Glutathione

Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It is the body's most abundant intracellular antioxidant and is found in every cell, with especially high concentrations in the liver. Glutathione is not a research-only compound — it has decades of clinical and supplemental use as an antioxidant, detoxification cofactor, and intravenous nutritional therapy. It is sold in oral, liposomal, inhaled, and intravenous research and clinical formats.

Glutathione is the master antioxidant your body makes from three amino acids. It neutralizes free radicals, recycles other antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E, and is essential for liver detoxification. Glutathione levels drop with age, chronic illness, intense exercise, alcohol use, and exposure to toxins. Online, it is one of the most-discussed antioxidant compounds — particularly in IV therapy clinics — and is famously used in some Asian markets for skin-brightening.

Glutathione exists in reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms. The reduced form donates electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species, becoming oxidized in the process. Glutathione peroxidase uses GSH to neutralize hydrogen peroxide; glutathione-S-transferase uses GSH to conjugate and neutralize a wide range of toxins for excretion. The GSH/GSSG ratio is a primary cellular indicator of oxidative stress. Glutathione also inhibits tyrosinase, which is why high-dose IV glutathione is associated with skin pigmentation lightening.

• •Oxidative stress and aging
• •Liver detoxification (paracetamol overdose treatment with NAC)
• •Neurodegenerative disease research (Parkinson's)
• •Skin pigmentation modulation
• •Athletic recovery and inflammation
• •Mitochondrial function

Glutathione is everywhere — IV bars, supplement aisles, biohacker podcasts. The most active discussions center on bioavailability (oral glutathione is poorly absorbed; liposomal, sublingual, inhaled, and IV forms are favored), skin-lightening protocols, and combinations with N-acetylcysteine (NAC, a glutathione precursor) for upregulating endogenous production.

“The body's master antioxidant.”

Most commonly combined with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a precursor strategy, with vitamin C and alpha-lipoic acid to recycle and amplify antioxidant effects, and with B-vitamins and selenium as cofactors for glutathione-utilizing enzymes.

Glutathione is the body's master intracellular antioxidant — a tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It supports liver detoxification, neutralizes oxidative stress, and is widely used in oral, liposomal, inhaled, and IV formats. It is one of the most-discussed peptides in antioxidant and longevity research.