Glutathione
Also known as: L-Glutathione, GSH, Reduced Glutathione, γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine
Key Facts: Glutathione
- Category
- Anti-Aging
- FDA Status
- Not FDA Approved
- Clinical Status
- GRAS Status (Generally Recognized As Safe) - Extensive Human Research
- Administration
- Oral, liposomal, IV, or subcutaneous
- Typical Dose
- 500-1000 mg daily (oral or liposomal)
- Frequency
- 1-2x daily
- Evidence Level
- Human Trials
- Duration
- Ongoing supplementation or 4-12 week courses
What to Expect
The body's master antioxidant - a tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. Found in every cell at concentrations similar to glucose (5mM). Essential for detoxification, immune function, and cellular protection against oxidative stress.
Mechanism of Action
Glutathione directly neutralizes free radicals including superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and nitric oxide. It regenerates other antioxidants like vitamins C and E. Through glutathione peroxidase enzymes, it detoxifies peroxides and lipid peroxides. The GSH/GSSG ratio (typically >100:1 in healthy cells) determines cellular redox status. Also critical for Phase II liver detoxification, binding toxins for excretion.
Research Summary
Extensive research across multiple therapeutic areas. Clinical trials show benefits for liver health, skin lightening (via melanin modulation), neurodegenerative conditions, and immune support. FDA grants GRAS status for food use. Studies on Parkinson's patients showed symptom improvement with IV administration. Liposomal forms show improved bioavailability in clinical studies.
Dosing Information
Typical Dosingⓘ
Community experience
500-1000 mg daily (oral or liposomal)
250-2000 mg daily depending on form
1-2x daily
Liposomal forms show better absorption than standard oral. IV provides rapid increases but effects fade after ~2 months. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an alternative to boost endogenous GSH production. Consider with vitamin C for enhanced recycling.
Research Dosingⓘ
Scientific studies
Multiple administration routes available
Doses from Studies
500 mg oral twice daily for 6 months
Clinical Trial - Randomized controlled trial on GSH supplementation ↗
500-1000 mg liposomal daily
Clinical Trial - Liposomal GSH pilot study showing 40% blood level increase ↗
1400 mg IV 3x weekly for 4 weeks
Clinical Trial - Parkinson's disease symptom improvement study ↗
Duration
Ongoing supplementation or 4-12 week courses
Administration
Oral, liposomal, IV, or subcutaneous
Timing & Administration
Best Time to Take
Morning on empty stomach, or evening
Once or twice daily
Food Recommendation
Take on empty stomach
Why This Timing?
Absorption may be improved on empty stomach. Some prefer evening to support overnight detoxification and cellular repair processes.
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.
- ●Generally well-tolerated
- ●Oral: bloating, mild cramping, gas
- ●Oral: loose stools in some users
- ●IV: injection site reactions
- ●IV: rare cases of hepatotoxicity reported
- ●IV: FDA warns of potential contamination risks with compounded forms
- ●May cause flushing
- ●Potential weight gain (rare)
- ●Inhaled form may exacerbate asthma
References
Related Peptides
Peptides commonly compared with Glutathione or used in similar applications.
DSIP
Clinical TrialsA neuropeptide that promotes deep delta wave sleep. First isolated from rabbit brains in 1977. Used for sleep optimization and stress reduction.
Anti-AgingHumanin
PreclinicalA mitochondria-derived peptide discovered for its neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's-related toxicity. Being studied for aging and metabolic benefits.
Anti-AgingNAD+ Precursors
Clinical TrialsWhile not peptides, NAD+ precursors are frequently discussed alongside peptides in longevity circles. They boost cellular NAD+ levels, supporting energy metabolism and sirtuin activity.
Anti-AgingSS-31
Clinical TrialsA mitochondria-targeted peptide that improves cellular energy production. Being developed for heart failure and mitochondrial diseases.
Anti-AgingBPC-157
PreclinicalA synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. Known for its remarkable tissue healing properties across multiple body systems.
HealingTB-500
Clinical TrialsA synthetic 17-amino acid fragment of Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-4). NOT the same as TB-4 - TB-500 has a longer half-life (~2-4 days vs ~2 hours) and is the active region responsible for tissue repair and cell migration. Note: Many vendors mislabel TB-4 as 'TB-500' in premixed products.
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Educational Information Only
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before making any decisions about peptides or other substances. The protocols listed reflect doses observed in research studies, not recommendations.