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Glutathione, Immune Boost, IV Hydration, Vitamins

What’s the Benefit of Combining Glutathione with Vitamin C?

05/23/2022 | by

Glutathione and vitamin C are both powerful antioxidants that play crucial roles in maintaining cellular health. Glutathione, a tripeptide produced naturally in the body, is a key player in detoxification and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin C, an essential nutrient obtained through diet, supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and acts as an antioxidant.

While both glutathione and vitamin C offer individual benefits, some research suggests that combining them may provide synergistic effects, potentially enhancing their antioxidant capabilities. This combination may be particularly beneficial for individuals with increased oxidative stress due to factors like aging, chronic disease, or environmental exposures.

It’s important to note that the optimal intake of antioxidants varies depending on individual needs and health status. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is generally the best way to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients like vitamin C and the precursors needed for glutathione synthesis. However, supplementation may be beneficial in certain situations, such as specific health conditions or deficiencies. More research is needed to determine the ideal dosages and combinations of antioxidants for specific health goals. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness.

  • Chen, Q., Espey, M. G., Sun, A. Y., Lee, J. H., Krishna, M. C., Shacter, E., Choyke, P. L., Pooput, C., Kirk, K. L., Buettner, G. R., & Levine, M. (2007). Ascorbate in pharmacologic concentrations selectively generates ascorbate radical and hydrogen peroxide in extracellular fluid in vivo. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 104(21), 8749–8754. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0702854104
  • Forman, H. J., Zhang, H., & Rinna, A. (2009). Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Molecular aspects of medicine, 30(1-2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006
  • Padayatty, S. J., Sun, A. Y., Chen, Q., Espey, M. G., Drisko, J., & Levine, M. (2010). Vitamin C: intravenous use by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and adverse effects. PloS one, 5(7), e11414. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0011414

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What is Glutathione, and What Does It Do?

Glutathione is a master antioxidant in the human body and is essential for many of its vital functions.

Glutathione is a crucial antioxidant produced naturally within the body, primarily in the liver, but also in other organs like the kidneys and intestines. It plays a central role in numerous physiological processes, including detoxification, cellular energy production, and immune function. Glutathione also exhibits potential anti-aging effects by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, two key contributors to the aging process.

While the body typically produces sufficient glutathione, certain factors like chronic stress, poor diet, environmental toxins, and certain medical conditions can deplete glutathione levels. In such cases, a healthcare professional may recommend lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes or specific supplements, to support glutathione production or directly supplement glutathione levels.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen, as individual needs and potential interactions with medications should be considered. They can assess your glutathione levels and recommend appropriate interventions based on your specific health status and goals.

  • Forman, H. J., Zhang, H., & Rinna, A. (2009). Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Molecular aspects of medicine, 30(1-2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006
  • Lu S. C. (2009). Regulation of glutathione synthesis. Molecular aspects of medicine, 30(1-2), 42–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2008.05.005
  • Pizzorno J. (2014). Glutathione!. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 13(1), 8–12.

Why is Combining Glutathione with Vitamin C a Good Idea?

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While glutathione and vitamin C offer antioxidant benefits individually, their combination can be particularly effective in mitigating oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, can contribute to various health problems and chronic diseases.

Glutathione and vitamin C work synergistically to combat oxidative stress. They not only neutralize free radicals directly but also participate in a recycling process that helps regenerate each other, enhancing their overall antioxidant capacity (Biswas et al., 2020). This synergistic effect can be achieved through both oral supplementation and IV therapy.

Although glutathione plays a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant with unique functions. It supports collagen synthesis, immune function, and iron absorption, in addition to its antioxidant activity (Carr & Maggini, 2017). The combined action of glutathione and vitamin C provides a more comprehensive defense against oxidative damage and may offer greater benefits than either substance alone.

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, including glutathione and vitamin C. They can help determine the appropriate dosage and form of supplementation based on your individual needs and health status.

  • Biswas, P., Dellanoce, C., Vezzoli, A., Mrakic-Sposta, S., Malnati, M., Beretta, A., & Accinni, R. (2020). Antioxidant Activity with Increased Endogenous Levels of Vitamin C, E and A Following Dietary Supplementation with a Combination of Glutathione and Resveratrol Precursors. Nutrients, 12(11), 3224. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113224
  • Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
  • Chen, Q., Espey, M. G., Sun, A. Y., Lee, J. H., Krishna, M. C., Shacter, E., Choyke, P. L., Pooput, C., Kirk, K. L., Buettner, G. R., & Levine, M. (2007). Ascorbate in pharmacologic concentrations selectively generates ascorbate radical and hydrogen peroxide in extracellular fluid in vivo. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 104(21), 8749–8754. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0702854104

How to Combine Glutathione and Vitamin C

Combining glutathione and vitamin C may offer potential advantages due to their synergistic effects as antioxidants and their roles in various physiological processes. However, the decision to combine these supplements should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, as individual needs and potential benefits can vary.

