Updated: January 21, 2025

Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria and archaea. Glutathione is capable of preventing damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals. While most antioxidants are found in the foods you eat, glutathione is produced naturally by the liver. It is primarily made up of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine.

Glutathione levels may decrease because of poor diet, chronic disease, infection, and constant stress. It also decreases with age. Glutathione is involved in many processes in the body, including tissue building and repair, making chemicals and proteins needed in the body, and for the immune system.

Uses of Glutathione

Glutathione can be taken by mouth for treating cataracts and glaucoma, preventing aging, treating or preventing alcoholism, asthma, cancer, heart disease (atherosclerosis and high cholesterol), hepatitis, liver disease, diseases that weaken the body's defense system (including AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome), memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, osteoarthritis, and Parkinson's disease. Glutathione is also used for maintaining the body's defense system (immune system) and fighting metal and drug poisoning.

Glutathione is breathed in (inhaled) to treat lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and lung disease in people with HIV disease.

Glutathione can be given as a shot (by injection into the muscle) to prevent the poisonous side effects of cancer treatment (chemotherapy) and to treat the inability to father a child (male infertility).

Glutathione is also used intravenously (by injection into the vein, by IV) for preventing "tired blood" (anemia) in kidney patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment, preventing kidney problems after heart bypass surgery, treating Parkinson's disease, improving blood flow and decreasing clotting in individuals with "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis), treating diabetes, and preventing toxic side effects of chemotherapy.

Dietary Sources That Can Increase Glutathione Levels

Sulfur is important for producing glutathione. Therefore, you can add sulfur-rich proteins such as beef, fish, and poultry, as well as allium and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, watercress, and mustard greens in your diet to increase the level of glutathione. Eating sulfur-rich vegetables may reduce oxidative stress by increasing glutathione levels.

Vitamin C may help increase glutathione levels by attacking free radicals first, thereby sparing glutathione. Vitamin C also helps reprocess glutathione by converting oxidized glutathione to its active form. Strawberries, citrus fruits, papayas, kiwis, and bell peppers are all examples of foods rich in vitamin C.

Selenium is a cofactor for the production of glutathione. Fish, organ meats, and Brazil nuts are all selenium-rich foods that may help increase your levels naturally.

Dietary glutathione is not fully absorbed by the body. However, including foods naturally high in glutathione, like avocados, spinach, and okra, may help decrease oxidative stress.

Whey protein is a good source of cysteine, which helps maintain adequate glutathione production. Therefore, whey protein may help increase your levels.

Side Effects & Safety

Glutathione is possibly safe for most adults when taken by mouth, by inhalation, or by injection into the muscle or into the veins. However, the possible side effects are not known.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not enough is known about the use of glutathione during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

• Asthma: Do not inhale glutathione if you have asthma. It can increase some asthma symptoms.

Interactions:

Glutathione has no known severe interactions with other drugs. However, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research and are recommended:

Intravenously:

• Chemotherapy Adjunct: 600 mg/day intramuscularly days 2-5 of chemotherapy.

• Male Infertility: 600 mg intramuscularly every other day for two months.

By Mouth:

• 250 mg orally once daily. Dose range: 50-600 mg/day.

Inhaled:

• 600 mg via nebulizer twice daily.

B2B Applications in Healthcare and Pharma

The increasing importance of glutathione in healthcare is reshaping B2B markets, particularly in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries:

Glutathione injections and IV solutions are widely used for chemotherapy adjunct therapies, male infertility treatments, and chronic diseases like Parkinson's. B2B suppliers cater to hospitals and clinics requiring stable, high-quality formulations.

Dietary supplements featuring glutathione are in high demand. B2B buyers procure raw materials like glutathione powders or encapsulated products to meet consumer needs for immune support and detoxification.

Glutathione is a sought-after ingredient for skin-brightening products and anti-aging formulations. B2B collaborations are growing between cosmetic manufacturers and suppliers for bulk sourcing.

Final Thoughts

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in keeping our cells healthy and protecting them from damage. It supports important processes in the body, like repairing tissues, fighting infections, and boosting the immune system. While it can be naturally produced in the body, factors like aging, stress, and illness can reduce its levels.

You can increase glutathione through a healthy diet rich in sulfur-containing foods, vitamin C, and selenium or by using supplements and treatments when needed. It also has a wide range of uses in medicine, from helping with chronic diseases and infertility to protecting the skin and supporting detoxification.

In the healthcare and wellness industries, glutathione is becoming more popular for its health and cosmetic benefits. Whether in supplements, skin products, or medical treatments, its demand is growing, and businesses are working to meet the need for high-quality and safe products.

For more detailed information, you may refer to the following resources:

• Benefits of Glutathione

• Glutathione - Uses, Side Effects, and More

• 10 Natural Ways to Increase Your Glutathione Levels