Outcome
    Limited

    Glutathione for Reduced Oxidative Stress

    Oral glutathione is poorly absorbed; NAC or sulforaphane are more effective routes to raising it.

    Overview

    Oral glutathione is poorly absorbed; NAC or sulforaphane are more effective routes to raising it.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Direct supply of the master intracellular antioxidant tripeptide.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    Liposomal forms if used at all
    Expected timeframe
    8-12 weeks

    Protocol

    form
    Not applicable
    duration
    Not applicable
    co factor
    Evidence is insufficient. Glutathione is the body primary intracellular antioxidant, which makes the logic appealing, but the chain from oral supplement to reduced oxidative stress breaks at both ends. First, oral glutathione is largely hydrolysed in the gut and raises blood levels only modestly at best. Second, the few trials that have measured oxidative stress markers - F2-isoprostanes, 8-OHdG, oxidised to reduced glutathione ratio - after oral supplementation found inconsistent or absent changes. Beyond that, oxidative stress markers are poor surrogates: large trials of antioxidant supplementation have repeatedly failed to improve outcomes and some, including beta-carotene in smokers and vitamin E in the SELECT trial, caused harm.
    titration
    Not applicable
    starting dose
    Not applicable as an established treatment

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Some liposomal formulation trials report modest increases in glutathione stores, but bioavailability of standard oral forms is poor and outcome data is absent.

    No studies are yet linked to both Glutathione and Reduced Oxidative Stress.

    Safety

    Caveats

    Expensive relative to precursor approaches with better evidence.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone: no consistent effect on oxidative stress markers, and those markers do not predict clinical benefit.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.