Glutathione

Glutathione is an endogenous tripeptide composed of the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine, synthesized primarily in the liver.

It serves as the body’s master antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals, supporting Phase II liver detoxification, and regenerating other antioxidants like vitamins C and E.

Key functions and applications include:

• Cellular Protection: It maintains intracellular redox balance, protects DNA and mitochondria from oxidative damage, and regulates apoptosis.
• Detoxification: Glutathione binds to xenobiotics, heavy metals, and environmental toxins for excretion via glutathione S-transferases.
• Skin Brightening: It inhibits tyrosinase activity, reducing melanin synthesis to improve complexion and skin tone uniformity.
• Immune Support: It enhances lymphocyte proliferation and Natural Killer cell cytotoxicity, supporting overall immune resilience.

While the body produces glutathione naturally, levels decline with age and stress. Supplementation strategies range from oral intake (250–1000 mg daily) to subcutaneous injections (200–600 mg protocols), though exogenous administration is often used in research settings to investigate oxidative stress responses.

Cysteine availability is the rate-limiting factor in its production, making sulfur-rich foods and precursors like NAC effective for boosting natural levels.