Before combining glutathione and vitamin C, it is crucial to carefully consider the appropriate supplemental forms, dosages, and timing. Several factors, such as individual health status, dietary intake, and potential interactions with medications, should be taken into account. A healthcare professional can guide you through these considerations and help you develop a safe and effective supplementation plan.

Glutathione and vitamin C supplements are available in various forms, with oral supplements and intravenous (IV) infusions being the most common methods of administration.

Vitamin C is readily available as capsules or drink powders, while glutathione can be administered through IV infusion, injection, oral supplements, or inhalation. However, it’s important to note that the bioavailability of oral and inhaled glutathione is limited due to poor absorption in the digestive system and lungs (Pizzorno, 2014).

While increasing glutathione and vitamin C levels through dietary sources is ideal, supplementation may be beneficial for individuals with specific needs or deficiencies. Oral supplementation of both glutathione and vitamin C can be a convenient option, but IV therapy may offer higher bioavailability for glutathione.

It’s crucial to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, including glutathione and vitamin C. They can assess your individual health status, needs, and potential risks to determine the appropriate dosage, form, and combination of supplements for you.

  • Padayatty, S. J., Sun, H., Wang, Y., Riordan, H. D., Hewitt, S. M., Katz, A., Wesley, R. A., & Levine, M. (2004). Vitamin C pharmacokinetics: implications for oral and intravenous use. Annals of internal medicine, 140(7), 533–537. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-140-7-200404060-00010
  • Pizzorno J. (2014). Glutathione!. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 13(1), 8–12.
  • Richie, J. P., Jr, Nichenametla, S., Neidig, W., Calcagnotto, A., Haley, J. S., Schell, T. D., & Muscat, J. E. (2015). Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. European journal of nutrition, 54(2), 251–263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-014-0706-z

Vitamin C and glutathione supplementation is generally considered safe. While rare, excessive intake of vitamin C can cause digestive issues like diarrhea, and high doses of glutathione supplements may interact with certain medications. Glutathione supplementation is generally considered safe and unlikely to cause toxicity.

However, high doses might cause mild side effects such as nausea, bloating, or abdominal cramps in some individuals. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs and health status, especially if you are taking any medications.

Additional Considerations:

  • Individual Variability: People metabolize substances differently. What’s safe for one person might not be for another.
  • Medical History: Underlying health conditions can affect how the body reacts to supplements.
  • Interactions: Supplements can interact with medications or other supplements.
  • Allen, J., & Bradley, R. D. (2011). Effects of oral glutathione supplementation on systemic oxidative stress biomarkers in human volunteers. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 17(9), 827–833. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0716
  • Carr, A. C., & Frei, B. (1999). Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 69(6), 1086–1107. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/69.6.1086

Both intravenous (IV) and oral glutathione and vitamin C can be administered at various times throughout the day.

IV infusions bypass the digestive system and deliver these substances directly into the bloodstream, resulting in rapid and potentially maximum absorption. In contrast, oral glutathione and vitamin C supplements are subject to digestive processes, which may affect their absorption and bioavailability (Richie et al., 2015).

While some nutrients are better absorbed with dietary fat, there is no definitive evidence to suggest that consuming oral glutathione or vitamin C with healthy fats significantly enhances their absorption.

  • Mangels, A. R., Block, G., Frey, C. M., Patterson, B. H., Taylor, P. R., Norkus, E. P., & Levander, O. A. (1993). The bioavailability to humans of ascorbic acid from oranges, orange juice and cooked broccoli is similar to that of synthetic ascorbic acid. The Journal of nutrition, 123(6), 1054–1061. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/123.6.1054
  • Olsson, B., Johansson, M., Gabrielsson, J., & Bolme, P. (1988). Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of reduced and oxidized N-acetylcysteine. European journal of clinical pharmacology, 34(1), 77–82. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01061422
    Padayatty, S. J., Sun, H., Wang, Y., Riordan, H. D., Hewitt, S. M., Katz, A., Wesley, R. A., & Levine, M. (2004). Vitamin C pharmacokinetics: implications for oral and intravenous use. Annals of internal medicine, 140(7), 533–537. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-140-7-200404060-00010
  • Richie, J. P., Jr, Nichenametla, S., Neidig, W., Calcagnotto, A., Haley, J. S., Schell, T. D., & Muscat, J. E. (2015). Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. European journal of nutrition, 54(2), 251–263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-014-0706-z
  • Wu, G., Fang, Y. Z., Yang, S., Lupton, J. R., & Turner, N. D. (2004). Glutathione metabolism and its implications for health. The Journal of nutrition, 134(3), 489–492. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/134.3.489
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Potential Risks and Side Effects

