Glutathione
Glutathione is a small molecule that cells make from three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It takes part in antioxidant and detoxification processes inside cells.
Also listed as L-Glutathione
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What is glutathione?
Cells make glutathione from glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. It participates in antioxidant and detoxification processes inside cells. These functions explain research interest in supplements; they do not establish that a supplement “detoxes” a healthy person. 1
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Glutathione's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Does oral glutathione get into the body?
The six-month trial supports increased body stores with oral supplementation; the shorter trial found no change. 2 3
Does a higher level mean better antioxidant protection?
Not necessarily. EFSA requires evidence of protection against oxidative damage in humans, beyond a change in antioxidant-related measures. 4
Is the liver pilot proof of a detox effect?
No. It measured liver-related markers in people with fatty liver disease and had no control group. 1
Are injections equivalent to capsules?
No. Oral trials cannot validate injections, and FDA has reported contamination-related concerns with compounded intravenous products. 5
