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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board

Glutathione

MODERATE EVIDENCESupplementLast updated April 5, 2026

SCAN DOSE SUMMARY

Glutathione is your body's master antioxidant — a tripeptide (glutamate, cysteine, glycine) present in every cell. Here's the problem: oral glutathione is poorly absorbed. Your stomach breaks it down before it reaches your bloodstream. Most research suggests supplementing with glutathione precursors (NAC, glycine + cysteine) is more effective than taking glutathione directly. Liposomal and sublingual forms may improve absorption somewhat.

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

  • Oral glutathione: 250-1,000mg/day (bioavailability questionable)
  • Liposomal glutathione: 250-500mg/day (better absorption)
  • Better approach: NAC (600-1,800mg/day) as glutathione precursor
  • Or: Glycine (2g) + NAC (600mg) combination ("GlyNAC" protocol)
Scan a supplement containing Glutathione

SAFETY PROFILE

Side Effects

  • Generally well tolerated at typical doses
  • GI symptoms possible

Drug Interactions

  • No significant drug interactions documented for oral glutathione
  • May theoretically reduce effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs (antioxidant interference)

Precautions

  • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Insufficient data. Glutathione is naturally produced in the body.
  • Cancer patients: Discuss with oncologist — antioxidants may theoretically interfere with some chemo mechanisms.

WADA Status

Not Prohibited.

WHO SHOULD BE CAREFUL

HOW SCAN DOSE SCORES THIS

Present at 250-1,000mg (liposomal form):⚠️ Yellow flag — limited evidence for oral supplementation efficacy
Present in standard oral form:⚠️ Yellow flag — poor bioavailability, likely ineffective
NAC as precursor instead:✅ Green flag — better evidence-backed approach
Marketed as "master antioxidant" without addressing bioavailability:⚠️ Yellow flag — misleading if not liposomal/sublingual

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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated: April 5, 2026

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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