Anti-AgingAlso known as: GSH, L-Glutathione, Reduced Glutathione

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.

Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team

·Last updated: April 2026·Evidence: Moderate·2 peer-reviewed citations

Quick Stats

Half-Life~2-3 hours (IV)

Dose Range200-600 mg (SubQ/IV)

Frequency1-3× weekly

Vial Sizes200 mg

BioavailabilityIV or SubQ injection (oral poorly absorbed)

Year Developed1921

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula

C10H17N3O6S

Molecular Weight

307.32 g/mol

CAS Number

70-18-8

PubChem ID

124886

Developer

Frederick Gowland Hopkins (Nobel 1929, identified in tissue)

Mechanism of Action

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

✓Antioxidant restoration and oxidative stress reduction
✓Liver detoxification support (primary use of IV glutathione clinically)
✓Parkinson's disease neuroprotection (IV protocol)
✓Post-chemotherapy immune and cellular recovery support
✓Skin brightening via melanin synthesis inhibition

Dosing Protocol

Typical Dose	200-600 mg (SubQ/IV)
Frequency	1-3× weekly
Half-Life	~1.6 hours
Common Vial Sizes	200 mg

Dosing Protocols

Antioxidant / Detox (SubQ)

Dose

200 - 600 mg

Frequency

3-5x per week SC

Note: Subcutaneous injection for antioxidant, detox, and immune support. Convenient for home use.

High-Dose IV (Clinic)

Dose

1200 - 2400 mg

Frequency

1-3x per week IV

Note: Clinical setting. Used for Parkinson's, skin brightening, heavy metal detox protocols.

Administration

Route

Subcutaneous injection or IV infusion

Timing

Any time. No fasting required.

Fasting Required?

No — food timing not critical

Expected Timeline

Week 1-2

Improved energy, skin clarity, and antioxidant markers.

Month 1-2

Improved liver enzymes (ALT/AST) in those with liver stress. Enhanced immune function.

Who Is It For?

Antioxidant / Longevity

Moderate

Master antioxidant. Injectable form provides significantly higher bioavailability than oral supplements.

Liver Detoxification

Moderate

Essential for phase II liver detoxification. Clinical use in liver disease and toxin exposure.

Parkinson's Disease

Low

IV glutathione used clinically for Parkinson's symptom management. Reduces oxidative stress in dopaminergic neurons.

Reconstitution Example

Vial

200 mg

Water

2 mL

Concentration

100 mg/mL

Per Unit (100u syringe)

1000 mcg

Dose of 200000 mcg = 200 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe

🧮 Calculate Your Exact Glutathione Dose →

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

FDA Status (US)

Research Only

WADA Status (2026)

Not Listed

Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change — verify before competition.

Classification

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.

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

+ NAD+ →

NAD+ is required for glutathione recycling (GR enzyme is NADPH-dependent). Together they form a comprehensive cellular redox protection system.

+ SS-31 →

SS-31 protects mitochondrial inner membrane; glutathione protects cytoplasmic and nuclear DNA. Together cover all cellular compartments from oxidative damage.

Dosing Quick Reference

Glutathione— Dosing Guide

Dose Range

200-600 mg (SubQ/IV)

Half-Life

~1.6 hours

Frequency

1-3× weekly

Route

Subcutaneous

200 mg vial

💧 2 mL BAC water|📐 100 mg/mL concentration|💉 1000 mcg/unit (100u syringe)

Anti-Agingcalcmypeptide.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why inject glutathione instead of taking it orally?▼

Oral glutathione has poor bioavailability — most is broken down in the GI tract before absorption. Injectable (SubQ or IV) glutathione bypasses digestion, delivering significantly higher intracellular levels.

Can glutathione lighten skin?▼

High-dose IV glutathione shifts melanin synthesis toward lighter pheomelanin. This is a use in some cultures but is not an FDA-approved indication. Medical guidance is recommended.

References

Wu G et al. “"Glutathione and its antiproliferative effects".” Amino Acids (2004). PMID: 15558275

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