UPC: 733739000965
# N0096

Product Overview & Quick Specs

Think of glutathione as your body's master rust inhibitor. Just as a protective coating stops metal from oxidizing in damp air, glutathione shields delicate cells from everyday oxidative wear and tear [1, 2]. NOW L-Glutathione delivers 250 mg of pure, biologically active reduced glutathione (chemical formula: C10H17N3O6S) in a clean vegetable capsule. This targeted formula supplies your liver and immune system with the exact tripeptide needed to disarm reactive free radicals and support essential waste-clearing pathways [2, 4].

Quick Specs Snapshot

  • ✓ Active Form & Potency: 250 mg of stable, biologically active Reduced Glutathione (GSH) per single vegetarian capsule.
  • ✓ Primary Target: Cellular antioxidant defense, liver tissue protection, and natural Phase II detoxification pathways [1, 2].
  • ✓ Supply & Value: 60 servings per bottle (a full 2-month daily supply) offering exceptional daily cost efficiency.
  • ✓ Purity & Dietary Status: 100% Vegan/vegetarian, non-GMO, and formulated without gluten, wheat, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, or sesame.

Buyer's Guide & Form Comparison

Why the Active Reduced Form Matters

Glutathione only functions as an antioxidant when it is in its reduced state (GSH). Think of reduced glutathione like a fully charged flashlight battery ready to project light. Cheap discount brands frequently source oxidized glutathione (GSSG), which has already spent its charge and lost its electron-donating power before it reaches your gut [2, 4]. Furthermore, commodity discount supplements often rely on low-grade bulk syntheses that lack rigorous purity testing. NOW Foods tests every batch to confirm genuine reduced-state integrity, ensuring active cellular uptake and zero digestive compromise [1].

Is This Formula Right for You?

Best Choice For:

  • ✓ Individuals seeking daily cellular defense to neutralize oxidative stress from sunlight, pollution, and everyday metabolism [1, 2].
  • ✓ Shoppers wanting pure nutritional support for the liver's natural Phase II cleansing mechanisms [2, 4].
  • ✓ Anyone who wants a standalone 250 mg baseline dose to support radiant skin tone, clear complexion, and healthy aging [1, 3].

Consider Another Option If:

  • ✗ You require a multi-ingredient hepatic blend with Milk Thistle and Alpha Lipoic Acid (consider NOW Glutathione 500 mg).
  • ✗ You prefer an unflavored bulk powder to blend into high-volume workout shakes rather than a pre-measured vegetable capsule.
  • ✗ You are pregnant or nursing, in which case any targeted antioxidant regimen must be reviewed by your OB-GYN physician first.
VitaNet®, LLC Store Guarantee: Backed by our 31-year reputation, every bottle comes with our unconditional 100% money-back guarantee—even on opened bottles, with return shipping covered by us—allowing you to test your digestive tolerance completely risk-free.

How It Works in the Body

Glutathione is a tiny tripeptide molecule built from three simple amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. Scientists call it the master antioxidant because it operates inside the cytosol and mitochondria of every living human cell [2, 4].

1. The Cellular Sponge for Free Radicals

Think of reactive oxygen species like stray sparks flying out of a fireplace. If left unchecked, these sparks scorch delicate cellular DNA and lipid membranes. Reduced glutathione (GSH) functions like a damp cellular sponge (thiol antioxidant). It donates electrons to quench these sparks instantly, transforming dangerous peroxides into harmless water (chemical formula: H2O) [2, 4].

2. The Tow Rope for Waste Elimination

Your liver processes metabolic waste in two stages. Phase I converts unwanted compounds into reactive intermediate molecules. In Phase II cleansing, glutathione acts like a biological tow rope (glutathione S-transferase conjugation) [2, 4]. The sulfur atom on glutathione binds directly to fat-soluble compounds, making them water-soluble so your kidneys and digestive system can wash them away safely [2, 4].

3. Elevating Circulating Body Stores

Human clinical trials demonstrate that daily oral supplementation with 250 mg of reduced glutathione effectively raises body stores of glutathione in red blood cells, whole blood, and mucosal cells [1]. Furthermore, glutathione helps support balanced melanin production pathways in skin cells, encouraging a brighter and more even tone [1, 3].

