Glutathione
GSH · L-Glutathione · Reduced Glutathione
Glutathione (GSH) is universally medically revered as the body's "Master Antioxidant" - an endogenous tripeptide (cysteine, glycine, glutamic acid) that dictates total systemic liver detoxification and aggressive cellular defense. Plunging Glutathione levels are the primary biochemical marker of severe chronic illness, toxin overload, and accelerated aging. Delivered primarily via IV or subcutaneous injection to aggressively bypass destructive poor oral bioavailability, it acts as a molecular "sponge," hunting and permanently neutralizing lethal heavy metals, radical oxidative stress, and catastrophic chemical hepatotoxins.
Use-case scores
0–10 against the evidence we have, not a gym ranking. Hidden domains do not apply here.
- Skin / cosmetic3/10
IV glutathione is a skin-lightening clinic product in some markets. That is not a medical indication here.
- Longevity / aging2/10
Endogenous antioxidant. Exogenous IV is not a detox NDA.
Compound card
- Class
- Tripeptide antioxidant (GSH), not a drug for disease
- Formula
- C10H17N3O6S
- Status
- Not FDA-approved · research use
How it works
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (L-glutamate, L-cysteine, glycine) and the body's primary endogenous antioxidant. It exists in reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms, and the GSH:GSSG ratio is a key indicator of cellular redox health.
Glutathione directly neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS), regenerates vitamins C and E, conjugates xenobiotics for phase II liver detoxification, and supports T-cell proliferation for immune function. Injectable glutathione bypasses GI tract degradation, providing significantly higher bioavailability than oral supplements.
Source: PMID: 9342880
Background & History
Glutathione (GSH) is the body's master antioxidant - a tripeptide (Glu-Cys-Gly) present in every cell at millimolar concentrations. First characterized in 1921 by Frederick Gowland Hopkins, it is the primary defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and xenobiotics. Glutathione levels decline 10–15% per decade after age 30 and are dramatically reduced in chronic disease, intense exercise, and toxic exposures. IV glutathione is used clinically for Parkinson's disease neuroprotection, chemotherapy side effect mitigation, and skin brightening.
Research Use Cases
- ✓Identity: tripeptide you already synthesize vs an IV SKU
- ✓Not a Parkinson, chemo, or skin-bleaching protocol on this site
- ✓Oral vs IV exposure are different products
Dosing
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant / Detox (SubQ) | 200 - 600 mg | 3-5x per week SC | Subcutaneous injection for antioxidant, detox, and immune support. Convenient for home use. |
| High-Dose IV (Clinic) | 1200 - 2400 mg | 1-3x per week IV | Clinical setting. Used for Parkinson's, skin brightening, heavy metal detox protocols. |
Administration
Timeline
Who it is for
Antioxidant / Longevity
ModerateMaster antioxidant. Injectable form provides significantly higher bioavailability than oral supplements.
Liver Detoxification
ModerateEssential for phase II liver detoxification. Clinical use in liver disease and toxin exposure.
Parkinson's Disease
LowIV glutathione used clinically for Parkinson's symptom management. Reduces oxidative stress in dopaminergic neurons.
Reconstitution
| Vial | Water | Concentration | Example dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 mg lyophilized | 2 mL BAC | 100 mg/mL | Clinic IV doses are hundreds of mg. Match the vial label; do not invent a longevity mg/kg. |
Change vial size or water volume? Open the reconstitution calculator.
Safety & Considerations
Naturally occurring essential antioxidant. Injectable glutathione is generally safe. Rare side effects include mild nausea. IV may rarely cause zinc depletion with very high doses. Not recommended in asthmatics at high IV doses.
Regulatory & Legal Status
Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change - verify before competition.
Compounded Drug (Rx)
US Compounding: Available via licensed pharmacy Rx
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.
Limits of current evidence
- Oral GSH has poor intact bioavailability. IV is a different product class.
- This site will not treat liver failure, Parkinson disease, or “toxin load” from this page.
Verdict
Glutathione is γ-Glu-Cys-Gly. Your liver already makes it. IV/SubQ vials are a clinic SKU, not a cure for liver disease or a legal skin-bleaching protocol on this site.
Interactions & Contraindications
IV glutathione rapidly oxidizes - must be freshly prepared and infused quickly. Do not mix in IV with other drugs. Oral bioavailability very low - injectable or liposomal forms preferred. May theoretically reduce efficacy of some platinum-based chemotherapy (cisplatin) - consult oncologist.
Synergies & Common Stacks
Frequently Asked Questions
Why inject glutathione instead of taking it orally?▼
Can glutathione lighten skin?▼
References
- Wu G et al. “"Glutathione and its antiproliferative effects".” Amino Acids (2004). PMID: 15558275
- Forman HJ, et al. “Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis.” Mol Aspects Med (2009). PMID: 18601945
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