Glutathione

Glutathione may support a range of physiological concerns where endogenous levels are depleted due to high oxidative stress, inflammation-related factors, or immune system balance. In addition, it plays an independent role in liver detoxification by aiding the elimination of harmful substances. Glutathione may help with the following:

• Cognitive function^1,2
• Lung and airway function^1,2
• Metabolic health²
• Suboptimal immune function^1,5
• Cardiovascular function^1,2
• Long-term Fatigue⁶
• Skin Tone & Overall Skin Health^7,8
• Digestive tract⁹
• Liver detoxification/Removal of heavy metals from the brain^10,11
• Balanced immune response¹²
• Nerve function¹³
• Gum health¹⁴
• Hallmarks of Aging^15,16
• Mood and mental health^3,4,17
• Post-workout recovery¹⁸

• Excessive glutathione supplementation may impair immune signaling.¹⁹
• Individuals with pre-existing kidney disease should avoid high dose glutathione.
• Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals due to a lack of appropriate data.
• Glutathione may exert a limited mood-regulation effect in patients already on a medication regimen that harnesses anti-inflammatory pathways.³

Handling Requirements

• Keep away from children and pets

Glutathione (GSH) functions primarily as a potent intracellular antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) through its sulfur-containing thiol group. GSH is converted to its oxidized form (GSSG) by donating its electrons to neutralize free radicals. By donating electrons, it helps stabilize these reactive molecules and may support cellular defense against oxidative damage to cells. It also plays a key role in detoxification by binding to toxins, rendering them less harmful, and making them more water-soluble and easier for the body to excrete. Additionally, glutathione supports immune function by aiding in the activation and regulation of immune cells. It helps maintain cellular homeostasis by modulating oxidative stress, assisting in protein repair, supporting mitochondrial function, sustaining DNA integrity, and influencing inflammatory pathways.^1,2,15

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT COMPOUNDED MEDICATIONS

This medication has been compounded (custom-prepared) by a pharmacy. Compounded medications are specially prepared for individual patient needs based on a valid prescription from a prescribing healthcare practitioner and, as such, are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy. Compounded drugs are intended for patients whose prescriber has determined their medical needs are not met by an available FDA-approved drug. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

This compounded preparation:

• Has not been approved by the FDA
• Has not undergone FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality
• Is prepared specifically for you based on your prescriber's order
• Individual outcomes may vary

Dosing is determined by the prescribing provider based on patient-specific factors. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Compounded medications are not subject to FDA approval and lack the same safety and efficacy data as FDA-approved commercial medications. This medication should be prescribed and monitored by a licensed healthcare professional familiar with the condition being addressed and the specific applications of the medication.

