Cellular Wellness
Glutathione: the body's own antioxidant, explained
What glutathione is, how the body makes it, what research does and does not show, and how a prescription glutathione program works.
Glutathione is often called the body's master antioxidant. Here is what that means in plain terms.
What glutathione is
Glutathione is a tripeptide, a small molecule built from three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine and glycine. Your cells make it themselves, and it is found throughout the body, with especially high levels in the liver.
What it does
Glutathione helps neutralize reactive molecules that cells produce during normal metabolism, often called free radicals. It also helps recycle other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and is used by the liver in processing certain substances.
What research does and does not show
Glutathione's roles inside cells are well established. Research on giving glutathione from outside the body is more limited and mixed, and studies vary in route, dose and who was studied. No outcome should be expected from any glutathione product, and Awesentials makes no claims about appearance, skin or detox.
How glutathione is prescribed through Awesentials
Glutathione is available as a compounded injection prepared by a licensed US pharmacy for an individual patient, only after a licensed provider reviews your online visit. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Possible side effects
Reported side effects include discomfort, redness or bruising where the injection is given. Allergic reactions are possible. Tell your provider about asthma, allergies, every medication you take and any medical conditions. Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Supporting your body's own glutathione
General nutrition matters for the building blocks the body uses to make glutathione. Adequate protein, which supplies cysteine, glutamate and glycine, is part of a balanced diet. The protein calculator can help you estimate a daily range.
Sources
- Glutathione! (Pizzorno, Integr Med 2014)
- Glutathione synthesis (Lu, Biochim Biophys Acta 2013)
- Glutathione | PubChem, National Library of Medicine
- Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers | FDA
This article is educational and does not diagnose conditions, establish eligibility for any medication, or replace care from a licensed provider. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