Daily Timing, Synergy & Realistic Timelines

Best Time to Take & Meal Pairing

Take 1 capsule daily, preferably on an empty stomach with a full 8-ounce glass of water (chemical formula: H2O). Your intestines use specialized transport gateways (PEPT transporters) to move intact peptide molecules into circulation [1]. Taking your capsule 30 to 45 minutes before breakfast ensures dietary food proteins do not compete for these entry gates [1]. If you have a sensitive digestive system, you can take it alongside a light piece of fruit without issue.

Daily Schedule: Morning vs. Evening

Morning administration is ideal. Taking your dose first thing in the morning aligns with your liver's natural circadian rhythms and equips your cells with antioxidant protection before daylight environmental stressors begin [1, 2].

Smart Pairings & Spacing Rules

  • ✓ Nutrient Partners: Pairs synergistically with Vitamin C (500 mg to 1,000 mg) and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Vitamin C donates electrons to recycle spent glutathione back into its active reduced state, amplifying its protective lifespan [2, 4].
  • ✗ Mineral & Heat Spacing: Allow a 2-hour window between this capsule and high-dose iron or copper supplements. Never swallow capsules with boiling hot beverages, as excessive heat can break fragile peptide bonds.

What to Expect Over Time

Days 1–7: Initial intestinal absorption and cellular uptake. Active tripeptides begin replenishing intracellular pools in erythrocytes and hepatic tissue [1].

Weeks 3–4: Measured tissue saturation. Peer-reviewed human trials show steady increases in whole-blood glutathione reserves and optimal natural killer cell activity [1, 2].

Months 2–3+: Cumulative cellular defense and metabolic balance. Sustained Phase II liver support and natural radiance for skin tone and vitality [1, 3].

Physical Feel, Sensory Traits & Clean Ingredients

Pill Format & Ease of Use

NOW L-Glutathione 250 mg comes in a small, smooth Size "1" vegetable capsule (measuring approximately 19 mm in length). The plant cellulose shell slides down easily with a sip of water, eliminating the throat scratchiness common with compressed tablets. If you prefer not to swallow capsules, you can gently pull the two halves apart and stir the fine powder into cold juice or applesauce.

Natural Aroma, Taste & Color

When you break the freshness seal, you will detect a faint sulfur or earthy scent. This mild aroma is completely normal and proof of active potency. Glutathione contains natural sulfur-bearing cysteine, which is the exact chemical group that captures free radicals. When swallowed whole, the capsule has no taste. The powder inside is a fine, uniform white-to-ivory color with no artificial food dyes.

Other Ingredients Demystified

Every non-active ingredient on the label serves a clean, essential purpose:

  • ✓ Hypromellose (cellulose capsule): A 100% vegetarian capsule shell crafted from natural plant cellulose that dissolves rapidly in the stomach without bovine gelatin.
  • ✓ Microcrystalline Cellulose: Clean, purified plant fiber used as a gentle, inert filler to ensure precise milligram uniformity in every capsule.
  • ✓ Ascorbyl Palmitate: A fat-soluble form of Vitamin C used as an all-natural antioxidant shield to prevent the reduced glutathione powder from oxidizing during storage.
  • ✓ Silicon Dioxide: A natural earth mineral that absorbs ambient humidity during encapsulation, preventing powder clumping and preserving shelf freshness.

Proper Storage & Eco-Conscious Packaging

Store your bottle in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct heat and bathroom moisture. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use. The amber bottle is crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin, keeping plastic out of oceans while shielding active nutrients from ultraviolet light degradation.

