GlutathioneIs liposomal glutathione better than regular glutathione?
Updated 10 Nov 2026
Short answer
It is not known. No trial in PubMed has compared liposomal glutathione with plain capsules directly. Plain glutathione by mouth, 1,000 mg a day, raised glutathione by 30% to 35% in red blood cells, plasma and lymphocytes after 6 months.[1] Liposomal glutathione raised it by up to 40% in whole blood after 2 weeks, in a study of 12 people paid for by a company that supplies it.[2]
A 2026 review said that liposomal and sublingual forms may make glutathione more stable, but that proof of real health benefits is limited.[3] In one small trial, sublingual glutathione raised plasma glutathione more than plain glutathione by mouth.[4]
Sources (4)
- Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. Richie JP Jr, Nichenametla S, Neidig W, Calcagnotto A, Haley JS, Schell TD, et al. Eur J Nutr, 2015. PMID 24791752
- Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. Sinha R, Sinha I, Calcagnotto A, Trushin N, Haley JS, Schell TD, et al. Eur J Clin Nutr, 2018. PMID 28853742
- Glutathione in redox homeostasis: Bridging molecular mechanisms, bioavailability constraints, and translational challenges in systemic therapeutics. Carnib BL, Matos ERSB, Lage TM, Pedro IDR, Ecclissato MCD, Teixeira RL, et al. Biomed Pharmacother, 2026. PMID 42585816
- Effects of N-acetylcysteine, oral glutathione (GSH) and a novel sublingual form of GSH on oxidative stress markers: A comparative crossover study. Schmitt B, Vicenzi M, Garrel C, Denis FM Redox Biol, 2015. PMID 26262996
More about glutathione
What is glutathione?Is glutathione absorbed when taken by mouth?Does glutathione work?Do glutathione levels fall with age?Is glutathione safe?Does glutathione lighten skin?For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.