Glutathione is the single most common antioxidant the human body produces. Sometimes called GSH, glutathione is in every cell, and is critical for preserving cellular health and immune function. Despite its prevalence, only a small number of people are familiar with glutathione. In this article, we’ll explain what glutathione is, how it works, and the benefits of a glutathione supplement for longevity and wellness.

Glutathione is produced primarily in the liver as a tripeptide made up of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. Its main purposes are protecting cells from oxidative stress damage, detoxifying harmful substances, and maintaining redox homeostasis.

It’s called the “master antioxidant” due to its ability to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals, which are major contributors to oxidative stress. Damage from oxidative stress is a key component for multiple disease states in the human body. These can include:

• Fatty liver disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Peripheral artery disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Pulmonary diseases
• And more…

As the body ages, levels of glutathione decline. Lowered GSH may result in higher risk for chronic conditions like those above and other age-related conditions.

There’s more to glutathione than reducing oxidative stress levels. Glutathione is part of several mechanisms of action that protect cells and help achieve homeostasis and extend longevity.

First, of course, is the big one, glutathione’s antioxidant activity. GSH neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, including hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, and superoxide anion. This occurs by glutathione donating electrons and becoming oxidized to glutathione disulfide (GSSG). The ratio of GSH to GSSG is the measure of a cell’s antioxidant capacity.

Next, there are several enzymatic reactions for which glutathione is a cofactor. Within these processes, glutathione:

• Detoxifies peroxides to convert them to water
• Detoxifies electrophilic substances and xenobiotics
• Alleviates dicarbonyl stress

Glutathione also regenerates vitamins C and E, transports toxins across plasma membranes to eliminate them from cells, maintains cellular redox states, and assists in cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and apoptosis (normal cell death).

Through a multitude of synthesis, recycling, and transport processes, there’s a continuous supply of the vital antioxidant glutathione within the body’s cells for cellular homeostasis.

Glutathione’s working processes sound complex, but what does all of that mean in layman’s terms? What role does GSH play in health and wellness, and why would someone find it helpful to use a glutathione injection supplement?

The above glutathione cellular mechanisms are part of an intricate and elegant system of checks and balances within the body that are designed to:

• Support the immune system and fight off infection and disease
• Assist in DNA synthesis
• Minimize damage from free radicals and oxidative stress
• Regulate apoptosis (normal cell life and death cycles)
• Support metabolism, particularly in the liver and gallbladder
• Detoxify harmful substances from cells
• Generate and repair tissues
• Produce chemicals and proteins

Without glutathione’s influence, oxidative stress damage can create numerous health problems and lead to the rise in conditions such as:

• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Alzheimer's or Parkinson’s diseases
• Depression or memory problems
• Cancers that are more prevalent due to DNA damage
• Inflammatory concerns like joint problems or arthritis
• Respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies
• Metabolic imbalances that lead to diabetes or obesity
• Kidney disease
• Skin problems
• And more…

For an essential component such as glutathione, its benefits cannot be understated.

1. Antioxidant support: Glutathione is the “Master Antioxidant” because of its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit free radicals, two of the biggest drivers of age-related decline and chronic diseases. Glutathione supplements support DNA repair as well as protein and lipid production, while also slowing cellular aging and enhancing longevity.

1. Detoxification: Toxins, heavy metals, and environmental pollutants are a major factor that accelerate aging. Glutathione is a key piece of the liver’s detoxification process, helping to make toxins water-soluble for easier excretion. Glutathione also detoxifies pollutants to prevent oxidative stress.

1. Immune system optimization: By boosting white blood cells, glutathione strengthens immune system responses. GSH is also beneficial for reducing low-grade chronic inflammation, or “inflammaging,” which helps maintain a robust immune system at every age.

1. Mitochondrial health: Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for its energy and metabolism. Glutathione protects the mitochondria from oxidative damage, ensuring the mitochondria function properly. When the mitochondria experience dysfunction, it can alter cellular regulation and increase age-related cell fatigue. Optimizing the mitochondria is one way to energize cellular longevity.

1. Skin health and anti-aging: Over time, increased melanin production and hyperpigmentation can dull skin. Production of collagen, the protein building blocks of skin, also slows, leaving tissues more prone to age-related lines, wrinkles, and visible signs of damage. Glutathione minimizes hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production, resulting in improved skin clarity and a youthful glow. Glutathione also preserves collagen, leaving skin firmer, less prone to sagging, and looking smoother for longer.

1. Neurological health: The brain is also susceptible to oxidative damage and inflammation, which can lead to greater risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or dementia. Glutathione’s ability to minimize oxidative damage supports cognitive clarity and can keep neurodegenerative concerns in check.

1. Cardiovascular health: Glutathione improves vascular function by reducing oxidative stress damage and inflammation in the blood vessels. This results in improved heart health and a lower incidence of cardiovascular dysfunction related to aging. Improved antioxidant activity lowers risk of plaque buildup in the vessels, a condition called atherosclerosis. Glutathione’s antioxidant properties improve circulation, helping to prevent atherosclerosis.

1. Cancer prevention: Through the repair of DNA and helping to regulate cell proliferation and the cell life cycle (apoptosis), glutathione helps prevent cell mutations that can lead to certain cancers, reducing cancer’s overall risk. Additionally, glutathione’s ability to isolate and detoxify environmental pollutants also plays a key role in cancer prevention.

1. Metabolic health: Glutathione aids in metabolic efficiency and support, enhancing insulin sensitivity in patients with insulin resistance, a 2021 study discovered. By improving metabolic reactivity, glutathione supplements can also help with weight management.

1. Physical performance and recovery: People with an active lifestyle may use glutathione for its tissue repair capabilities. Muscles fatigued from strenuous activity or high-performance sports can benefit from glutathione’s ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress brought on by intense exercise. Studies also show glutathione supplements can reduce acidification and improve lipid metabolism in skeletal muscles during exercise for less muscle fatigue overall.

1. Chronic disease prevention: With oxidative stress being a key contributor to many age-related chronic conditions, and one of glutathione’s main purposes being to control and minimize oxidative damage, the master antioxidant is perhaps one of our biggest assets in building longevity and cellular health. Glutathione’s ability to minimize the risk of illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, while also slowing age-related decline is a major benefit for an enhanced lifespan.

1. Complementing other longevity therapies: At EllieMD, we have several longevity strategies, such as NAD+ boosters, sermorelin, BPC-157/TB-500, and more to enhance and balance energy, hormone levels, and overall cellular health. Glutathione’s support of cellular repair and detoxification can complement any of these strategies as a particularly beneficial supplement in the overall pursuit of longevity and holistic wellness.

Because of glutathione’s regenerative capacity, versatility in neutralizing free radicals, toxins, and pollutants, and ability to protect cells and assist many cellular processes, the master antioxidant is one of our most indispensable defenses against aging, chronic disease, and environmental damage.

A glutathione supplement regimen may just be the key to unlocking a whole new level of vitality, energy, and longevity! Visit EllieMD’s glutathione injection page to find out how you can get started today!