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Glutathione

The body's most abundant antioxidant, a tripeptide critical for detoxification, immune function, and cellular protection.

ModerateWell-Studied Beginner-Friendly

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This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a tripeptide (glutamate-cysteine-glycine) produced naturally in every cell of the body. It is the most abundant intracellular antioxidant and plays critical roles in detoxification, immune function, and protection against oxidative stress. Levels decline with age, stress, and illness. Supplementation is available in oral, liposomal, and IV forms, with multiple RCTs supporting benefits for skin health, diabetes, immune function, and aging.

Why People Talk About It

Antioxidant protection and detoxification

Strong

Immune system support

Moderate

Skin brightening and evening

Moderate

Liver protection and support

Moderate

Aging and longevity (GlyNAC supplementation)

Moderate

How It Works

Glutathione is your cells' primary defense against damage from toxins and free radicals. It neutralizes harmful molecules, recycles other antioxidants like vitamin C, and helps your liver process and eliminate toxins.

Common Questions

Safety Information

Important Safety Notes

Common Side Effects

Generally very well-toleratedMild GI discomfort (oral)Rare: bloating or cramping

Cautions

  • IV glutathione should be administered by healthcare professionals
  • May interact with chemotherapy drugs
  • Quality varies between supplement brands

What We Don't Know

Long-term safety of high-dose IV glutathione is not fully characterized, though the molecule itself is naturally abundant in the body.

Published Research

50 studies

Glutathione levels and activities of glutathione metabolism enzymes in patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Meta-AnalysisPMID: 31039654

Glutathione S-transferase M1 and glutathione S-transferase T1 genotype in chronic pancreatitis: a meta-analysis

Meta-AnalysisPMID: 25378345

The association of glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms in patients with osteosarcoma: evidence from a meta-analysis

Meta-AnalysisPMID: 24689813

Common polymorphic deletion of glutathione S-transferase theta predisposes to acquired aplastic anemia: Independent cohort and meta-analysis of 609 patients

Meta-AnalysisPMID: 23798465

Association of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 null polymorphisms with the development of cervical lesions: a meta-analysis

Meta-AnalysisPMID: 21962942

Glutathione as a skin-lightening agent and in melasma: a systematic review.

Systematic ReviewPMID: 39444151

The clinical effect of glutathione on skin color and other related skin conditions: A systematic review.

Systematic ReviewPMID: 30895708

Sodium benzoate treatment linked to increased glutathione levels and improved positive and negative symptoms, global function, and quality of life in patients with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 41401723

Effectiveness of oral glutathione in reducing nitric oxide and IL-1α concentrations for clinical improvement in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized controlled trial

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 41014073

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine as an adjuvant treatment for alcohol use disorder

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 41021585

Glutathione, Vitamin C, and Cysteine Use in Autistic Children With Disruptive Behavior: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Study

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 39960783

N-acetylcysteine modulates markers of oxidation, inflammation and infection in tuberculosis

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 39756697

Multi-omic analysis and platelet function distinguish treatment responses to hydroxytyrosol in cardiovascular risk

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 40619979

Efficacy and safety of injectable sodium hyaluronate with vitamin C, tranexamic acid, and glutathione for pigmented dark circles

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 41117156

Therapeutic effects of reduced glutathione on liver function, fibrosis, and HBV DNA clearance in chronic hepatitis B patients

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 39920583

Adjunctive N-Acetylcysteine and Lung Function in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 39189858

Effects of GSH on Alcohol Metabolism and Hangover Improvement in Humans: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Clinical Trial

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 39408229

Juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) improves time-to-exhaustion cycling performance and increased reduced glutathione: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, and triple-blind study

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 38502949

N-acetylcysteine does not alter neurometabolite levels in non-treatment seeking adolescents who use alcohol heavily: A preliminary randomized clinical trial

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 36878996

Combined Citrulline and Glutathione Supplementation Improves Endothelial Function and Blood Pressure Reactivity in Postmenopausal Women

