GSH

About GSH

Glutathione is the body's primary intracellular antioxidant, a tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. Oral bioavailability was historically questioned, but the Richie et al. 2015 RCT (54 adults, 6 months) demonstrated that oral Setria glutathione at 1000 mg/day significantly increased GSH levels in blood, erythrocytes, plasma, and lymphocytes by 30-35%, and enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity 2-fold. At 250 mg/day, whole-blood GSH increased modestly. Liposomal forms show higher cellular uptake (~1.9x) and plasma levels (~6x) compared to reduced GSH in head-to-head studies. S-acetyl glutathione is another bioavailable form resistant to GI degradation. Standard reduced glutathione has the weakest oral bioavailability due to GI oxidation and GGT enzyme activity.

What GSH supports

• 🛡️Master antioxidant — protects cells from oxidative damage
• 🧬Supports liver detoxification (Phase II conjugation)
• 💪Enhanced NK cell function (2x increase at 1000 mg/day in RCT)
• ✨May improve skin brightness and reduce melanin index

How much GSH to take

Clinical studies typically use 250–1000 mg of GSH. Landmark 6-month RCT (Richie et al. 2015) used 250 and 1000 mg/day of Setria. 1000 mg raised blood GSH 30-35% and doubled NK cell cytotoxicity. 250 mg showed modest whole-blood increases. Liposomal forms may achieve similar effects at lower doses.

Effective range

250–1000 mg

Forms of GSH compared

• Setria (reduced GSH)Premium
  Patented reduced GSH; raises blood glutathione at 250–1000 mg/day in RCTs.
• Liposomal glutathionePremium
  Phospholipid-encapsulated; survives gut better than plain oral GSH.
• S-acetyl glutathionePremium
  Acetylated for stability through the gut; reaches cells intact.
• Reduced glutathione (oral)Budget
  Plain oral GSH; mostly degraded in the gut without encapsulation.
• L-glutathione (standard oral)Budget
  Standard oral form; degraded by stomach acid before absorption.

Clinical evidence

Moderate clinical evidence. Landmark 6-month trial (54 adults) showed 1000mg/day significantly raised levels and immune function