermore, the body’s number one antioxidant has also been shown to regulate the matrix molecule - hence its link to the body’s number one protein, collagen.

    Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides

    What further supports the claim that glutathione and collagen are simply a match made in heaven is that, in case of compromised biosynthesis of collagen, intracellular glutathionealso seems to be suffering.

    Encouraged by findings interlinking glutathione and collagen, scientists have shown particular interest in the correlation between the two when it comes to wound healing. One study suggests that, due to glutathione’s antioxidant activity, supplementing with glutathione has been found to increase skin collagen deposition, while keeping the negative influence, such as nitric oxide synthase, under control. Nitric oxide, observed during the inflammatory phase of wound healing, has been shown to compromise collagen accumulation, which is a crucial process in skin health.

    While on the topic of skin, it is impossible not to mention Marine Collagen as a staple of skin health as we age, which has been proven to enhance skin hydration, elevate elastin levels, and promote overall skin immunity. However, the beneficial effect of collagen peptides doesn’t stop there, as they’ve also been found to preserve glutathione and its antioxidant activity.

    Optimized Metabolic State: Glutathione & Vitamin D

    Modern lifestyle changes, including insufficient exposure to sunlight (think Michigan in the winter!) and a sedentary lifestyle, have undoubtedly left deep marks on human health, as they’re considered one of the primary causes of diabetes and obesity, as well as vitamin D deficiency. As far as vitamin D deficiency is concerned, it is essentially a much larger issue than we’re led to believe, since vitamin D plays a significant role in the prevention of various health conditions, as well as maintenance of optimal health.

    When it comes to the link between vitamin D and glutathione, boosting glutathione levels has been found to positively impact the bioavailability of vitamin D, meaning it makes the vitamin readily available for the body to utilize. Furthermore, co-supplementing with glutathione and vitamin Dhas resulted in substantially increased vitamin D levels, as opposed to supplementing solely with a vitamin D supplement.

    However, vitamin D levels aren’t the only ones on the receiving end of this duo. As a study conducted by S. K. Jain et al. suggests, combining vitamin D and glutathione has also been found to increase glutathione levels, while also reducing oxidative stress in liver and muscle. Consequently, improving glutathione levels has led to an increase in both circulating vitamin D and its actions. What could also result from this synergic mix is improved calcium uptake, given that vitamin D is considered the key factor in this process.

    Proof of a perfect correlation between vitamin D and glutathione can also be found in nature. Namely, that milk and leafy vegetables are abundant dietary sources of both glutathione and vitamin D, which may be the reason behind glutathione’s positive effect on vitamin D levels.

    Finally, a study focused on glutathione’s stimulation of vitamin D concludes that vitamin D supplementation cannot meet health requirements by itself - hence the recommendation of pairing it up with all-natural Liposomal Glutathione.

    Even though there’s no doubt that non-GMO, Reduced Liposomal Glutathioneis a highly powerful supplement offering essential health benefits on its own, it is safe to say that its positive effects proliferate in proper combinations. For more all-natural, highly bioavailable supplements, make sure to visit our online store.

    References:

    1. Do Glutathione Supplements Have Proven Benefits? - Gene Food. (2019). Retrieved 13 November 2019, from https://www.mygenefood.com/glutathione-iv-therapy-my-experience/
    2. Rinnerthaler, M., Bischof, J., Streubel, M., Trost, A., & Richter, K. (2015). Oxidative Stress in Aging Human Skin. Biomolecules, 5(2), 545-589. doi: 10.3390/biom5020545
    3. Lenton, K., Sané, A., Therriault, H., Cantin, A., Payette, H., & Wagner, J. (2003). Vitamin C augments lymphocyte glutathione in subjects with ascorbate deficiency. The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 77(1), 189-195. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/77.1.189
    4. Gao, F., Yao, C., Gao, E., Mo, Q., Yan, W., & McLaughlin, R. et al. (2002). Enhancement of Glutathione Cardioprotection by Ascorbic Acid in Myocardial Reperfusion Injury. Journal Of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics, 301(2), 543-550. doi: 10.1124/jpet.301.2.543
    5. McKinley-Barnard, S., Andre, T., Morita, M. et al. Combined L-citrulline and glutathione supplementation increases the concentration of markers indicative of nitric oxide synthesis. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 12, 27 (2015) doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0086-7
    6. Luiking, Y. C., Engelen, M. P., & Deutz, N. E. (2010). Regulation of nitric oxide production in health and disease. Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care, 13(1), 97–104. doi:10.1097/MCO.0b013e328332f99d
    7. Hwang, P., Morales Marroquín, F.E., Gann, J. et al. Eight weeks of resistance training in conjunction with glutathione and L-Citrulline supplementation increases lean mass and has no adverse effects on blood clinical safety markers in resistance-trained males. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 15, 30 (2018) doi:10.1186/s12970-018-0235-x
    8. Al-Amery, Akbal & Abdulshaheed, Ahmed & Al-Ebady, Saed & A.L. Mossa, Hayder & Al-Anbari, Lubna & Selman, Mohammad. (2018). Effect of L-Carnitine and Glutathione Supplemented to FertiCult Flushing Medium on Human Sperm Parameters During in vitro Sperm Activation in Asthenozoospermic Men. Merit Research Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences. 7. 245-254.
    9. Garolla, A., Maiorino, M., Roverato, A., Roveri, A., Ursini, F., & Foresta, C. (2005). Oral carnitine supplementation increases sperm motility in asthenozoospermic men with normal sperm phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase levels. Fertility And Sterility, 83(2), 355-361. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.10.010
    10. Chiara De Luca, Elena V. Mikhal’chik, Maxim V. Suprun, Michael Papacharalambous, Arseniy I. Truhanov, and Liudmila G. Korkina, “Skin Antiageing and Systemic Redox Effects of Supplementation with Marine Collagen Peptides and Plant-Derived Antioxidants: A Single-Blind Case-Control Clinical Study,” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, vol. 2016, Article ID 4389410, 14 pages, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4389410.
    11. Arora, N., Nair, S., & Tripathi, P. (2013). Supplementation of antioxidants glutathione and α-lipoic acid attenuates oxidative stress and Th2 response in allergic airway inflammation. Indian Journal Of Allergy, Asthma And Immunology, 27(1), 19. doi: 10.4103/0972-6691.116608
    12. Jain, S., Parsanathan, R., Achari, A., Kanikarla-Marie, P., & Bocchini, J. (2018). Glutathione Stimulates Vitamin D Regulatory and Glucose-Metabolism Genes, Lowers Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Increases 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Levels in Blood: A Novel Approach to Treat 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 29(17), 1792-1807. doi: 10.1089/ars.2017.7462



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