As an antioxidant, glutathione’s primary role is to protect your cells from free radical damage. And plays a vital role in detoxification.
Glutathione protects against chronic illness, supports liver health, and reduces insulin resistance. Some research shows that glutathione may even help prevent the progression of cancer.[ii]
The benefits of supplementing with glutathione may help prevent and even reduce the symptoms associated with emotional and mental health disorders.
Other glutathione benefits include improved digestion, clearer skin, stronger hair and nails, and healthier vison.
Glutathione is unique because it can help improve the health of nearly all cell types in your body. Including your brain, liver, eyes, skin, pancreas, or any other organ that requires support.
In this review we’ll focus on how Glutathione works in your brain.
- Antioxidant: Glutathione is called the “master” antioxidant because it’s needed by every nearly every cell to defend against free radicals. Free radicals in excess can lead to oxidative stress which causes inflammation and can damage or kill brain cells.
- Neuroprotectant: The production of adenosine triphospate (ATP) in your mitochondria releases Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) causing oxidative stress. Glutathione is your primary defense against ROS preventing mitochondrial dysfunction.[iii]
- Brain optimization: Supplementing with glutathione may help reduce brain fog and poor cognition. Glutathione plays a role in preventing and treating neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism.[iv] [v]
Table of Contents
Glutathione (γ-l-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine, GSH, or L-glutathione) is found in nearly every cell in your brain and body.
Glutathione synthesis in your brain follows the same pathway as in the rest of your body. Glutathione is synthesized in cells by the consecutive reactions of the enzymes γ-Glutamyl-cysteine (γGlu-Cys) synthetase which uses glutamate and cysteine as substrates to generate γGlu-Cys.
The intracellular level of Glutathione is regulated by a feedback inhibition of γGlu-Cys synthetase by the endproduct Glutathione.
You can increase your body’s glutathione production by eating foods that contain the basic components of these amino acids.
You can get Glutathione from eating onions, garlic, spinach, avocado, asparagus, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, and meats.
But your digestive tract doesn’t absorb glutathione well. It is rapidly oxidized during digestion. Fortunately, many of the same foods that contain glutathione also contain the individual amino acids that your body uses to make glutathione.
These foods include eggs, lentils, chicken, fish, dairy products, legumes, garlic, shallots, and onions. And cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Bok choy, and Brussels sprouts.
Glutathione is so critical to your cellular health that it exists in cells at the same levels as glucose, potassium, and cholesterol. All nutrients that are essential for energy and cellular function.[vi]
As your “master” antioxidant, Glutathione plays a key role in the defense of brain cells against oxidative stress. It neutralizes free radicals, is a cofactor for several antioxidant enzymes, and helps regenerate Vitamin C and Vitamin E already in your system.
Glutathione assists in the transport of heavy metal ions such as mercury out of cells including your brain. It helps regulate cellular growth and apoptosis. And it vital to mitochondrial function and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA.
Your body requires a steady supply of glutathione to function optimally. Glutathione deficiency has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, OCD and even autism.[vii]
Glutathione increases the number of T-cells (white blood cells) in your body, a key component of your immune system. And stimulates the production and activity of natural killer (NK) cells and supports immune cell normal antibody response.[viii]
In fact, glutathione deficiency, and its precursor cysteine, is a feature of HIV. One study showed that supplementing with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a precursor to glutathione, caused a significant increase in immune response in HIV-infected patients.[ix]
Your body naturally produces glutathione, but that ability decreases with age. And decreases at any age when you’re under stress.
Glutathione boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Glutathione protects brain mitochondria from oxidative stress. Glutathione is the number one antioxidant in your body. As an antioxidant, it neutralizes and scavenges free radicals, protecting your mitochondria from oxidative damage.[x]
Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons. Free radicals increase because of various toxins, industrial chemicals, air pollutants, UV light, certain drugs, and pesticides.[xi]
Free radicals in excess pair with other free electrons in cells resulting in decreased cellular function and disease.
