Glutathione
GSH · Reduced glutathione
The body's master antioxidant tripeptide, dosed for oxidative stress, detox, and skin.
Class
Endogenous antioxidant tripeptide (Glu-Cys-Gly)
Half-life
Short (minutes) when given directly
Evidence
Limited human data
Limited human data
Small open-label studies, case series, or trials in a narrow population. Directionally informative, not conclusive.
Overview
Glutathione is a tripeptide present in every cell and the body's central antioxidant, essential for neutralising reactive oxygen species, recycling other antioxidants, and phase-II liver detoxification. Levels decline with age and are depleted by oxidative stress, illness, and alcohol.
It is given IV, subcutaneously, or nebulised, and is popular for skin brightening (it shifts melanin production toward lighter pheomelanin), general antioxidant support, and 'detox'. Oral glutathione is poorly absorbed, so injectable or precursor (NAC) routes are preferred. Human evidence is strongest for specific clinical deficiency states; general wellness benefits are less rigorously established.
How it works
- Directly neutralises reactive oxygen species and regenerates vitamins C and E.
- Cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and phase-II detoxification enzymes.
- Inhibits tyrosinase and shifts melanin synthesis toward lighter pigment (the basis of skin-brightening use).
What the research shows
Researched effects
- Raised tissue antioxidant capacity
- Skin-lightening effects in some human studies (IV and oral)
- Supportive role in conditions of oxidative stress and liver burden
Limitations & what it won't do
- Oral absorption is poor; direct dosing has a short half-life.
- General wellness benefits are less rigorously proven than clinical deficiency correction.
- Not FDA approved as a therapy for these uses.
Dosing protocols
These ranges reflect published trials and community protocols. They are reference information, not a prescription. Doses are per injection unless noted.
Subcutaneous / IV protocol (community)
200–600 mgIV protocols use larger doses (600–2000 mg) in a clinical setting. Larger vials (600/1500 mg) suit these.
Reconstitution & measuring your dose
Handling
- Typical vial sizes
- 600 · 1500 mg
- Suggested BAC water
- 5 mL
- Storage
- Refrigerate, protected from light; glutathione oxidises readily.
- After reconstitution
- Reconstituted: use within days; stability is limited.
Why 5 mL? Glutathione vials are large. A 600 mg vial in 3 mL yields 200 mg/mL. It is light- and air-sensitive, so reconstitute close to use.
Dose calculator
Draw to
0.1units
= 0.001 mL · 3000 mcg per unit
Concentration
300000 mcg/mL
Doses per vial
6000
- This dose is only 0.1 units — hard to measure accurately on a 100-unit syringe. Add more bacteriostatic water to dilute, so each dose lands on a larger, easier-to-read mark.
Side effects
Common
- Injection-site irritation
- Sulfur taste/smell
- Generally well tolerated
Serious / rare
- Rare hypersensitivity
- Skin lightening can be uneven; rare reports of concerns with high-dose IV skin-whitening use
Contraindications & interactions
Do not use if you have
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
High-dose supplementation safety in pregnancy is not established.
Use caution if you have
- Autoimmune condition
Effects on immune modulation are complex; discuss with a specialist.
What to monitor
- Tolerability
- Skin response if used for brightening
Commonly combined with
References
- Weschawalit S et al. — Glutathione and its role in skin lighteningClin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2017
Research & educational information only — not medical advice.
You must be 18 or older to use this site. The peptides described are presented as research chemicals intended for research purposes only. Most are not approved by the FDA for human use. Dosing ranges reflect what has appeared in the scientific literature or community protocols and are not prescriptions. Nothing here replaces evaluation by a licensed physician who knows your full medical history.
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