Glutathione (GSH) is a tripetide thiol (sulfur-containing) compound molecule that is made inside every cell in the human body. It is composed of the three amino acids L-glutamine, L-cysteine and L-glycine, and is found in the highest levels in the liver, eyes, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. Glutathione is the single most protective antioxidant produced by the body and therefore the most important as it protects cells against the oxidative stress of free radicals. Thus, it protects vulnerable DNA from damage, while helping to bind heavy metals, remove toxins and enhance immune function; it is also especially supportive during viral infections._1,2

Glutathione is also very crucial for proper mitochondrial function and energy production. Chronic illness as well as long term toxic exposure can not only deplete stores of glutathione but also inhibit its production. The body’s ability to make glutathione declines with age. In order to correct depleted states, supplementation is necessary and can be optimized with various forms of GSH and its precursors based on an individual’s needs. While IV glutathione administration is the most effective at raising blood levels of GSH, it is also the most expensive and inconvenient. In addition, current research shows that IV glutathione is not the best way to increase intracellular levels of GSH in most cells.₃ Studies have shown that plasma GSH increases post-oral GSH supplementation, which may be the result of a combination of intact absorption of GSH, absorption of its three amino acid precursors and/or systemic sparing of GSH due to increased GSH in intestinal cells._4,5,6