Glutathione dosage and protocol
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant peptide composed of three amino acids. It has been extensively studied for its role in cellular detoxification and antioxidant defense.
- Vial size: 600 mg
- Reconstitution: 2 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 300 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Antioxidant Research
- Detoxification
- Cellular Health
- Skin Research
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to the 600 mg vial → 300 mg/mL
- Typical dose: 100-200 mg once daily subcutaneously over 8 weeks
- Easy measuring: At 300 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 3 mg on a U-100 syringe, so 100 mg ≈ 33 units and 200 mg ≈ 67 units
- Storage: Powder refrigerated; after reconstitution use immediately or refrigerate and use within 24 hours
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 100 mg | Once daily (SC) | 0.33 mL (33 units) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 150 mg | Once daily (SC) | 0.50 mL (50 units) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 200 mg | Once daily (SC) | 0.67 mL (67 units) |
How it works
Glutathione (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) is a tripeptide made inside virtually every human cell and is the body's most abundant small-molecule antioxidant. Its cysteine thiol group donates electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species, and it serves as the substrate for glutathione peroxidases (which reduce hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides) and glutathione S-transferases (which attach glutathione to drugs and toxins so they can be excreted). The ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione is a central marker of cellular redox status. Because cells synthesize glutathione themselves, a key question is whether supplying it from outside raises tissue levels. Intravenous glutathione is cleared from plasma within minutes, and oral forms were long thought to be poorly absorbed, though some human trials report increased body stores with sustained oral or liposomal dosing. Glutathione also shifts melanin production toward lighter pigment in lab studies, which underlies its cosmetic skin-lightening use. Human trials are generally small: studies of skin lightening show mixed, modest results, and small trials of intravenous glutathione in Parkinson's disease did not show clear benefit over placebo. Subcutaneous injection is less studied than intravenous, intramuscular or oral routes, and evidence for broad detoxification or anti-aging claims remains thin.
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 2.0 mL sterile water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake)
- Use immediately or refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 24 hours; do not freeze reconstituted solution
Storage
Store powder refrigerated. After reconstitution, use immediately or refrigerate and use within 24 hours.
Important notes
- Research purposes only.
- IV administration commonly studied.
- Short stability after reconstitution.
Supplies
- Glutathione vial (200mg)
- Sterile water
- Syringes
- Alcohol swabs