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Glutathione

Gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine

Supplements. Modern nutrition.

Also called GSH, Reduced glutathione

Pinyin: gǔ guāng gān tài

Spanish: Glutatión

Skin-lightening claims are unproven

A molecule made of three amino acids that cells use to fight damage, sold as supplements mainly for skin and detox claims.

Did you know? Glutathione is made from three amino acids, glutamate, cysteine and glycine, and the liver makes a lot of it.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

Skin. A few small, short studies have looked at oral glutathione for skin tone. The results are weak, so the claim is unproven.
Traditional proof
Cleansing & detox. The popular claim that it detoxes the body is not supported. The liver and kidneys already clear waste, and no good trial shows that supplements add to this.
Not supported

Parts of the body

Skin & hair, Liver, Kidneys & bladder

Traditional use

Glutathione has no traditional herbal use. It is a modern supplement, sold mainly for skin and detox claims.

How it is classified

Herbal actions: Antioxidant, Hepatic. Energy: neutral.

How people take it

There is no standard dose, and products vary widely. IV treatments are given in clinics and are not standard medical care for skin or detox.

Capsule, powder and topical.

Where to get it

The body makes glutathione from amino acids, and small amounts are found in avocado, spinach, asparagus and other fresh produce. Supplements come as capsules and powders, and creams and clinic IV drips are also sold.

Be careful

Oral glutathione is generally well tolerated, with occasional stomach upset or gas. IV drips and skin creams are not approved for skin lightening, and their long-term safety is not established. Ask a doctor before using IV products.

Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding.

Mixing with other things

Works well together
NAC supplies cysteine, a building block the body uses to make glutathione.

The honest take

Your body makes its own glutathione, and food supplies only small amounts. Most detox and skin-lightening claims are not proven. Scientists still debate how much oral glutathione actually reaches the blood.