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 (600 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 600 mg Glutathione
- Add diluent
- 2 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) |
How to mix
- Draw 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label 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.
- Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites.
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.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
- Reconstituted glutathione has a product-specific use-by interval. Follow the exact formulation’s validated stability and sterile-handling instructions.
Administration technique
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry.
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
Important notes
- Use new sterile insulin syringes; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
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).