Glutathione
Also called GSH (reduced); GSSG (oxidized)
A three-amino-acid molecule your cells make to manage oxidative stress. Its role in the body is well established; whether extra glutathione as a supplement helps a given person is much less clear.
Overview
What it is
A tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine and glycine. It switches between a reduced form (GSH) and an oxidized form (GSSG) to help balance the cell's redox system. It is not the same as glutamine, which is a single amino acid.
How it works
Glutathione neutralizes reactive molecules and supports detoxifying enzymes as part of a larger antioxidant network. More of one part of that network does not automatically improve the whole system.
What the research shows
Oral results are mixed: a 4-week placebo-controlled study found no improvement in glutathione levels, while a 6-month trial in 54 healthy adults raised stores that fell back after stopping. A small 12-person liposomal pilot raised levels and some immune markers but had no placebo group. A 12-week trial in women found changes in some skin measures, varying by site.
Studied for
- Body glutathione levelsoral and liposomal trials
- Immune markerssmall pilot
- Skin pigmentationsmall trial
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
In August 2026 the FDA reported at least 30 people with adverse events after IV glutathione made from dietary-supplement-grade material, including fever, chills, dizziness and sepsis-like reactions; it issued a similar warning in 2019 over endotoxin contamination. Supplement-grade ingredients are not suitable for injection. Talk to a clinician first if pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a chronic illness or undergoing cancer treatment.
Regulatory status
Sold as a dietary supplement in oral form. FDA has warned against using supplement-grade glutathione in injectable products.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Glutathione (1500 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 1500 mg Glutathione
- Add diluent
- 5 mL
- Concentration
- 300 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 3000 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Once per day (subcutaneous) or every other day for maintenance.
- Typical range
- 100–200 mg subcutaneously (gradual titration recommended).
- Cycle length
- 4–8 weeks; optional cycling off for 2–4 weeks between protocols.
Standard / Gradual Approach
| Week | Daily Dose (mg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 100 mg | 33 units (0.33 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 150 mg | 50 units (0.50 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 200 mg | 67 units (0.67 mL) |
Same schedule and concentration as the 600 mg chart. Mixing 1500 mg with 5 mL keeps 300 mg/mL, so every syringe reading is identical; the larger vial simply holds more doses.
What a 1500 mg Vial Changes: Vial Yield
| Chart amount | Calculated volume | U-100 marking | Full amounts per 1500 mg vial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mg | 0.33 mL | 33 units | 15 full amounts |
| 150 mg | 0.50 mL | 50 units | 10 full amounts |
| 200 mg | 0.67 mL | 67 units | 7 full amounts, with 100 mg remaining |
How to mix
- Draw 5.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe (a 3 mL syringe used twice, or a 5 mL syringe).
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label the vial 300 mg/mL and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Dosing details
- Start: 100 mg daily; increase by ~50 mg every 1–2 weeks as tolerated.
- Target: 150–200 mg daily by Weeks 3–8.
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous) or every other day for maintenance.
- Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks; optional cycling off for 2–4 weeks between protocols.
Doses per vial
- 100 mg: 33 units or 0.33 mL, providing 15 full amounts per vial.
- 150 mg: 50 units or 0.50 mL, providing 10 full amounts per vial.
- 200 mg: 67 units or 0.67 mL, providing 7 full amounts with 100 mg remaining.
Storage
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions; minimize moisture exposure.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use promptly and avoid freeze–thaw.
- Reconstituted glutathione has a product-specific use-by interval. Follow the exact formulation’s validated stability and sterile-handling instructions.
Calculated by NVO from the PeptideDosages.com chart for a smaller vial
Common questions
Does glutathione "detox" the body?
It takes part in cellular protective processes, but that does not prove any commercial detox program improves health.
Is liposomal glutathione better?
Early data are promising but too small and uncontrolled to rank it above standard capsules.
How long until I notice a difference?
There is no evidence-based timeline. Studies measured lab values over weeks to months, not how people felt.
Related in Energy and Wellness
Sources and further reading (7)
- Allen J, Bradley RD. Oral glutathione supplementation and oxidative stress biomarkers, 2011.
- Richie JP Jr, et al. RCT of oral glutathione on body stores of glutathione. Eur J Nutr, 2015.
- Sinha R, et al. Liposomal glutathione elevates body stores and immune markers. Eur J Clin Nutr, 2018.
- Weschawalit S, et al. Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects, 2017.
- FDA. Do not use dietary supplement grade glutathione for injectables, Aug 27, 2026.
- FDA. Concerns with dietary ingredient glutathione in sterile injectables, June 7, 2019.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).