Author: Revivera Medical Team · Last updated: 25 October 2026
Glutathione is often called the body’s “master antioxidant”. We produce it ourselves, in every cell, but its level can fall with age, during periods of stress or because of habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. In this article you will find out what glutathione is, what benefits it has according to studies, who should not use it, and the difference between oral supplements and an intravenous drip.
What glutathione is
Glutathione is a tripeptide, a molecule made of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It is present in every cell and is the most important antioxidant produced by the body [1].
Its main roles are:
- neutralising free radicals, the unstable molecules that can damage cells [1];
- protecting the mitochondria, the cell structures that produce energy [3];
- taking part in the liver’s detoxification processes [2];
- regenerating other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E [3].
Why glutathione levels fall
The body produces glutathione on its own, but its level can fall:
- with age [4];
- during prolonged stress, after surgery or infections;
- with exposure to cigarette smoke, alcohol and pollution [2];
- in severe obesity [8].
A low glutathione level means weaker defence against oxidative stress, an imbalance associated with ageing and with many chronic conditions [1] [2].
The benefits of glutathione, according to studies
- Antioxidant protection. Glutathione neutralises free radicals, and the ratio between its reduced and oxidised forms reflects the body’s antioxidant capacity [1].
- Liver support. Glutathione is a cofactor in liver detoxification processes. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, glutathione therapy may help improve liver enzymes (ALT) and lower markers of oxidative stress [6] [7].
- Skin. The scientific literature supports the role of glutathione in protecting the lipids and DNA of skin cells [3]. Glutathione is also studied for its role in modulating melanin synthesis, with a “skin brightness” effect [5]. It is not a whitening treatment; it is an effect that works from the inside out.
- Immunity. Glutathione plays a role in the proper functioning of immune cells [2].
Effects vary from person to person and depend on health status, lifestyle and the form of administration. Glutathione does not replace medical treatment of diagnosed conditions.
How to support your glutathione level through diet
Diet helps the body’s own glutathione production. Foods rich in good-quality protein (eggs, fish, lean meat, legumes), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), garlic and onions provide the amino acids and sulphur compounds the body needs to make it [2]. Enough sleep, regular exercise and avoiding smoking and alcohol also reduce oxidative stress.
Oral or intravenous glutathione?
Glutathione is available as oral supplements and can be given intravenously, as a drip.
- Orally, glutathione has low bioavailability: it is largely broken down in the digestive tract before it reaches the blood [1] [3].
- Intravenously, glutathione reaches the bloodstream directly, at a concentration that oral supplementation cannot achieve [1] [3]. The drip is given after a medical consultation and under supervision.
The doctor can recommend the right option for you, depending on your goal and your health.
Contraindications: who should not use glutathione
Glutathione is not given:
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- in case of a known allergy to any of the product’s components;
- during chemotherapy with cytostatic drugs. A study in breast cancer patients linked a high glutathione intake during chemotherapy with a higher risk of treatment resistance [9].
If you take medication or have a chronic condition, talk to a doctor before using glutathione, whatever the form of administration.
Possible side effects
Glutathione is generally well tolerated. With a drip, reactions are rare and usually mild: discomfort at the puncture site or a passing feeling of warmth. It is given slowly and under medical supervision.
The glutathione IV drip at Revivera
At Revivera Clinic, the glutathione drip is given after a free medical consultation, under the continuous supervision of a specialist doctor in intensive care (ATI) or emergency medicine. It takes 45–60 minutes, in massage chairs, in a quiet space. Glutathione can be combined with vitamins and amino acids, and with NAD+ only in separate drips. The doctor sets how often you need a session, at the consultation.
Find out more about the glutathione IV drip.
Frequently asked questions
What does glutathione do in the body?
It is the main antioxidant produced by the body: it neutralises free radicals, protects cells and takes part in the liver’s detoxification processes.
What are the benefits of glutathione?
Studies show its role in antioxidant protection, in supporting liver function, in protecting skin cells and in the proper functioning of the immune system.
What are the contraindications of glutathione?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding, allergy to the product’s components and chemotherapy with cytostatic drugs. If you have a chronic condition or take medication, talk to a doctor first.
Does glutathione whiten the skin?
Glutathione can contribute to “brighter” looking skin. It is not a whitening treatment; it is an effect that works from the inside out.
Which is more effective: oral glutathione or a drip?
Taken orally, glutathione is largely broken down in the digestive tract. Through a drip, it reaches the bloodstream directly. The doctor recommends the right option for you at the consultation.
Which foods contain glutathione or help the body produce it?
Good-quality protein (eggs, fish, lean meat, legumes), cruciferous vegetables, garlic and onions provide the amino acids and sulphur compounds needed to make glutathione.
Scientific sources
- Exner R. et al. (2000). Therapeutic potential of glutathione. Wiener klinische Wochenschrift. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11008322/
- Bradauskienė V. et al. (2026). Glutathione in Our Diet and Its Role in the Body: From Disease Prevention to Anti-Aging. Nutrients. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/10/1640
- Stanescu C. et al. (2026). Glutathione in Skin Aging and Tissue Regeneration: A Systematic Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Redox Modulation, and Biomedical Implications. Molecules. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/6/981
- Detcheverry F. et al. (2023). Changes in levels of the antioxidant glutathione in brain and blood across the age span of healthy adults: A systematic review. NeuroImage: Clinical. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10520675/
- Sarkar R. et al. (2025). Glutathione as a skin-lightening agent and in melasma: a systematic review. International Journal of Dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39444151/
- Nguyen M.T. et al. (2025). A Literature Review of Glutathione Therapy in Ameliorating Hepatic Dysfunction in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Biomedicines. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/3/644
- Santacroce G. et al. (2023). Glutathione: Pharmacological aspects and implications for clinical use in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Frontiers in Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10075255/
- Tan H.C. et al. (2024). The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Glutathione Synthesis in Individuals with Severe Obesity. Antioxidants. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39199212/
- Zhang Z. et al. (2024). Excessive glutathione intake contributes to chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer: a propensity score matching analysis. World Journal of Surgical Oncology. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12957-024-03626-9
