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Glutathione

Master antioxidant that supports detoxification, immune function, and cellular protection against oxidative stress

Scientific nameL-γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine FormulaC10H17N3O6S Molecular weight307.32 g/mol CAS70-18-8
20 absorption score
9 safety / 10
60 USD per month
6 documented interactions

Check it against something

Evidence level A

Glutathione with:

Compatibility score 82 out of 100
82 out of 100
Works better together Compatible. Timing differs, so follow each supplement's own window.

Check it against your whole stack →

What it does

mechanism and evidence for each claim

Master antioxidant protection

Most powerful antioxidant protecting cells from oxidative damage

Neutralizes free radicals and regenerates other antioxidants Evidence A-grade 2-6 weeks

Enhanced liver detoxification

Supports liver function and phase II detoxification pathways

Essential cofactor for glutathione S-transferase enzymes Evidence A-grade 2-8 weeks

Immune system enhancement

Supports immune cell function and reduces inflammation

Essential for T-cell and NK cell function and proliferation Evidence A-grade 4-8 weeks

Skin health and anti-aging

Improves skin appearance and may reduce signs of aging

Protects skin cells from UV damage and supports collagen Evidence B-grade 6-12 weeks

Neurological protection

Protects brain cells and may support cognitive function

Crosses blood-brain barrier providing neuroprotection Evidence B-grade 8-16 weeks

Others take these for the same thing

Same goal, different mechanism — check any of them against this one

Every pair we checked

12 combinations scored by the engine
Glutathione + Caffeine No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Glutathione + Creatine Monohydrate No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Glutathione + Calcium Carbonate No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Glutathione + Whey Protein No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Glutathione + Lactase No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Glutathione + Bovine Collagen No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Glutathione + DHA No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Glutathione + Turmeric No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Glutathione + Fish Oil (EPA/DHA) No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70
Glutathione + NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) NAC provides cysteine for glutathione synthesis Works better together 82
Glutathione + Selenium (Thyroid Support) Essential for glutathione peroxidase enzyme function Works better together 82
Glutathione + Vitamin D3 Enhanced antioxidant protection and glutathione recycling Works better together 82

Dosage

Empty stomach
Daily250-750mg
Antioxidant support250-500mg daily
Detoxification500-750mg daily
Immune support250-500mg daily
Therapeutic750-1500mg daily

When to expect it

First Effects2-4 weeks for antioxidant and detox benefits
Peak Benefits8-12 weeks for sustained cellular protection and health benefits
Deficiency DevelopmentGradual increase in oxidative stress and toxin accumulation
Toxicity OnsetVery rare, excellent safety profile

How to measure it

$150-250
MarkerGlutathione levels (reduced/oxidized ratio)
OptimalHigh reduced glutathione with good GSH/GSSG ratio
Deficient belowLow glutathione levels or poor GSH/GSSG ratio
FrequencyEvery 6-12 months for antioxidant status monitoring

What people actually reported to the FDA

CAERS, 18 reports naming it as the suspect

Most reported effects

Hypersensitivity 4
Anaphylactic reaction 3
Dyspnoea 3
Dizziness 2
Nausea 2
Named as the suspect 18 reports of 29 that mention it at all
Serious outcome 81% hospitalisation, emergency room or worse
Other Serious or Important Medical Event14
Visited Emergency Room7
Other Serious Outcome3

Reports are voluntary and unverified — they record what someone experienced while taking something, not what the compound caused. Counts skew towards products people take a lot of, and a serious outcome is more likely to be reported than a mild one, so these are not rates. How we filter them →

What actually reaches you

The label counts the carrier, your body does not
Absorption Low 20 of 100 · poorly absorbed relative to other forms
Delivered daily 100 mg
Cost per 100 mg delivered $2.00 comparative — uses the absorption score, not a measured percentage

Works better with

3 documented
+
Nac

NAC provides cysteine for glutathione synthesis

NAC is precursor that boosts glutathione production · level A
+
Selenium

Essential for glutathione peroxidase enzyme function

Selenium required for glutathione antioxidant activity · level A
+
Vitamin C

Enhanced antioxidant protection and glutathione recycling

Vitamin C helps regenerate glutathione from oxidized form · level A

What not to take with Glutathione

3 documented
!
Alcohol Excess

Alcohol depletes glutathione rapidly

Alcohol metabolism consumes glutathione for detoxification · major significance
!
Acetaminophen Overdose

Acetaminophen overdose depletes glutathione dangerously

Toxic metabolite NAPQI consumes glutathione · critical significance
!
Heavy Metals