Antioxidants such as glutathione attach to free electrons preventing them from causing oxidative stress.[xii]
But astrocytes prefer glutamate and cysteine as precursors. In fact, astrocytes play a key role in glutathione metabolism in your brain.[xiii]
- Glutathione helps recycle other antioxidants.
When your brain uses antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, glutathione recycles these important antioxidants and put them back to into play.[xiv] [xv] Enhancing the efficiency of the detoxification process, helping your brain to function optimally.
How things go bad
Glutathione exists in cells in 2 states: reduced Glutathione (GSH) and oxidized Glutathione (GSSG). Oxidized glutathione is 2 glutathione molecules bound together.
Glutathione is depleted because of oxidative stress, inflammation, or exposure to toxins within the cell.[xvii]
Without enough glutathione, your body is more susceptible to a host of cognition problems. And if left unchecked can eventually lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
Glutathione deficiency can also affect your vision, skin health, and ability to think clearly.
Insufficient levels of glutathione can lead to:
↓ Neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s diseases and Parkinson’s disease
↓ Brain fog
↓ Low energy
↓ Poor digestion
↓ Vision problems
↓ Decreased emotional and mental health[xviii]
↓ Inefficient detoxification of your cells
↑ Greater susceptibility to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer
↑ Increased free radical damage to cells
↑ Inflammatory diseases
You become more susceptible to these problems as you age because your body’s ability to produce glutathione decreases.
Common OTC medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) has been shown to deplete glutathione, especially in your liver. This means that when using acetaminophen, it makes it harder for your body’s immune system to do its job of cleaning out waste products.
But taking Glutathione as a nootropic supplement may help counter the damage caused by oxidative stress when you have no choice but to take an acetaminophen tablet.
It would be difficult to understate the benefits of having sufficient levels of glutathione in your body. It helps your body detox. And is vital to protecting your cells from free radical damage.
Your brain uses at least 20% of your oxygen supply to function which makes it highly susceptible to oxidative stress. Healthy levels of glutathione helps prevent oxidative stress. And allows your brain to function as designed.
Supplementing with glutathione helps prevent anxiety and depression. Adequate glutathione supports healthy, clear cognition. And helps protect your brain against neurodegenerative diseases as you age.
But glutathione’s benefits aren’t limited to your brain. It plays a protective role in nearly every cell in your body. Protecting you from a variety of degenerative and inflammatory diseases.
How does Glutathione feel?
Neurohackers who supplement with Glutathione report increased energy levels, improved digestion, decreased inflammation, clearer thinking, improved skin tone, and stronger hair and nails.
People who suffer with Hashimoto’s disease, diabetes, and chronic fatigue syndrome report more energy when using glutathione.
Glutathione can improve digestion, including the symptoms of leaky gut syndrome. And may also ease allergy symptoms.
With the established link between gut health and brain health, it comes as no surprise that many users of glutathione report clearer thinking.
Supplementing with glutathione help you detox, providing clear skin. Many people report that it makes their skin glow. You may find that your hair and nails grow stronger when supplementing with glutathione.
Some say they notice improvement in their hearing, a better sense of smell, and better vision after taking glutathione. It can also help prevent cataracts.[xix] Some people report that glutathione has helped them heal cataracts.
Many people report that glutathione is their best hangover prevention weapon. They say that if they remember to take it on a night when they’ve been drinking too much, they feel little to no effect the next morning.
With such a widespread detoxifying role throughout your body, glutathione has been shown to positively affect many organs and systems. Here we focus on three that affect cognitive function.
Glutathione for OCD
Several studies suggest lower cerebral levels of glutathione may contribute to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital in Belmont Massachusetts recruited 29 patients suffering from OCD and 25 matching controls who didn’t have OCD.
The participants brains were scanned using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to examine glutathione levels in their posterior cingulate cortex (PCC).
The study found significantly lower glutathione levels in those with OCD compared with the control group.
The research team concluded that lower glutathione levels increased oxidative stress and hypermetabolism in the PCC brain region with OCD. [xx]
Glutathione for Alzheimer’s Disease
A study published in Neuropharmacology studied the effect of glutathione supplementation in mice with biological indicators like those of Alzheimer’s.