When combining supplements like glutathione and vitamin C, it’s crucial to adhere to recommended dosages to avoid potential adverse effects. While vitamin C is generally safe at recommended levels, exceeding those levels can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other issues (Carr & Frei, 2013). Glutathione supplementation may also cause side effects in some individuals, such as bloating, gas, or allergic reactions (Minich & Brown, 2019).

The appropriate dosage of glutathione varies depending on the form and individual needs. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with a trusted healthcare provider to determine the optimal dosage for you.

Remember that even natural supplements can interact with medications. Before starting any new supplement regimen, discuss it with your doctor to ensure it’s safe and won’t interfere with your current medications (Michels & Frei, 2013).

  • Carr, A. C., & Frei, B. (1999). Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 69(6), 1086–1107. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/69.6.1086
  • Michels, A. J., & Frei, B. (2013). Myths, artifacts, and fatal flaws: identifying limitations and opportunities in vitamin C research. Nutrients, 5(12), 5161–5192. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5125161
  • Minich, D. M., & Brown, B. I. (2019). A Review of Dietary (Phyto)Nutrients for Glutathione Support. Nutrients, 11(9), 2073. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092073

Last Words

Glutathione and vitamin C are antioxidants that have been studied for their potential synergistic effects in promoting various aspects of health (Minich & Brown, 2019). While further research is needed to fully understand the benefits of combined glutathione and vitamin C therapy, some studies suggest that this combination may support immune function, protect against oxidative stress, and promote overall well-being (Hemilä & Chalker, 2013).

It’s important to exercise caution when combining supplements, including glutathione and vitamin C. Before starting any new supplement regimen, it is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure safety and determine the most suitable approach for your individual needs and health goals (Carr & Frei, 2013).

Intravenous (IV) therapy can be a convenient and effective way to administer glutathione and vitamin C, offering potentially higher bioavailability compared to oral supplements. Working with a licensed healthcare professional during IV therapy ensures personalized treatment and careful monitoring for any potential side effects or interactions.

While a combined approach with glutathione and vitamin C may be beneficial for some individuals, it’s important to remember that individual responses can vary. A healthcare professional can tailor a treatment plan to address your specific health concerns and optimize the potential benefits of these supplements.

  • Carr, A. C., & Frei, B. (1999). Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 69(6), 1086–1107. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/69.6.1086
  • Hemilä, H., & Chalker, E. (2013). Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2013(1), CD000980. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000980.pub4
  • Minich, D. M., & Brown, B. I. (2019). A Review of Dietary (Phyto)Nutrients for Glutathione Support. Nutrients, 11(9), 2073. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092073
  • Wu, G., Fang, Y. Z., Yang, S., Lupton, J. R., & Turner, N. D. (2004). Glutathione metabolism and its implications for health. The Journal of nutrition, 134(3), 489–492. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/134.3.489

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Glutathione - Frequently Asked Questions

What is glutathione?

Glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid are the building blocks for the compound glutathione. It is created by the liver and is used by several bodily functions. Glutathione helps with the production of chemicals and proteins required by the body, as well as immune system activity.

What are the benefits of taking glutathione?

Taking glutathione has many benefits including:

  • Reducing oxidative stress
  • Reducing cell damage in alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease
  • Improves insulin resistance in older people
  • Increase mobility for people with peripheral artery disease
  • Reduces symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
  • Might help fight autoimmune diseases
  • Might reduce oxidative damage in children with autism
  • Might reduce the impact of uncontrolled diabetes
  • Might reduce respiratory disease symptoms
  • Might improve psoriasis

Glutathione IV Therapy vs supplements

Glutathione supplementation has been related to digestive problems, such as bloating or stomach cramps. Intravenous glutathione provides the antioxidant directly to your cells by totally avoiding the digestive system.

Does glutathione help reduce oxidative stress?

According to one research, glutathione either increases or decreases the body's immune response, which helps alleviate oxidative stress. Diseases with an autoimmune component damage particular cells' mitochondria. By scavenging free radicals, glutathione protects the mitochondria of the cell.

Read More: Glutathione IV Therapy FAQ

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