GSH · Gamma-L-Glutamyl-L-Cysteinylglycine · Master Antioxidant
The most abundant intracellular antioxidant in the human body and the primary defence against oxidative stress. Glutathione neutralises reactive oxygen species, supports detoxification in the liver and kidneys, regenerates other antioxidants and plays a fundamental role in immune function.
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide composed of glutamine, cysteine and glycine — the most abundant intracellular antioxidant in the human body. It is produced endogenously by virtually every cell and is present at millimolar concentrations intracellularly. It serves as the body's primary defence against oxidative damage, xenobiotic compounds and heavy metals.
Glutathione neutralises reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly, donating electrons to quench free radicals. It also serves as the cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase enzymes responsible for detoxifying peroxides and conjugating toxins for excretion. Beyond antioxidant function, glutathione regenerates vitamins C and E back to their active forms, supports mitochondrial function by protecting the electron transport chain from oxidative damage, and plays a critical role in T-cell proliferation and immune function.
Oral glutathione is poorly absorbed — gastrointestinal enzymes degrade the tripeptide before it reaches systemic circulation. Subcutaneous injection delivers glutathione directly into circulation, bypassing this degradation. IV glutathione provides maximum bioavailability and is used clinically for liver disease, Parkinson's disease and heavy metal detoxification. SubQ represents a practical middle ground with significantly superior bioavailability to oral forms.
Daily glutathione supplementation can suppress endogenous glutathione synthesis through negative feedback — the body detects elevated GSH and reduces its own production. Every 3rd day dosing maintains elevated levels while preserving the body's own synthesis capacity. This cycling approach is considered optimal for long-term use.
Glutathione, NAD+ and SS-31 form a complementary antioxidant and mitochondrial support triad. SS-31 reduces ROS production at source (inner mitochondrial membrane), NAD+ provides the energy substrate for cellular repair, and glutathione handles the downstream oxidative damage that escapes both. Together they provide comprehensive cellular protection against the oxidative stress of active biological repair and training.