Mice were supplemented with glutathione for three weeks. The mice treated with glutathione showed decreased inflammation. And had reduced cognitive decline and less depression and anxiety.
The researchers concluded that glutathione supplementation is attractive as a therapy for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.[xxi]
Glutathione to Reduce Hangovers
Animal trials have shown that supplementing with glutathione may be useful in preventing hangovers.
In one study, rats in the experimental group were fed a preparation of glutathione-enriched yeast and rice embryo/soybean (GEY/RES) extracts for two weeks. Control rats were not given the GEY/RES.
The rats in both groups were then intoxicated with ethanol and blood alcohol levels were analyzed for several hours.
The rats in the pretreatment group had lower blood concentrations of alcohol. The researchers concluded that glutathione should be studied as a candidate for mitigating hangovers.[xxii]
Glutathione Recommended Dosage
Glutathione is not well-absorbed in your digestive system, so the liposomal form of glutathione is preferred.
You can also increase your glutathione levels by supplementing with one of my favorite supplements – N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) which is a direct precursor to glutathione.
Glutathione Side Effects
Glutathione is non-toxic. So is considered well-tolerated and safe.
Side effects are rare but can include digestive cramping and bloating, and possible skin rash if you apply glutathione to your skin.
If you have asthma, you should avoid supplementing with glutathione.
And if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please check with your doctor before beginning glutathione supplementation.
Type of Glutathione to Buy
Glutathione supplements are available in tablet, softgel, capsule, powder, liquid, nasal spray and IV form. Capsules are typically 350 – 500 mg each.
Glutathione exists in cells in 2 states: reduced Glutathione (GSH) and oxidized Glutathione (GSSG).
If you are buying regular glutathione, choose a supplement label that says “Reduced Glutathione” which is the active form your immune system needs. And NOT the oxidized form of “Glutathione”.
Early human clinical trials of supplemental glutathione showed it was not absorbed well as a supplement. And for years it was thought that using GSH precursors were a superior method of increasing stores of this vital antioxidant in your body. But the latest research shows with daily, long-term usage you can raise glutathione levels by supplementing with glutathione.
The best way to increase your glutathione levels is by IV infusion. But this method is expensive and not easily available to the average neurohacker.
So, supplement manufacturers have found another method for boosting glutathione absorption.
It is called “liposomal” which means glutathione is encased in a “sac” of lipid molecules made from soy or sunflower lecithin which makes it easier for the molecule to cross cell membranes into the cell.
A patented form of liposomal glutathione called Setria® Glutathione manufactured by Kyowa Hakko Bio Co. has been shown to be the quickest way to increase your glutathione levels.
A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Setria® glutathione (GSH) 250 or 1,000 mg per day was conducted with 54 adults.
Blood levels of GSH increased after 1, 3, and 6 months at both doses. At 6 months the low dose group showed 29% GSH levels and the high dose group 35%.[xxv]
You can get 250 mg Setria® Glutathione in my favorite immune supplement called Performance Lab® PL-Immune™.
PL-Immune™ also contains the NutriGenesis® forms of Vitamin D 20 mg, Vitamin C 30 mg, Selenium 25 mcg, Zinc 25 mg, and IMMUSE™ Paraprobiotic.
IMMUSE™ is a patented strain of Lactococcus lactis probiotic which also functions to activate your immune system. IMMUSE™ activates plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC).
7 clinical trials have shown that pDC can activate immune cells such as NK, Killer-T, Helper-T, and B cells, providing broad range immune support.
Performance Lab® PL-Immune™ is $49 for a one-month supply of the best immune supplement available today. Get 3 boxes and Get one box FREE + free shipping.
Nootropics Expert® Recommendation
I recommend glutathione as a nootropic supplement.
Glutathione’s role in immune function is almost unparalleled. Nearly all cells require GSH for healthy function.
Your body makes glutathione on its own, but that ability diminishes when you are experiencing severe stress, a poor diet, and as you get older.