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 37049398

The effects of L-Citrulline and Glutathione on Endurance performance in young adult trained males

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 37125500

Effect of long-term oral glutathione supplementation on gut microbiome of type 2 diabetic individuals

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 37935462

Response to Intravenous N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 37405379

Eight-week supplementation of Aronia berry extract promoted the glutathione defence system against acute aerobic exercise-induced oxidative load immediately and 30 min post-exercise in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomised controlled trial

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 36727618

Enhancing Supplemental Effects of Acute Natural Antioxidant Derived from Yeast Fermentation and Vitamin C on Sports Performance in Triathlon Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 37571262

Early and prolonged glutathione infusion favorably impacts length of hospital stay in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients: a subanalysis of the GSH2014 Trial

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 36083043

Improved glycemic control either alone, or combined with antioxidant supplementation, fails to restore blood glutathione or markers of oxidative stress in adolescents with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 37515943

Reduction of lead toxicity effects and enhancing the glutathione reservoir in green beans through spraying sulfur and serine and glutamine amino acids

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 36576620

Improvement on blood pressure and skin using roselle drink: A clinical trial

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 35758855

N-Acetylcysteine effects on glutathione and glutamate in schizophrenia: A preliminary MRS study

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 35839558

Dipeptide Extract Modulates the Oxi-Antioxidant Response to Intense Physical Exercise

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 35745133

Glutathione as an oral whitening agent: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Clinical TrialPMID: 20524875

Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione.

Clinical TrialPMID: 24791752

The effects of the oral supplementation of L-Cystine associated with reduced L-Glutathione-GSH on human skin pigmentation: a randomized, double-blinded, benchmark- and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Clinical TrialPMID: 33834608

Supplementing Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) in Older Adults Improves Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Inflammation, Physical Function, and Aging Hallmarks: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 35975308

The effects of 3 weeks of oral glutathione supplementation on whole body insulin sensitivity in obese males with and without type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial.

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 33740389

Oral Glutathione and Growth in Cystic Fibrosis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind Trial.

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 32960827

Combination of topical and oral glutathione as a skin-whitening agent: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 33871071

Effects of N-acetylcysteine, oral glutathione (GSH) and a novel sublingual form of GSH on oxidative stress markers: A comparative crossover study.

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 26262996

Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function.

Clinical TrialPMID: 28853742

Effects of Oral Liposomal Glutathione in Altering the Immune Responses Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the Mycobacterium bovis BCG Strain in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes.

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 34150674

Randomized, double-blind, pilot evaluation of intravenous glutathione in Parkinson's disease.

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 19230029

Reduced intravenous glutathione in the treatment of early Parkinson's disease.

Clinical TrialPMID: 8938817

Glutathione and immune function.

ReviewPMID: 11115795

Glutathione as a skin whitening agent: Facts, myths, evidence and controversies.

ReviewPMID: 27088927

Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects.

Clinical TrialPMID: 28490897

Glutathione supplementation suppresses muscle fatigue induced by prolonged exercise via improved aerobic metabolism.

Clinical TrialPMID: 25685110

A clinical trial of glutathione supplementation in autism spectrum disorders.

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 22129897

Impact of Glutathione and Vitamin B-6 in Cirrhosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Follow-Up Study.

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 32635181

Randomized Clinical Trial of How Long-Term Glutathione Supplementation Offers Protection from Oxidative Damage and Improves HbA1c in Elderly Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 35624890

Always consult a qualified clinician

This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician

Related Peptides

Quick Facts

Class
Tripeptide Antioxidant
Evidence
Moderate
Safety
Well-Studied
Updated
Mar 2026
Citations
50PubMed

Also known as

GSHL-GlutathioneThe Master Antioxidant

Tags

AntioxidantDetoxificationImmuneSkin HealthLongevity

Evidence Score

Overall Confidence78%

Clinical Trials

View Clinical Trials

Links to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.

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