Glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant endogenous antioxidant in the human body, a tripeptide (L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) synthesized in virtually every cell. It plays central roles in oxidative stress defense, detoxification, immune function, and cellular redox balance. Injectable glutathione (IV or SubQ) bypasses GI degradation and significantly raises tissue glutathione levels. It is studied for liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, skin lightening, heavy metal detoxification, and anti-aging.

— 600 mg Vial —

Reconstitute: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 300 mg/mL concentration.
Typical daily range: 100–200 mg subcutaneously (gradual titration recommended).
Easy measuring: At 300 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 3 mg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C; reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C, avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Schedule: Daily or every-other-day subcutaneous injections for 4–8 weeks.
Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks; optional cycling off for 2–4 weeks between protocols.
Goal: Support antioxidant defense, cellular detoxification, and immune function.

Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously, or split into every-other-day dosing. Some protocols utilize 200 mg 1–2× weekly for maintenance.

• Powerful antioxidant — neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS)
• Supports liver detoxification (Phase II detox reactions)
• Reduces oxidative stress markers throughout the body
• Immune system enhancement — supports lymphocyte function
• Studied for Parkinson’s — reduces dopaminergic neuron oxidative stress
• Skin brightening effects via melanin synthesis inhibition
• Heavy metal chelation support
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Anti-aging via reduction of oxidative damage to DNA and proteins
• Supports mitochondrial function and energy production

Glutathione is a tripeptide (γ-Glu-Cys-Gly) that serves as the primary intracellular antioxidant and redox buffer. It neutralizes ROS directly and serves as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which reduces hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides. In the liver, GSH conjugates with toxic compounds via glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), facilitating their excretion. It maintains protein thiols in their reduced (functional) state and regenerates vitamins C and E. Intravenous glutathione rapidly elevates plasma and tissue GSH levels, overcoming the limited oral bioavailability of glutathione.

• Rare allergic reactions
• Skin lightening with regular IV use (often a desired effect)
• Zinc depletion with prolonged high-dose use
• Asthma exacerbation in susceptible individuals (rare)
• Nausea during rapid IV infusion
• Kidney stones (oxalate, rare with very high doses)

Slow IV infusion rate to minimize nausea. Monitor zinc levels with prolonged protocols. Avoid rapid bolus injection. Patients with asthma should be monitored. Oral N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) can complement injectable glutathione by providing cysteine precursor for endogenous synthesis.

• Known hypersensitivity to glutathione
• Pregnancy (skin lightening protocols — insufficient data)
• Severe renal failure with oxalate concerns
• Active chemotherapy (may reduce efficacy of certain chemo agents)

• Forman HJ et al. (2009). Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Molecular Aspects of Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2013.12.001
• Sechi G et al. (1996). Reduced intravenous glutathione in the treatment of early Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders. DOI: 10.1002/mds.870100108
• Honda Y et al. (2018). Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38182-0