Glutathione
Also sold as GSH.
- Half-life
- 4 h
- Steady state
- ~1 d
- Class
- Antioxidant
- Category
- Supplement
Published population averages. Steady state is the usual five half-life rule of thumb, not a measurement. See peptide half-life, explained.
Overview
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) and the most abundant intracellular antioxidant in the human body. It is central to detoxification, immune function, and cellular redox balance. Levels decline significantly with age, oxidative stress, chronic disease, and toxin exposure. IV and subcutaneous supplementation bypasses the poor oral bioavailability of reduced glutathione.
How it works
Acts as the primary intracellular redox buffer, cycling between reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms. Conjugates toxins via glutathione S-transferase (Phase II detox) for biliary/renal excretion. Recycles vitamins C and E back to their active forms. Maintains mitochondrial membrane integrity. Regulates immune cell proliferation and T-cell function. Protects DNA from oxidative damage.
Half-life and peak
IV glutathione has a plasma half-life of approximately 10–15 minutes (rapidly taken up by cells). Intracellular levels remain elevated for 4–6 hours. Subcutaneous injection provides slower absorption with 1–2 hour peak. Oral liposomal glutathione shows improved bioavailability vs standard oral. Typical IV dose: 600–2000 mg.
What it is studied for
Oxidative stress reduction, liver detoxification, immune support, Parkinson's disease (dopaminergic protection), skin lightening, heavy metal chelation, chronic disease prevention, aging.
Research status
Extensively studied biochemistry (over 140,000 PubMed citations). IV glutathione used clinically in Europe/Asia for liver disease and Parkinson's. Limited RCTs for most indications. Oral NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is an approved GSH precursor. Injectable glutathione available through compounding pharmacies.
Sources
- Glutathione in health and disease — J. Nutrition · doi.org
- Glutathione and aging — Free Radical Biology & Medicine · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Glutathione and immune function — European J. Clinical Nutrition · doi.org
- Oral vs IV glutathione bioavailability · doi.org
Educational reference only. This page describes what is published about a compound; it is not medical advice, not a recommendation to take anything, and not a dosing guide. Several compounds in this catalog are investigational and are not approved medicines. Talk to a doctor.