Glutathione
Aliases: GSH · L-Glutathione
Last verified: 2026-09-23
The short version
A tripeptide (Glu-Cys-Gly) — the main intracellular antioxidant. Used IV for detoxification, liver support, skin lightening (controversial) and as adjunct in neurodegeneration.
Identity & type
- Molecular type
- peptide
- Origin
- A tripeptide (Glu-Cys-Gly) — the main intracellular antioxidant.
Mechanism of action
Electron donor for glutathione peroxidases; toxin conjugation (GST pathway); regenerates vitamins C/E; redox regulation of immune cells.
Dosing & routes
Official / clinical context
Approved drug — indications, dosing and warnings are defined by the official label. IV/IM 600–1200 mg 1–3× weekly; oral bioavailability low (liposomal/sublingual better).
Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.
Community-reported practice
IV/IM 600–1200 mg 1–3× weekly; oral bioavailability low (liposomal/sublingual better). IV/injections: "brighter" skin, faster recovery after alcohol/training and subjective energy are reported; oral (liposomal) forms act more weakly.
Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.
Expected effects (community)
IV/injections: "brighter" skin, faster recovery after alcohol/training and subjective energy are reported; oral (liposomal) forms act more weakly.
Protocol — official vs community
Official / label
Registered as a drug in some countries (e.g. Japan for adjunctive detoxification/liver indications, Italy historically) and as a supplement elsewhere. Where used parenterally as a drug: 600–1,200 mg IV/IM 1–3× weekly, per national labels.
Duration: Course-defined (weeks); no chronic label protocol.
Oral bioavailability of plain GSH is poor; liposomal/sublingual forms absorb better. The FDA has warned specifically against IV 'skin-lightening' protocols sold by wellness clinics.
Community (anecdotal)
Three camps: IV pushes (600–1,200 mg, often in 'glutathione bars'), liposomal/sublingual oral (500–1,000 mg/day), and nebulized GSH for pulmonary indications. Skin-lightening IV courses are a distinct, FDA-warned-against practice.
- Cycle:
- IV: weekly pushes for weeks to months; oral: continuous.
- Break:
- None systematic for oral use; IV users pause between course blocks.
The biohacker rationale (raise intracellular GSH, 'master antioxidant') is mechanistically plausible but raises intracellular levels modestly and transiently in the trials that exist; the strongest evidence is in specific deficiency states, not general optimization.
Human evidence
Approved in some countries (Japan — poisoning, Italy); clinical trials for Parkinson's, NAFLD and immunity.
Preclinical evidence
The preclinical phase was completed and submitted to regulators as part of registration; pharmacology and toxicology details are part of the official label.
Known risks
- Rare: allergic reactions; FDA warns about IV "skin-lightening" protocols.characterized
Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.
Unknowns & evidence gaps
- Real-world data outside controlled trials