Glutathione is a water-soluble peptide made up of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. It is an antioxidant that is present in all cells. Glutathione is a unique antioxidant, as it is produced in the liver. Most antioxidants have to be consumed through diet or supplements. Several factors can reduce glutathione levels, including diet, stress, aging, and environmental toxins.

WHAT IS GLUTATHIONE REDUCED?

Glutathione is present in the body in two forms. Reduced glutathione (GSH) hasn’t exerted any antioxidant effects, whereas oxidized glutathione (GSSG) has expended its antioxidant properties. Reduced glutathione usually makes up the bulk of glutathione in the body, accounting for 98%. A change in the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione can indicate a negative shift in cellular health.

POTENTIAL GLUTATHIONE BENEFITS

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant. It scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage cells, cause strand breaks in DNA, and interrupt cell signaling. One of the most prominent free radicals is hydrogen peroxide. Glutathione scavenges hydrogen peroxide radicals and reduces them into water and oxygen. Glutathione may also support liver health. An antioxidant deficiency can damage liver cells. Glutathione may be able to support liver health by replenishing antioxidant levels.

Glutathione may support digestive health as well. Rises in oxidative stress cause inflammation in the intestines. Glutathione is the main antioxidant present in gastrointestinal cells. As an antioxidant, glutathione may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the digestive tract.

GLUTATHIONE FOR SKIN

One of the most common uses of glutathione for skin is as a lightening agent. Glutathione may lighten skin by interfering with melanin synthesis. Several studies examined the effects of glutathione on skin lightening and found that glutathione lowered participants’ melanin index scores.