When is the Best Time of Day to Take Glutathione Supplements?

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the human body. It is made up of three amino acids - cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. Glutathione plays a key role in many vital physiological processes including immune response, detoxification, and cell regeneration.

Benefits of Glutathione

Some of the top benefits of glutathione include:

• Powerful antioxidant properties to fight free radicals
• Supports immune health
• Assists with detoxification
• Protects and regenerates cells
• May help achieve lighter skin when applied topically

Increasing Glutathione Levels

There are a few ways to increase low glutathione levels:

• Consume sulfur-rich foods like garlic, onions, broccoli, and eggs
• Stay hydrated and properly balance fluids and electrolytes
• Avoid chronic stress which depletes glutathione stores
• Exercise regularly to boost production
• Supplement with glutathione boosters

When to Take Glutathione Supplements

For those looking to take a glutathione supplement to further raise levels, timing matters. Taking glutathione at optimal times allows the body to best absorb and utilize it.

Morning on an Empty Stomach

Research has shown that glutathione bioavailability is highest when it is taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Since it is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream with limited gastrointestinal dilution or breakdown, more of the intact supplement ends up reaching the cells efficiently.

Most experts recommend taking glutathione supplements immediately upon waking, at least 30 minutes before eating breakfast or drinking coffee. This allows proper time for absorption while glutathione levels are naturally at their peak after sleep.

Evening Before Bed on an Empty Stomach

Taking glutathione supplements right before bedtime is another highly effective time. As the bodys natural detoxification processes ramp up during sleep, supplementing glutathione can provide added antioxidant and protective support when it is needed most.

Try taking glutathione supplements 1-2 hours after dinner and limiting fluids to allow adequate absorption overnight. The safest bet is setting a reminder to take it immediately before getting into bed for the night.

Choosing the Best Glutathione Supplement

Since the body poorly absorbs oral glutathione, it is important to choose the right supplemental form to raise levels. The following types of glutathione offer enhanced bioavailability:

Acetyl Glutathione

This is glutathione molecule bonded to an acetyl group to facilitate better absorption compared to regular glutathione. However, there is limited evidence showing higher glutathione plasma levels from supplementation.

Liposomal Glutathione

In this form, glutathione molecules are encased in tiny fat bubbles called liposomes. This special delivery system helps bypass digestion and shuttle glutathione directly into cells and blood plasma for better effects.

Reduced L-Glutathione

Also labeled GSH, this is pure glutathione in its active reduced state. Without extra stabilizing molecules, it can be less bioavailable oral, yet effective in intravenous therapy to rapidly raise blood glutathione levels.

S-Acetyl Glutathione

This is considered one of the most stable, bioavailable forms of glutathione for supplementation. The sulfur group bonding allows efficient digestive absorption and transportation across cell membranes.

Other Ways to Support Glutathione Levels

While taking glutathione supplements can directly increase levels, other complementary ingredients also help boost glutathione production and activity:

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC provides high levels of cysteine to enhance glutathione synthesis in the body. Research confirms NAC successfully raises glutathione levels and provides added antioxidant protection.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

This potent antioxidant helps regenerate and sustain active glutathione levels. Studies demonstrate alpha lipoic acid can raise glutathione concentrations in multiple body tissues after supplementation.

Milk Thistle

The active ingredient silymarin in milk thistle supports glutathione production and liver detoxification. Milk thistle supplementation has been shown to significantly increase glutathione content in liver cells.

Vitamin C

High dose vitamin C is used to make glutathione more bioavailable for intestinal absorption. Vitamin C also helps recycle used glutathione to maintain active antioxidant concentrations inside cells.

Safety and Side Effects

Glutathione is considered very safe with almost no side effects when taken appropriately. In very high doses, rare side effects like upset stomach, bloating, stool changes or rashes may possibly occur. Start with lower doses and increase slowly.

Those with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency should avoid glutathione due to a possibly risk of hemolytic anemia. Check with your healthcare provider before supplementing glutathione if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.