1. Pizzorno J. Glutathione!. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):8-12.
2. Lushchak VI. Glutathione homeostasis and functions: potential targets for medical interventions. J Amino Acids. 2012;2012:736837. doi:10.1155/2012/736837
3. Eshkevari, Ladan, et al. “Efficacy of addition of the anti-inflammatory, IV glutathione to standard ketamine IV therapy in major depressive disorder.” Psychiatry Research 337 (2024): 115949.
4. Bell CJM, Mehta M, Mirza L, Young AH, Beck K. Glutathione alterations in depression: a meta-analysis and systematic review of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2024 Dec 21. doi: 10.1007/s00213-024-06735-1. Epub ahead of print. PMID:39708105.
5. Diotallevi M, Checconi P, Palamara AT, et al. Glutathione Fine-Tunes the Innate Immune Response toward Antiviral Pathways in a Macrophage Cell Line Independently of Its Antioxidant Properties. Front Immunol. 2017;8:1239. Published 2017 Sep 29. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.01239
6. Bounous, G., and J. Molson. “Competition for glutathione precursors between the immune system and the skeletal muscle: pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome.” Medical hypotheses 53.4 (1999): 347-349.
7. Weschawalit S, Thongthip S, Phutrakool P, Asawanonda P. Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:147-153. Published 2017 Apr 27. doi:10.2147/CCID.S128339
8. Watanabe F, Hashizume E, Chan GP, Kamimura A. Skin-whitening and skin-condition-improving effects of topical oxidized glutathione: a double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial in healthy women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2014;7:267-274. Published 2014 Oct 17. doi:10.2147/CCID.S68424
9. Lorestani S, Bahari A, Asadi M, Zahedi Avval F. Evaluation of glutathione reductase activity in colon tissue of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig. 2021;42(2):195-198. Published 2021 Jun 4. doi:10.1515/hmbci-2020-0041
10. Panda C, Komarnytsky S, Fleming MN, et al. Guided Metabolic Detoxification Program Supports Phase II Detoxification Enzymes and Antioxidant Balance in Healthy Participants. Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2209. Published 2023 May 6. doi:10.3390/nu15092209
11. Patrick L. Mercury toxicity and antioxidants: Part 1: role of glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of mercury toxicity. Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(6):456-471.
12. Perricone C, De Carolis C, Perricone R. Glutathione: a key player in autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev. 2009;8(8):697-701. doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2009.02.020
13. Bravenboer B, Kappelle AC, Hamers FP, van Buren T, Erkelens DW, Gispen WH. Potential use of glutathione for the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Diabetologia. 1992;35(9):813-817. doi:10.1007/BF00399926
14. Liu W, Guo D. Oxidative stress in periodontitis and the application of antioxidants in treatment: a narrative review. Front Physiol. 2025;16:1485367. Published 2025 May 13. doi:10.3389/fphys.2025.1485367
15. Kumar P, Liu C, Suliburk J, Hsu JW, Muthupillai R, Jahoor F, Minard CG, Taffet GE, Sekhar RV. 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. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. 2023 Jan 1;78(1):75-89.
16. Kumar P, Osahon OW, Sekhar RV. GlyNAC (glycine and N-acetylcysteine) supplementation in mice increases length of life by correcting glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormalities in mitophagy and nutrient sensing, and genomic damage. Nutrients. 2022 Mar 7;14(5):1114.
17. Dean OM, van den Buuse M, Bush AI, Copolov DL, Ng F, Dodd S, Berk M. A role for glutathione in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia? Animal models and relevance to clinical practice. Curr Med Chem. 2009;16(23):2965-76. doi: 10.2174/092986709788803060. PMID: 19689277.
18. Aoi W, Ogaya Y, Takami M, et al. Glutathione supplementation suppresses muscle fatigue induced by prolonged exercise via improved aerobic metabolism. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12:7. Published 2015 Feb 6. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0067-x
19. Bellanti F, Coda ARD, Trecca MI, Lo Buglio A, Serviddio G, Vendemiale G. Redox Imbalance in Inflammation: The Interplay of Oxidative and Reductive Stress. Antioxidants (Basel). 2025;14(6):656. Published 2025 May 29. doi:10.3390/antiox14060656

Can glutathione impact mitochondrial health?

Mitochondria is a cellular organelle often referred to as the "powerhouse" of the cell, regulating a range of functions from energy generation, metabolism, and cell survival. Supporting mitochondrial function is the wellspring of efforts to promote physical fitness and longevity at the cellular level. Glutathione plays an important role in the theory of aging that cumulative oxidative stress in mitochondria may determine lifespan. Glutathione stabilizes the inner mitochondrial membrane, neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by mitochondrial respiration, and maintains mitochondrial DNA fidelity to influence mitochondrial function and cell survival.^2,15,16

What is the role of glutathione in the aging process?

Glutathione levels are believed to rapidly decline after the age of 45. The body has to contend with increased oxidative stress, weakening immunity, and more DNA repair demands as we age. Randomized clinical studies in rodents and older adults show that glutathione acts in concert with the independent actions of two key precursors, glycine and cysteine, to favorably influence an array of biomarkers associated with the hallmarks of aging. Biomarkers for endothelial function, insulin sensitivity, intracellular signaling, maintaining DNA integrity, inflammation, metabolic flexibility, mitophagy (recycling old and damaged mitochondria), and cellular senescence (also called "zombie cells" as these cells have lost proper function, harm nearby cells, and do not die off) were favorably influenced in study participants. Most of these biomarkers are modulated by glutathione and its precursors at the mitochondrial level. The biomarker changes were reported to correspond with endpoints such as favorable changes in gait and body composition.^15,16