Heavy metals deplete glutathione stores

Metals bind glutathione reducing antioxidant capacity · major significance

Medication interactions

Discuss these with a pharmacist before combining
chemotherapy Moderate

May interfere with some chemotherapy effectiveness

What to do: Consult oncologist before use

no-major-interactions None

Generally no significant drug interactions

What to do: Safe with most medications

Available forms

bioavailability compared
Liposomal Glutathione 80
Reduced Glutathione (oral) 20
S-Acetyl Glutathione 60

Liposomal Glutathione: Excellent absorption, High bioavailability, Effective delivery, Proven benefits

Reduced Glutathione (oral): Lower cost, Stable, Easy to take, Widely available

S-Acetyl Glutathione: Better absorption, More stable, Crosses cell membranes, Effective

Food sources

before you supplement
Asparagus Highest vegetable source · 30
Spinach and broccoli Good vegetable sources · 25
Avocado Good fruit source · 25
Glutathione supplements 250-1000mg per dose · 20-80

Too little

deficiency signs
  • Increased oxidative stress and cellular damage
  • Poor detoxification capacity and toxin accumulation
  • Compromised immune function and frequent infections
  • Accelerated aging and tissue damage
  • Poor recovery from illness or stress
  • Liver dysfunction and elevated liver enzymes
  • Increased susceptibility to chronic diseases

Too much

toxicity signs
  • Excellent safety profile:
  • Mild digestive upset with high doses
  • Rare sulfur-like body odor
  • Very rare allergic reactions
  • Generally extremely well tolerated

Who benefits most

liver-detox-support

Essential for liver detoxification and protection

250-500mg daily (liposomal)
immune-system-support

Critical for optimal immune cell function

250-500mg daily
antioxidant-anti-aging

Master antioxidant for cellular protection and longevity

250-750mg daily
chronic-illness-oxidative-stress

Supports recovery from illness and reduces oxidative stress

500-1000mg daily
skin-health-beauty

May improve skin appearance and reduce aging signs

250-500mg daily

Where to buy it

compare forms first

Look for Glutathione at 250-750mg per serving. The form that matters here is Liposomal Glutathione.

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What else affects it

Beyond other supplements
!
Alcohol excess

Alcohol depletes glutathione rapidly

Alcohol metabolism consumes glutathione for detoxification
!
Heavy metals

Heavy metals deplete glutathione stores

Metals bind glutathione reducing antioxidant capacity

How it works

  • Primary intracellular antioxidant neutralizing free radicals
  • Essential cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and S-transferase enzymes
  • Regenerates vitamins C and E back to active forms
  • Supports phase II liver detoxification pathways
  • Essential for immune cell proliferation and function
  • Protects mitochondria from oxidative damage

Key findings

what the evidence supports
  • Master antioxidant essential for cellular health and detoxification
  • Critical for immune function and disease prevention
  • Poor oral bioavailability unless in special forms like liposomal
  • Excellent safety profile with wide range of health benefits

Sources: NIH Examine.com · data reviewed 2026-08-02

Compiled by Denis, who maintains this database and holds no medical qualification — every figure here is sourced or derived, never asserted. How we calculate it →

Common questions

What are the benefits of Glutathione?

Documented effects: Master antioxidant protection; Enhanced liver detoxification; Immune system enhancement; Skin health and anti-aging. Most powerful antioxidant protecting cells from oxidative damage

How much Glutathione should you take per day?

The common daily range is 250-750mg. By goal — antioxidant support: 250-500mg daily; detoxification: 500-750mg daily; immune support: 250-500mg daily; therapeutic: 750-1500mg daily.

When is the best time to take Glutathione?

Empty stomach. First effects are typically reported within 2-4 weeks for antioxidant and detox benefits.

What are the side effects of Glutathione?

At excessive doses: Excellent safety profile:, Mild digestive upset with high doses, Rare sulfur-like body odor, Very rare allergic reactions, Generally extremely well tolerated. Safety rating at normal doses is 9 out of 10.

What should you not take with Glutathione?

Separate it from Alcohol Excess, Acetaminophen Overdose, Heavy Metals by two to four hours. Alcohol depletes glutathione rapidly

Does Glutathione interact with medications?

Documented interactions with chemotherapy, no-major-interactions. Discuss these with a pharmacist before combining.

How do you know if you need Glutathione?

The marker is Glutathione levels (reduced/oxidized ratio), optimal range High reduced glutathione with good GSH/GSSG ratio. Common deficiency signs: Increased oxidative stress and cellular damage, Poor detoxification capacity and toxin accumulation, Compromised immune function and frequent infections, Accelerated aging and tissue damage.

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