Glutathione

The Master Antioxidant of Cellular Defense and Detoxification

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide molecule composed of three amino acids—glutamine, cysteine, and glycine—and is considered the body’s most powerful endogenous antioxidant. Found in every cell, especially in the liver, glutathione plays a critical role in neutralizing free radicals, detoxifying harmful substances, regenerating other antioxidants, and supporting immune and mitochondrial function.

Its importance is so profound that low glutathione levels have been linked to nearly every major chronic disease, including cancer, neurodegeneration, autoimmune conditions, metabolic syndrome, and accelerated aging.

Nickname: “The Master Antioxidant” — for its central role in redox balance, detox, and cellular defense.

Key Biological Functions of Glutathione

🧪 Antioxidant Protection

  • Neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals
  • Regenerates other antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E

🛡️ Detoxification Support

  • Conjugates to heavy metals, pollutants, and toxins via the glutathione-S-transferase system
  • Essential for Phase II liver detox pathways

🧬 DNA and Mitochondrial Protection

  • Prevents oxidative DNA damage and mutations
  • Supports energy production and reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress

🧠 Neuroprotection

  • Critical for reducing neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity
  • Shown to benefit conditions like Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and brain fog

⚙️ Immune Regulation

  • Enhances T-cell function, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and cytokine balance
  • Modulates chronic inflammation and autoimmune overactivity

Reference: Pizzorno J. “Glutathione!” Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):8–12.

Signs of Glutathione Deficiency

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Frequent illness or infections
  • Poor recovery from workouts or illness
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Poor tolerance to alcohol, medications, or environmental toxins

Low glutathione is often seen in individuals with chronic stress, heavy toxin exposure, poor diet, alcohol use, or chronic disease states.

Therapeutic and Clinical Uses of Glutathione

✅ Liver Support

  • Enhances detoxification in cases of fatty liver, hepatitis, and alcohol-related liver disease
  • Often used to support chelation therapy and remove heavy metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic

✅ Skin Brightening

  • Inhibits melanin synthesis by interacting with tyrosinase
  • Used cosmetically to promote even skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and glow

✅ Anti-Aging

  • Protects DNA and mitochondria from oxidative damage
  • Promotes youthful cell function and detox capacity

✅ Athletic Recovery

  • Reduces muscle fatigue and oxidative stress
  • Supports energy production and post-workout regeneration

✅ Neurological Health

  • Used in Parkinson’s, autism spectrum disorders, and multiple sclerosis for its neuroprotective effects
  • May improve memory, mental clarity, and mood regulation

Forms of Glutathione Supplementation

💉 IV or Injectable Glutathione

  • Highest bioavailability
  • Rapid detox support and systemic antioxidant effect
  • Often combined with Vitamin C or NAD+ in IV protocols

💊 Oral Glutathione (Liposomal or Acetylated)

  • Liposomal glutathione shows improved absorption over plain oral forms
  • May require higher doses due to digestive breakdown

🌬️ Nebulized or Inhaled

  • Targets the lungs directly—used in asthma, COPD, or post-viral lung recovery protocols

🧬 Precursor Support (NAC, Glycine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid)

  • Boosts the body’s own production of glutathione
  • Often combined with glutathione for synergistic effects

Reference: Richie JP, et al. “Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function.” Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015;69(9):929–935.

Dosing and Safety

Injectable Glutathione:

  • Dose range: 600–2,000 mg per injection
  • Frequency: 1–3x weekly (often in IV or SC form)
  • Often combined with Vitamin C, ALA, or NAD+ in wellness protocols

Oral/Liposomal Glutathione:

  • Typical dose: 250–1,000 mg daily

Safety: Glutathione is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. Rare reactions may include:

  • Mild flushing or nausea (especially with IV use)
  • Temporary sulfur-like body odor (due to detox pathway activation)

Conclusion

Glutathione is foundational to human health—playing a central role in detoxification, immunity, energy production, and aging defense. Whether you’re seeking to restore wellness, protect your body from environmental stressors, recover faster, or maintain peak performance, glutathione is a cornerstone molecule in any advanced wellness protocol.