What is glutathione?

Glutathione is a molecule the body produces itself, primarily in the liver, from three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. The body obtains these building blocks largely from food, after which the liver combines them into glutathione. It is present in virtually every cell in the body and is among the most studied molecules in cell biology, where it plays a role in cellular antioxidant defence.

Glutathione exists in two forms. GSH, reduced glutathione or L-glutathione, is the active form that does its work inside cells. GSSG, oxidised glutathione, is the spent variant that arises after GSH has performed its function. The body has enzymes that convert most GSSG back into the active GSH form, continuously replenishing the supply.

The problem with inexpensive glutathione supplements is that GSH is inherently unstable: the thiol group of the molecule oxidises relatively quickly to the inactive GSSG form upon exposure to heat, light or oxygen. What the label describes as glutathione may in practice be partially spent material. Kala uses only high-grade GSH as its raw material, and the liposomal encapsulation subsequently protects the molecule from breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract.

Production and decline with age

The body largely regulates glutathione production itself, depending on what is available. Cysteine is the most limiting building block: those who eat little protein, or follow a diet poor in cysteine sources such as eggs, meat and legumes, give the body less raw material to work with.

As we age, glutathione production gradually declines: research consistently shows lower cellular glutathione concentrations in older adults compared to younger adults (Detcheverry et al., 2023). Prolonged illness, chronic stress and intensive physical exertion can temporarily lower levels further, as the body then consumes more glutathione than it produces.

Glutathione in food

Glutathione is naturally present in foods such as asparagus, avocado, spinach, broccoli and liver. The problem: the gastrointestinal tract breaks down most of the glutathione from food before it reaches the bloodstream. The body then absorbs the individual amino acids, not the intact molecule. The same applies to standard glutathione capsules and tablets: the delivery form determines how much actually reaches its destination.

Why liposomal?

The central problem with ordinary glutathione supplements is that the molecule is fragile: digestive enzymes break it down before it reaches its destination. With liposomal glutathione, the molecule is enclosed in liposomes, microscopically small spheres of phospholipids, the same building material as in your own cell membranes. This coating protects the glutathione from breakdown in the stomach, allowing it to reach and pass through the intestinal wall intact.

But the quality of the liposomes determines everything

Liposomal has become a popular term in the supplement world, but on its own it says very little. A liposome is not a fixed, stable object: it is a microscopic fat droplet that naturally tends to merge with other liposomes, fall apart, or leak its contents, particularly during storage. Two technical properties determine whether a liposomal product delivers on its promises:

Encapsulation efficiency: the percentage of glutathione that is actually packaged inside the liposomes, rather than floating freely between them as ordinary, unprotected glutathione.

Particle size and stability: the smaller and more uniform the liposomes, the better they are generally absorbed, and the more stable the formulation remains until the moment of ingestion.

Who is this product for?

Liposomal Glutathione has been developed for people who:

• Are consciously attentive to molecules the body produces itself, due to their age
• Exercise intensively or have a physically demanding lifestyle
• Already have experience with glutathione and are looking for a better delivery form
• Value Dutch production and complete chain control
• Are looking for a pure, plant-based supplement without animal-derived ingredients

Glutathione is not a medicine. It is a food supplement used as a complement to a varied diet.

Product properties at a glance

• 240 mg pure reduced glutathione (GSH) per 600 mg capsule
• Genuine dry liposomes with phospholipids, the same building material as your cell membranes
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
• Free from: gluten, lactose, soy, GMO, artificial colourings and preservatives

The Kala Health liposomal product line

Liposomal Glutathione is part of our liposomal product line. All products are developed according to the same philosophy: genuine dry liposomes, produced in our own facility, without compromising on quality.

References

1. 1. Detcheverry, F., Senthil, S., Narayanan, S., & Badhwar, A. (2023). Changes in levels of the antioxidant glutathione in brain and blood across the age span of healthy adults: A systematic review. NeuroImage. Clinical, 40, 103503.
   2. Prasad, K. N., Chandrashekar, C., Karthik, Y., Vasantha, G. G., & Phadnis, S. (2026). Liposomal glutathione outperforms plain glutathione in uptake, cell regeneration and systemic availability: evidence from cellular and human models. British Journal of Nutrition, 135(9), 956–963.
   3. Solnier, J., Du, M., Zhang, Y., Roh, Y. S., Kuo, Y. C., Ibi, A., Wood, S., Hardy, M., Gahler, R. J., & Chang, C. (2026). A Targeted Metabolomic Assessment of Oral Glutathione Bioavailability and Safety in Humans: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 13(3), 354.

Important notice

This product is a food supplement. The information on this page is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking medication or have questions about the use of this supplement.

Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice. Keep out of reach of young children. A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet. A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.

Do you have questions about this product or would you like personal advice? Call us on (+31) 070-345-0290 or email info@kalahealth.eu.