What happens to your body when you start taking glutathione?
Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant endogenous antioxidant in cells. Like a "guardian", it shields the body from oxidative damage, joins in toxin metabolism, and keeps immune function steady. Today, oral GSH supplements are edging into the spotlight, yet when you swallow those capsules every day, what exactly changes inside you?
Reserve Upgrade
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in the *European Journal of Nutrition* gives a clear answer: in healthy adults, blood GSH begins to rise after one month of daily supplementation, and the effect strengthens over time. At six months, the low-dose group (250 mg/day) showed higher GSH in whole blood and erythrocytes, while the high-dose group (1,000 mg/day) displayed even larger gains—GSH kept climbing in red cells, plasma, and lymphocytes, and even the buccal mucosal cells inside the mouth stockpiled markedly more. Yet the boost is not "once and for all"; stop the capsules and most values drift back toward baseline within a month, meaning continuous intake is required to keep the reservoir full.
Oxidative-Stress Relief
Our cells churn out "free radicals" every day; an excess triggers oxidative stress, damaging cells and potentially sparking disease. GSH's central job is to neutralize radicals via reduction. The same trial found that after six months the ratio of oxidized to reduced GSH in whole blood fell significantly in both dose groups. This ratio is a key marker of oxidative stress—its drop signals less oxidative damage and a healthier cellular environment.
Immune Enhancement
For immunity, the high dose delivers an extra perk. Participants taking 1,000 mg/day doubled natural-killer-cell cytotoxicity at three months. These "patrol troops" of the immune system spot and eliminate abnormal cells (virus-infected or malignant), so stronger activity means better defense against pathogens and aberrant cells. Note, however, that the low-dose group showed no significant immune shift, and neither dose altered lymphocyte proliferation or neutrophil phagocytosis, hinting that GSH's immune modulation may be dose-dependent.
Safety
Reassuringly, the body usually welcomes the supplement. Over 94 % of volunteers completed the trial on schedule, and mild complaints (colds, slight stomach ache) were equally distributed across groups; no serious adverse events linked to GSH emerged. For healthy adults, oral GSH at 250 mg/day appears well tolerated, so side-effect worries can be kept in check.
Of course, the study focused on healthy non-smokers; more work is needed in patients, smokers, and other cohorts. Still, the data show that GSH can indeed improve antioxidant reserves, oxidative-stress status, and select immune functions.
Reference
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*, 2015, 54(2): 251-263.
*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.
by GSHWORLD
GSHWORLD is China Biological API Manufacturer. China glutathione Supplements powder suppliers & best glutathione benefits raw material Factory.
