About Glutathione
Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. It is a critical antioxidant in the body, facilitating the detoxification of harmful substances and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Glutathione exists in reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) states, with GSH being the active form that scavenges free radicals. It plays a vital role in various cellular processes, including the maintenance of the redox state, immune function, and cellular signaling.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
≥ 900 ug/mL
Elite Value
1000 ug/mL
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate oxidative stress imbalances or liver function disruption, potentially leading to conditions such as insulin resistance.
Low
Low levels may be associated with increased oxidative stress, reducing the body's ability to fight toxins and increasing susceptibility to infections.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, headaches, irritability, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, increased susceptibility to illness, poor sleep quality, and dry skin.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. Pizzorno, J. (2014). Glutathione! Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, 13(1), 8–12.
- 2. Ballatori, N., Krance, S. M., Notenboom, S., Shi, S., Tieu, K., & Hammond, C. L. (2009). Glutathione dysregulation and the etiology and progression of human diseases. Biological Chemistry, 390(3), 191–214.
- 3. Forman, H. J., Zhang, H., & Rinna, A. (2009). Glutathione: Overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 30(1-2), 1–12.
- 4. Lu, S. C. (2013). Glutathione synthesis. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects, 1830(5), 3143–3153.
- 5. Wu, G., Fang, Y. Z., Yang, S., Lupton, J. R., & Turner, N. D. (2004). Glutathione metabolism and its implications for health. The Journal of Nutrition, 134(3), 489–492.