What do Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Chrissy Teigen have in common? For one, they all reportedly get regular intravenous infusions of antioxidants to refresh their skin. One star ingredient in many of their glow-up infusions? Glutathione, which has been called the “master of antioxidants.” It’s said to protect skin against free radicals, repair cells, and more. But what exactly is glutathione and how does it work? And, most importantly, should you be taking glutathione, too? Read on to find out more about the benefits of glutathione.
Glutathione, the master of antioxidants
If you had to choose just one supplement to take, glutathione is certainly a compelling candidate. “Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in every cell of the body,” explains Dr. Nayan Patel, an advanced biochemistry and anti-aging science expert and the founder of Auro, a skincare company that focuses on antioxidants, and in particular, glutathione. “It’s composed of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. Its primary role is to protect cells from oxidative stress and damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species,” he explains.
Because it protects against cell damage and detoxifies the body, glutathione is said to be helpful for maintaining longevity and skin health, but it also may be useful for other health issues as well. However, our naturally-occurring levels also tend to drop off as we age—much like collagen. Therefore, “maintaining adequate levels of glutathione is crucial for overall health, as its deficiency can lead to increased oxidative stress, weakened immune response, and higher susceptibility to diseases,” Patel says.
What are the benefits of glutathione?
“Glutathione is important for several reasons,” Patel explains. Not only does it help combat oxidative stress which can “damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases and aging,” but it also supports the immune system by “enhancing the function of immune cells” and helping to regulate inflammation. “It assists in repairing damaged cells and maintaining overall cellular health,” says Patel.
Shabir Daya, pharmacist and co-founder of UK-based wellness company Victoria Health agrees: “Glutathione is the body’s natural antioxidant nutrient, produced in the liver primarily from three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid,” he says. “It helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals that form when oxygen is used to create energy for repair and regeneration; it also protects against external toxins, which seem to increase from year to year, as we produce more and more chemicals for the most varied uses.”