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.

Is Glutathione FDA approved?

No, Glutathione is not FDA approved. Current status: GRAS Status (Generally Recognized As Safe) - Extensive Human Research

What are the side effects of Glutathione?

Reported side effects of Glutathione include: 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.

What is the typical dosing for Glutathione?

Multiple administration routes available. Common doses observed in research: 500-1000 mg oral daily, 600-1200 mg IV (clinical settings), 250-500 mg liposomal daily. Duration: Ongoing supplementation or 4-12 week courses. Administration: Oral, liposomal, IV, or subcutaneous.

Anti-Aging

Glutathione

Also known as: L-Glutathione, GSH, Reduced Glutathione, γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine

Clinical Trials

Popular For

Detoxification, antioxidant support, skin health, anti-aging

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

Also Known As

L-Glutathione, GSH, Reduced Glutathione, γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine

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.

Clinical Status:GRAS Status (Generally Recognized As Safe) - Extensive Human Research

Trial Progress:Preclinical

Pre

III

FDA

Dosing Information

Human Trials·Multiple human clinical trials, GRAS status

Typical DosingⓘDoses commonly used by people in practice, based on community reports and anecdotal experience.

Community experience

Common Dose

500-1000 mg daily (oral or liposomal)

Range

250-2000 mg daily depending on form

Frequency

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ⓘDoses from published scientific studies and clinical trials. May include human or animal research.

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 Trials

A neuropeptide that promotes deep delta wave sleep. First isolated from rabbit brains in 1977. Used for sleep optimization and stress reduction.

Anti-Aging

Humanin

Preclinical

A mitochondria-derived peptide discovered for its neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's-related toxicity. Being studied for aging and metabolic benefits.

Anti-Aging

NAD+ Precursors

Clinical Trials

While not peptides, NAD+ precursors are frequently discussed alongside peptides in longevity circles. They boost cellular NAD+ levels, supporting energy metabolism and sirtuin activity.

Anti-Aging

SS-31

FDA

A mitochondria-targeted peptide that improves cellular energy production. FDA approved for Barth syndrome (September 2025) as FORZINITY, the first approved mitochondria-targeted therapeutic.

Anti-Aging

FOXO4-DRI

Preclinical

A senolytic peptide designed to selectively eliminate senescent 'zombie' cells by disrupting the FOXO4-p53 interaction. Shows promise for restoring tissue function in aging, including kidney health restoration.

Anti-Aging

Vesilute

Preclinical

A synthetic dipeptide (Glu-Asp) bioregulator from the Khavinson peptide family, studied for urinary tract and prostate support. Research suggests it may help with bladder function and prostate microcirculation. Part of the tissue-specific bioregulatory compounds developed over 40+ years of research.

Anti-Aging

How to Use Glutathione Glutathione Alternatives Compare with Similar Browse All Peptides

Looking for a trusted vendor?

Pro members get access to verified vendors with quality standards & exclusive discount codes.

View Verified Vendors

PRO

Want updates on Glutathione research?

Subscribe to get notified when we add new research findings, protocol updates, and related peptide information.

Back to all peptides