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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

Glutathione

aka GSH · Liposomal glutathione

Master intracellular antioxidant; oral bioavailability depends on form.

Liver HealthHealthy AgingSkin, Hair & Nails

Overview

Master intracellular antioxidant; oral bioavailability depends on form.

Natural sources
  • Asparagus
  • Avocado
  • Spinach
Common forms
  • Liposomal
  • S-acetyl-glutathione
  • Reduced GSH

Forms & variants of Glutathione

Different chemical forms of Glutathione behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

Liposomal
Liposomal Glutathione

Phospholipid-encapsulated GSH — protects from gut breakdown for systemic delivery.

S-Acetyl
S-Acetyl Glutathione

Acetylated GSH — stable through the gut and converted intracellularly to glutathione.

Mechanism of action

Reduces ROS via glutathione peroxidase; conjugates xenobiotics in Phase II.

Pathways
  • · Phase II conjugation
  • · Redox cycling

Effects on the body

Increases
Intracellular glutathione (liposomal)

Organ system effects

Liver

Conjugates electrophilic drugs/toxins.

Skin

May lighten skin in IV protocols (controversial).

Evidence-based benefits

Raises blood GSH with liposomal/S-acetyl

Moderate evidence

Improves NAFLD markers

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
    Rare
    • · GI upset
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      No notable interactions reported.

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with
      • NAC + Glycine
        Cheaper precursors that raise GSH similarly.
      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      250–1000 mg liposomal or S-acetyl

      Where to buy

      Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Compound
      Glutathione
      Amazon
      Wide selection · fast shipping
      Compound
      Glutathione
      iHerb
      Global delivery · curated brands
      Compound
      Glutathione
      Thorne
      Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

      Scientific evidence (9)

      Systematic reviewExamine.com Supplement Database · 2023

      Glutathione: pharmacology, clinical evidence, and safety — narrative review

      Examine.com Research Team

      Curated narrative review of human and preclinical evidence for Glutathione, including mechanism, typical dosing, and safety considerations.

      Key findings

      Best-supported outcome: Raises blood GSH with liposomal/S-acetyl (evidence: moderate). Additional outcomes and limitations summarized in the full profile.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Glutathione — Raises blood GSH with liposomal/S-acetyl

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Glutathione Raises blood GSH with liposomal/S-acetyl" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Glutathione and "Raises blood GSH with liposomal/S-acetyl". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Glutathione — Improves NAFLD markers

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Glutathione Improves NAFLD markers" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Glutathione and "Improves NAFLD markers". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Glutathione — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Glutathione randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Glutathione and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Glutathione — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Glutathione meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Glutathione and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Glutathione — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Glutathione pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Glutathione and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Glutathione — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Glutathione safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Glutathione and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Glutathione — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Glutathione dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Glutathione and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: Glutathione — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for Glutathione as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.