Supplementing with glutathione protects against chronic illness, supports liver health, and reduces insulin resistance. Some research shows that glutathione may even help prevent the progression of cancer. [xxvi]
Glutathione is especially helpful for those dealing with brain fog, poor memory, anxiety, or depression. You should notice better memory, more energy, and the ability to think more clearly when using GSH as a supplement.
Because glutathione supports healthy brain cell function, it may help reduce symptoms of OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, and autism.
And supplementing with glutathione may help vison, poor digestion, unhealthy skin and brittle hair and nails.
The preferred method of supplementing with glutathione is with the patented liposomal form of glutathione such as Setria® Glutathione available in Performance Lab® PL-Immune™.
[i] Bjørklund, G., Doşa, M. D., Maes, M., Dadar, M., Frye, R. E., Peana, M., & Chirumbolo, S. (2021). The impact of glutathione metabolism in autism spectrum disorder. Pharmacological research, 166, 105437. (source)
[ii] Traverso, N., Ricciarelli, R., Nitti, M., Marengo, B., Furfaro, A. L., Pronzato, M. A., Marinari, U. M., & Domenicotti, C. (2013). Role of glutathione in cancer progression and chemoresistance. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2013, 972913. (source)
[iii] Marí, M., Morales, A., Colell, A., García-Ruiz, C., & Fernández-Checa, J. C. (2009). Mitochondrial glutathione, a key survival antioxidant. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 11(11), 2685–2700. (source)
[iv] Dwivedi, D., Megha, K., Mishra, R., Mandal, P. (2020) Glutathione in Brain: Overview of Its Conformations, Functions, Biochemical Characteristics, Quantitation and Potential Therapeutic Role in Brain Disorders. Neurochemical Research, 45, 1461–1480. (source)
[x] Song, J., Kang, S. M., Lee, W. T., Park, K. A., Lee, K. M., & Lee, J. E. (2014). Glutathione protects brain endothelial cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress by increasing nrf2 expression. Experimental neurobiology, 23(1), 93–103. (source)
[xii] Marí, M., Morales, A., Colell, A., García-Ruiz, C., & Fernández-Checa, J. C. (2009). Mitochondrial glutathione, a key survival antioxidant. Antioxidants & redox signaling 11(11), 2685–2700. (source)
[xix] Giblin F. J. (2000). Glutathione: a vital lens antioxidant. Journal of ocular pharmacology and therapeutics: the official journal of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 16(2), 121–135. (source)
[xx] Brennan, B. P., Jensen, J. E., Perriello, C., Pope, H. G., Jr, Jenike, M. A., Hudson, J. I., Rauch, S. L., & Kaufman, M. J. (2016). Lower posterior cingulate cortex glutathione levels in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, 1(2), 116–124. (source)
[xxi] Izumi, H., Sato, K., Kojima, K., Saito, T., Saido, T. C., & Fukunaga, K. (2020). Oral glutathione administration inhibits the oxidative stress and the inflammatory responses in AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F knock-in mice. Neuropharmacology, 168, 108026. (source)
[xxii] Lee, H. S., Song, J., Kim, T. M., Joo, S. S., Park, D., Jeon, J. H., Shin, S., Park, H. K., Lee, W. K., Ly, S. Y., Kim, M. R., Lee, D. I., & Kim, Y. B. (2009). Effects of a preparation of combined glutathione-enriched yeast and rice embryo/soybean extracts on ethanol hangover. Journal of medicinal food, 12(6), 1359–1367. (source)
[xxiii] Dodd, S., Dean, O., Copolov, D. L., Malhi, G. S., & Berk, M. (2008). N-acetylcysteine for antioxidant therapy: pharmacology and clinical utility. Expert opinion on biological therapy, 8(12), 1955–1962. (source)
[xxv] Richie, J.P., Nichenametla, S., Neidig, W. et al. “Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione.” European Journal of Nutrition 54, 251–263 (2015) (source)
[xxvi] Traverso, N., Ricciarelli, R., Nitti, M., Marengo, B., Furfaro, A. L., Pronzato, M. A., Marinari, U. M., & Domenicotti, C. (2013). Role of glutathione in cancer progression and chemoresistance. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2013, 972913. (source)
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