Library / Peptides / Longevity & Anti-Aging / Glutathione

Strong evidence · Grade A

Glutathione

Glutathione (L-Glutathione / GSH)

Evidence

Strong Evidence

Route

Oral, Intravenous, or Nebulized

Frequency

Oral: daily; IV: 1-2x weekly

Mechanism.

Glutathione is a tripeptide (glutamate-cysteine-glycine) that is the body's most abundant and important intracellular antioxidant. It is produced naturally in every cell and plays critical roles in detoxification, immune function, and protection against oxidative stress. Glutathione levels decline with age and are depleted by chronic illness, toxin exposure, and poor nutrition. It is available as oral supplements, liposomal formulations, and injectable (IV/IM) preparations.

Glutathione is like the janitorial and recycling crew in every cell of your body. It sweeps up toxic waste (free radicals), bags it for disposal (conjugation), and even recharges the other cleaning supplies (vitamins C and E) so they can keep working.

Mechanism · technical

Glutathione neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals directly through its thiol group, cycling between its reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms via glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes. It is essential for Phase II liver detoxification, where it conjugates with toxins and drug metabolites to make them water-soluble for excretion. Glutathione also regenerates other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, maintains protein thiol status, and supports T-cell and NK cell function in the immune system.

Part 02 · Dosing & administration

How it's taken.

Values below describe how Glutathione has been administered in published trials and labeling. Provided for educational purposes only — this is not medical advice and not instructions for self-administration. Consult your healthcare provider before making any health decision.

Standard dose

500-2000 mg oral; 600-2000 mg IV

Oral, Intravenous, or Nebulized · Oral: daily; IV: 1-2x weekly

Duration

Ongoing as tolerated

Oral bioavailability is debated — liposomal forms may improve absorption. S-acetyl glutathione and liposomal GSH have better oral bioavailability. IV administration bypasses absorption issues.

Need help with reconstitution?

Use the free peptide calculator for dilution, unit conversion, and injection volume.

Open calculator

Part 03 · Safety

Side effects, rare serious events, who shouldn't.

Reported side effects

Generally very well tolerated. Oral glutathione may cause mild GI symptoms including bloating and cramping. IV glutathione can rarely cause allergic reactions, headache, or rash. Long-term high-dose IV glutathione has been anecdotally associated with zinc depletion. Inhaled glutathione may cause bronchospasm in asthmatics.

Absolute · do not use

Known hypersensitivity to glutathione or any component

Pregnancy or breastfeeding (IV/injectable forms; oral supplementation generally considered low risk)

Asthma (inhaled glutathione may trigger bronchospasm)

Interactions

Chemotherapy agents (cisplatin, doxorubicin)

Glutathione may reduce efficacy of platinum-based and other chemotherapy agents by enhancing drug detoxification

Major

Acetaminophen

Glutathione is the primary detoxification pathway for acetaminophen; supplementation may be protective but alters metabolism

Minor

Nitroglycerin

Glutathione may potentiate nitrate-induced vasodilation and hypotension

Moderate

Labs to monitor

CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)

Baseline and every 3 months

Liver function baseline and monitoring

CBC with Differential

Baseline and every 6 months

General safety monitoring

Glutathione Level (RBC or serum)

Baseline and at 8 weeks (optional)

Assess baseline and response to supplementation

Thyroid Panel

Baseline

High-dose IV glutathione has rare thyroid interaction reports

Part 04 · Evidence

How strong is the evidence?

Scores derived from rating, indexed studies, regulatory status, and catalogued safety data for this peptide. Curated per-peptide scoring replaces this when available.

Grade B

Grade B. Evidence is strongest where indications match regulatory approval — pair with a clinician when applying beyond label.

Clinical efficacy

Rating reflects consistent peer-reviewed evidence in its indication.

Study quality

2 indexed studies in our dataset. Designs vary — see Research log for per-study grades.

Regulatory clarity

FDA-approved for at least one indication.

Safety profile

Based on 3 documented contraindications, 3 interactions, 4 lab checkpoints.

Long-term data

Years of post-approval surveillance available.

Part 05 · Research log

Every study we cite.

Each study with its published finding and a plain-language note on limitations or funding.

2018

Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione

Liposomal GSH supplementation increased blood GSH levels and improved immune markers

Small pilot RCT; well-designed

PMID 29559382 ↗

2017

Efficacy of glutathione for treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Oral glutathione reduced ALT and markers of liver damage in NAFLD patients

Small study; open-label

PMID 29129439 ↗

Part 06 · Cost & access

Where you can get it.

Regulatory status

Glutathione is available as a dietary supplement (oral, liposomal) without a prescription. Injectable glutathione (IV/IM) is available through clinics and compounding pharmacies with a prescription. It is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for oral use. Not FDA-approved as a drug for any specific indication.

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Part 07 · Your appointment

Questions to bring.

What is the best delivery method for glutathione — oral, liposomal, or IV?

Should I measure my glutathione levels before supplementing?

Would NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) be a better option for boosting my glutathione?

How does glutathione interact with my current medications, especially chemotherapy?

What dose and frequency of IV glutathione is appropriate for my condition?

Are there any risks of supplementing glutathione long-term?