Glutathione is the supplement you need to know about for an ageless body and luminous skin

20 August 2024

Altrient Liposomal Glutathione not only helps your body to detox and protects it from stressors, it majorly reduces hyperpigmentation too. Here’s why we’re in!

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If there’s one health supplement to have on your radar in our toxic and over-stressed world, it’s glutathione. It’s more relevant than ever due to the sheer number of toxins – some of them unavoidable – to which most of us are exposed: pollution, pesticides, cigarette and vape smoke, heavy metals, household chemicals, drugs, alcohol, radiation from microwaves, x-rays, junk food, sun exposure – to name but a few. These all contribute to ‘oxidative stress’ overload linked to premature ageing – not just from a skin perspective, but in all our body tissues including our heart and brain cells.

Glutathione, known as the ‘master antioxidant’, is a powerful defence nutrient that’s highly active in the liver, lungs, heart, brain and skin. In fact, glutathione is present in virtually all cells and you definitely want it on your side to help you live a long and healthy life. “It plays a vital role in the body’s detox, repair and defence mechanisms, fighting against toxic substances,” confirms nutritional therapist Jacqueline Newson, head of research at Altrient, who are specialists in gold-standard liposomal nutritional supplements, known for their bioavailability (scroll down for our 15 per cent discount).

Now new research by Altrient has shed light on another of glutathione’s superpowers, this time in the beauty space. It turns out that it is a powerful pigmentation and redness-buster too, with results to rival tweakments and creams.

No wonder more people are seeking out glutathione supplements. Knowing the right formulation is crucial if you want to reap its health and beauty rewards. Let’s dive into the benefits of glutathione and what to look for in a truly effective supplement.

Why we need glutathione for modern life

Who wants to protect their brain, heart, lungs and eyes? We do! The cells most susceptible to toxic damage (known as oxidative stress) are those in the brain, kidneys, liver, heart lungs, skin, cornea and retina, explains Newson. “Cells need a constant supply of glutathione, to keep these tissues healthy.” But getting this steady stream is challenging when modern life throws oxidative stress at us from every corner.

“Poor work-life balance often means many people are stressed and lead less-than-healthy lifestyles,” says Newson. “Many of today’s common health conditions today such as diabetes, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, depression, liver disease and viral infections are accompanied by oxidative stress.”

Time to call in the cavalry!

Why take a glutathione supplement?

Glutathione has long been known for liver support and detox powers. It’s used in the medical world to treat paracetamol overdose and doctors tell us they also take glutathione for hangovers! It’s also a powerful immune support. Newson herself takes it if she has a respiratory issue associated with a flu virus or allergy, or is looking to start a body cleanse protocol.

“Many people also integrate glutathione into their daily routine to support overall wellness and longevity and others take some on holiday to counter the effects of sunshine overdose and too much partying,” she says.

Can you get glutathione from your diet?

Yes, you can get glutathione from food (garlic, onions, leeks, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, spinach, avocado, green peppers, carrots, nuts, seeds, beef, poultry, fish, turmeric). However, the amount we can make in our cells declines from age 45, so boosting a glutathione-friendly diet with a supplement when you reach your forties is worth considering.

How does glutathione help with hyperpigmentation and skin tone?

In an independent trial by Princeton Consumer Research, 31 men and women took two sachets of Altrient Glutathione every day for 12 weeks to see if it had any effect on redness and hyperpigmentation. The results, measured by a skin chromameter, surprised even the professionals. They found an average of 80 per cent reduction in redness and a 57 per cent decrease in hyperpigmentation. “Truly astonishing results!” says Newson.

“Glutathione helps with skin lightening because it inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is essential to the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. It promotes the conversion of eumelanin (dark pigment) to pheomelanin (lighter pigment),” says Newson.

Will hyperpigmentation return if you stop taking glutathione?

“The process is gradual,” she says. “If you stop taking glutathione, your skin pigmentation is likely to revert to its original colour over time.” The effects require continuous supplementation to maintain them. “Once glutathione levels decrease, tyrosinase activity resumes, leading to the restoration of natural melanin production and, consequently, the return to the skin’s original pigmentation,” she says.

Why is liposomal the best form of glutathione?

You don’t see hundreds of glutathione brands crowding the supplements shelves, because it’s not easy to make a pill that works. Standard glutathione is broken down by the digestive process before it can reach the bloodstream, making it less effective. However, liposomal glutathione (wrapping the molecules in a protective layer of fatty acids – called a liposome) has been shown by research to improve absorption and bioavailability.

It’s not just the ‘liposomal’ form that’s important, says Newson, the ‘raw material’ glutathione is key too. Altrient uses a clinically tested form of glutathione called Setria®, which is free from contaminants and allergens and has clinical studies showing its ability to raise glutathione levels in the body.

Is liposomal glutathione better than a glutathione IV drip?

Glutathione is a popular IV infusion and you’ll see it on many IV drip menus. It avoids the issue of destruction by the digestive system, rapidly increases levels of glutathione in your body and has 100 per cent bioavailability. However, the drawback is that it has a short half-life in the body (ie it doesn’t last very long ) so you’d need to repeat the expensive procedure, which needs a medical professional to administer it.

Taking it orally as a liposomal sachet is not as immediately effective as IV, but it “offers a balance between bioavailability and practicality,” says Newson. “It provides a sustained release of glutathione into the bloodstream.”

What’s the best dose of glutathione to take and when should you take it?

For general health and antioxidant support, studies have shown that doses of between 250mg and 1000mg are effective. Consult your health practitioner if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Altrient Glutathione contains 450mg per gel sachet (it’s vegan by the way and free from junk ingredients that are so common in supplements) and taking it with water on an empty stomach speeds up absorption.”There are no known interactions with drugs or other supplements so it can be taken at any time throughout the day,” says Newson.

The final word

When it comes to maintaining good health in the face of modern stresses, as well as evening out skin tone and reducing pigmentation, good glutathione levels are vital. This is especially so after the age of 45 when concentrations of glutathione in the cells decline. And with a quick squeeze one or two Altrient Liposomal Glutathione sachet added into a glass of water every day, you can enhance the body’s ability to protect itself against ill health and reap the beauty benefits too. And how many other supplements can say that?

Buy Altrient Glutathione here using code GTG15 for 15 % off.