Manufacturer Quality & Lab Testing Standards

Never risk your health on commodity big box store vitamins. Mass-market retail shelves and discount online sellers frequently source private-label supplements from low-bid contract packers who skip fundamental laboratory analysis. Independent investigations routinely find budget brands contaminated with heavy metals, diluted with unlisted fillers, or degraded into inactive oxidized powder. NOW Foods protects your family with one of the most comprehensive analytical safety operations in the industry:

  • ✓ ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Analytical Laboratories: In-house chemists and microbiologists execute more than 19,000 to 31,000 distinct analytical tests each month across state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
  • ✓ ICP-MS Heavy Metal Testing (Parts-Per-Billion Precision): Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, every raw ingredient batch is screened for toxic lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury down to parts-per-billion (ppb) thresholds, easily beating California Proposition 65 and USP safety limits.
  • ✓ HPLC Molecular Fingerprinting: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography verifies that 100% of the active compound is authentic, unoxidized Reduced Glutathione (GSH), guaranteeing zero synthetic degradation or amino spiking.
  • ✓ Microbiological Pathogen Clearance: Complete culture bio-screening verifies zero presence of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, alongside strict mold and yeast limits.
  • ✓ Audited cGMP Manufacturing: Facilities hold an "A-rated" Good Manufacturing Practices registration through the Natural Products Association (NPA) and are independently certified by UL Solutions.

Complete Supplement Facts Panel

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule

Servings Per Container: 60

Description Amount per Serving % Daily Value
Glutathione (Reduced Form) 250 mg **

** Daily Value not established.

Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Ascorbyl Palmitate and Silicon Dioxide.

Allergen Declaration: Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Caution: For adults only. Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.

Natural color variation may occur in this product. Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. Store in a cool, dry place after opening. Family and Employee Owned. This bottle is made from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin.

Curator's Quality Note & Store Heritage

Manufactured by NOW Foods in an audited, cGMP-certified facility. Hand-selected, verified for raw material integrity, and shipped directly by VitaNet®, LLC. Established in 1995 with our storefront in Hartville, Ohio, VitaNet® brings over 31 years of trusted supplement curation and human nutritional biochemistry experience to your home. Every order is stored in climate-controlled facilities and backed by our BBB A+ accredited customer support team.

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Scientific References & Clinical Studies

  1. Richie JP Jr, Nichenametla S, Neidig W, Calcagnotto A, Haley JS, Schell TD, Muscat JE. "Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione." European Journal of Nutrition, 2015; 54(2): 251–263. [PMID: 24791752]
  2. Forman HJ, Zhang H, Rinna A. "Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis." Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 2009; 30(1-2): 1–12. [PMID: 18796369]
  3. Weschawalit S, Thongthip S, Phutrakool P, Asawanonda P. "Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects." Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017; 10: 147–153. [PMID: 28496357]
  4. Pizzorno J. "Glutathione!." Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, 2014; 13(1): 8–12. [PMID: 26770121]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open the NOW L-Glutathione 250 mg capsule and mix the powder into a drink?

Yes, you can easily pull the two halves of the vegetarian capsule apart and stir the powder into cold water, citrus juice, or applesauce. Keep in mind that active reduced glutathione naturally carries an earthy, sulfur-like taste. Stirring it into orange juice or tart lemonade helps mask the natural flavor, but swallowing the small vegetable capsule whole remains the easiest option.

Why does pure reduced glutathione have a distinct sulfur smell?

A faint sulfur aroma when you open the bottle is completely normal and proof of authentic quality. Glutathione contains the amino acid cysteine, which possesses a reactive sulfur-hydrogen bond (thiol group). This sulfur group is the exact molecular site that catches and neutralizes free radicals. A slight sulfur aroma confirms that the glutathione is biologically active and unoxidized.

Should I take this capsule on an empty stomach or with a meal?

For optimal absorption, take your capsule on an empty stomach with a full 8-ounce glass of water, either 30 to 45 minutes before breakfast or 2 hours after a meal. This prevents food proteins from competing for intestinal peptide absorption channels. If you have a sensitive stomach, taking it with a light piece of fruit is gentle on digestion.

Will taking this 250 mg glutathione capsule break an intermittent fast?

No. A single vegetable capsule contains virtually zero calories, sugars, or fat. Swallowing it with pure water during your morning fasting window will not spike blood glucose, raise insulin, or disrupt autophagy. In fact, a fasted gut provides the ideal environment for smooth tripeptide absorption.

Why is NOW Foods Reduced Glutathione safer than discount big box store brands?

Many discount brands cut costs by skipping raw material verification, risking oxidized ingredients and heavy metal contamination. NOW Foods screens every batch inside ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories using ICP-MS to detect heavy metals down to parts-per-billion levels and HPLC to guarantee 100% active, unoxidized reduced glutathione.



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