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Sold as a supplement, not an FDA-approved drug. This page is educational information only, not medical advice.
IndexedBuilt automatically from public databases on 2026-09-30. Not yet hand-reviewed by PLOBT.How this works →

Glutathione

Supplement

Endogenous antioxidant tripeptide

Also known as: L-glutathione, reduced glutathione, GSH, L-Glutathione reduced, L-Glutathione, Glutathion, Isethion, Glutinal, Tathion

Evidence score
61/ 100
Moderate evidence

A real evidence base, with gaps

  • Regulatory standing. Sold as a supplement, not an approved drug
  • Limited human data. Some human data exists, not conclusive
  • Registered human trials. 272 registered studies on ClinicalTrials.gov, most advanced Phase 4
  • 1 cited source. Includes primary / regulatory sources

Computed with the same four public criteria as every profile. The human-evidence grade on an indexed profile is set automatically and may change when it is hand-reviewed. It is not a safety score, not a purity rating, and not medical advice, and not a claim that this compound treats, cures, or prevents any condition.

What it is

Glutathione is a small tripeptide made in the body from glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, and it is also sold as a dietary supplement. It acts as a major cellular antioxidant, helping neutralize reactive molecules and supporting detoxification enzymes in the liver and other tissues.

What the evidence shows

Automatic summaryLimited human data

Its role in human cell biology is very well established, and there are many registered human trials, but it is not FDA approved for any indication. Human evidence that supplemental glutathione, taken orally or otherwise, produces meaningful health benefits is mixed and inconsistent, partly because oral absorption is debated.

Key facts

Molecular formula
C10H17N3O6S
Molecular weight
307.33 g/mol

Registered human trials

Live from ClinicalTrials.gov, refreshed daily.

272registered studies
Phase 4most advanced phase
62completed (sample)
4recruiting (sample)

The Impact of Oral Glutathione on Oxidative Damage and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

CompletedNCT06313164

The Role of Glutathione Deficiency and MSIDS Variables in Long COVID-19

Early Phase 1WithdrawnNCT05371288

Treating Oxidative Stress and the Metabolic Pathology of Autism

CompletedNCT00572741

Tolerability of Enteral NAC in Infants

Phase 1Not Yet RecruitingNCT06260566

Published literature

Live from Europe PMC. This is how much has been published, not how much is proven in humans.

189,144papers referencing Glutathione

Glutathione S-transferases. The first enzymatic step in mercapturic acid formation.

J Biol Chem1974

Free radicals and antioxidants in normal physiological functions and human disease.

Int J Biochem Cell Biol2007

Regulation of ferroptotic cancer cell death by GPX4.

Cell2014

Ferroptosis: A Regulated Cell Death Nexus Linking Metabolism, Redox Biology, and Disease.

Cell2017

Sources

Risks, side effects and study doses are only published on hand-reviewed profiles. Want this one reviewed, or spotted something wrong? Tell us.