Glutathione
Also known as: Reduced Glutathione, GSH, Setria®, Liposomal Glutathione
The body's most important antioxidant — but oral supplementation requires the right form to actually raise tissue levels.
What it is
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (glycine-cysteine-glutamate) and the most abundant intracellular antioxidant in the body. It detoxifies reactive oxygen species, regulates redox signaling, conjugates and neutralizes toxins for elimination, regenerates vitamins C and E, and supports immune function. Internal production is the primary source — oral supplementation faces significant bioavailability challenges because glutathione is degraded in the GI tract before absorption.
How it works
Glutathione neutralizes free radicals and reactive oxygen species by donating electrons (becoming oxidized glutathione, GSSG), which is then regenerated by glutathione reductase using NADPH. It is also the substrate for glutathione-S-transferases — Phase II detoxification enzymes that conjugate toxins for urinary or biliary elimination. Raising intracellular glutathione (via NAC, ALA, or specialized oral forms) supports all these pathways.
Clinical dose range
250–1,000 mg/day (supplement-specific dose varies by form)
Standard oral glutathione has historically shown poor bioavailability — much is hydrolyzed in the gut. Setria® reduced glutathione (500 mg/day) has clinical evidence for raising blood glutathione levels. Liposomal glutathione achieves higher plasma levels than standard. Sublingual forms bypass first-pass metabolism.
Forms comparison
What to look for on the label
- Setria®, liposomal, or acetylated form specified
- Third-party tested for reduced glutathione content (oxidized GSSG provides no benefit)
- Stored away from heat and light — glutathione oxidizes rapidly
- Dose 250–500 mg of enhanced-bioavailability form per serving
Health goals supported
Safety & dosing notes
Excellent safety record. Generally well tolerated. May cause GI discomfort at very high doses. Consider supporting with selenium (required for glutathione peroxidase) and NAC (the rate-limiting precursor). Standard, non-enhanced oral forms are not contraindicated but are likely ineffective.
SuppsBuddy strongly penalizes standard (non-enhanced) oral glutathione as scientifically outdated. Only Setria®, liposomal, or acetylated forms receive passing ingredient quality scores. Products relying on standard glutathione are flagged with educational notes about bioavailability limitations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (glycine-cysteine-glutamate) and the most abundant intracellular antioxidant in the body. It detoxifies reactive oxygen species, regulates redox signaling, conjugates and neutralizes toxins for elimination, regenerates vitamins C and E, and supports immune function. Internal production is the primary source — oral supplementation faces significant bioavailability challenges because glutathione is degraded in the GI tract before absorption.
How does Glutathione work?
Glutathione neutralizes free radicals and reactive oxygen species by donating electrons (becoming oxidized glutathione, GSSG), which is then regenerated by glutathione reductase using NADPH. It is also the substrate for glutathione-S-transferases — Phase II detoxification enzymes that conjugate toxins for urinary or biliary elimination. Raising intracellular glutathione (via NAC, ALA, or specialized oral forms) supports all these pathways.
What is the typical clinical dose range for Glutathione?
250–1,000 mg/day (supplement-specific dose varies by form). Standard oral glutathione has historically shown poor bioavailability — much is hydrolyzed in the gut. Setria® reduced glutathione (500 mg/day) has clinical evidence for raising blood glutathione levels. Liposomal glutathione achieves higher plasma levels than standard. Sublingual forms bypass first-pass metabolism.
What forms of Glutathione should I look for?
Setria® (reduced L-glutathione): Patented form with clinical evidence for raising blood glutathione levels; most studied oral form | Liposomal glutathione: Phospholipid encapsulation protects glutathione from GI degradation; higher bioavailability | Acetylated glutathione (S-acetyl glutathione): Modified form that survives GI transit; converts to GSH intracellularly | Standard reduced glutathione (no form specification): Degraded in GI tract before absorption; minimal evidence for raising tissue levels
Is Glutathione safe?
Excellent safety record. Generally well tolerated. May cause GI discomfort at very high doses. Consider supporting with selenium (required for glutathione peroxidase) and NAC (the rate-limiting precursor). Standard, non-enhanced oral forms are not contraindicated but are likely ineffective. This information is educational and is not medical advice.
How does SuppsBuddy evaluate Glutathione?
SuppsBuddy strongly penalizes standard (non-enhanced) oral glutathione as scientifically outdated. Only Setria®, liposomal, or acetylated forms receive passing ingredient quality scores. Products relying on standard glutathione are flagged with educational notes about bioavailability limitations.
Related ingredients
This page is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.