Glutathione

Glutathione

L-Glutathione (GSH, reduced)

Master antioxidant for detoxification and skin health

Anti-AgingLongevity ★ 75
Half-life
Plasma half-life under 10 minutes (IV); effects from regular dosing fade within weeks of stopping
Cycle
Visible skin effects appear 2-4 weeks in, plateau over 4-12 weeks. All effects reverse within weeks of stopping. No strict cycling required for oral; injectable users typically run 8-12 week blocks with breaks.
Storage
Lyophilized vial: freezer at -20°C long-term. Reconstituted or pre-mixed solution: refrigerate at 2-8°C, protect from light. Discard if yellow or cloudy. Ready-to-inject solutions follow product label, typically 30 days refrigerated.
Research
Mixed human RCT data for skin lightening; injectable forms unapproved with FDA safety warnings

About

A tripeptide of cysteine, glutamine, and glycine that serves as the body's most abundant endogenous antioxidant. Produced in every cell, glutathione neutralizes reactive oxygen species, recycles vitamins C and E, and supports phase II liver detoxification. Available as oral capsules, liposomal preparations, sublingual lozenges, subcutaneous injection, and intravenous infusion. Best-studied human effect is modest, reversible skin lightening; injectable use carries notable safety concerns and is not FDA-approved.

Mechanism

Donates electrons via its cysteine thiol to neutralize free radicals, then is recycled by glutathione reductase. Inhibits the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase, shifting eumelanin synthesis toward lighter pheomelanin. Cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase detoxification pathways.

Dosage

250-500 mg
Once daily
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Draw to 150000 units on a U-100 insulin syringe

1,200 mg lyophilized · 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water BAC

Route
Oral (capsule) or liposomal
Duration
4-8 weeks

When to take: Empty stomach is traditional but not proven necessary. Injectable doses morning or early afternoon. Stack with NAC and vitamin C to support endogenous regeneration.

Reconstitution

Vial size (mg): 1,200 mg lyophilized · BAC water (mL): 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water · Concentration: 400 mg/mL

Some products ship as ready-to-inject solution (no reconstitution needed). Inject water down vial wall and swirl gently — do not shake.

Benefits

  • Modest, reversible skin lightening in sun-exposed areas
  • Supports liver detoxification and phase II conjugation
  • Replenishes systemic antioxidant capacity
  • May improve NAFLD liver enzyme markers in small trials
  • Reduces oxidative stress biomarkers

Side effects

  • Oral: bloating, loose stools, mild cramping
  • IV: flushing, dizziness, rare anaphylaxis
  • Injectable: risk of endotoxin contamination (FDA warning 2019)
  • Sulfur smell on breath or skin
  • Rare acute liver injury reported with IV use

Gender notes

No sex-specific dosing differences documented.

Cautions

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Asthma (inhaled forms may trigger bronchospasm)
  • G6PD deficiency, especially with high-dose IV vitamin C
  • Active sulfa allergy (caution)
  • Concurrent chemotherapy without oncology approval

Research

Stacks well with

NAD+GHK-CuEpitalon
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