You’ve probably heard of antioxidants - but few realise that one molecule quietly outperforms them all. Glutathione, often called the master antioxidant, is your body’s built-in detox system and cellular shield. It neutralises free radicals, supports liver function, recycles other antioxidants, and helps your mitochondria power every cell in your body. Here’s how it works, where it comes from, and why maintaining healthy glutathione levels could be the secret to ageing well and feeling your best. What Is Glutathione? Glutathione is a small molecule made from three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It exists in two forms: reduced (GSH) and oxidised (GSSG). In healthy cells, the ratio of GSH to GSSG is kept high - this balance is a marker of your overall oxidative health. Where It Comes From While your body can make glutathione, it also relies on dietary precursors. Foods high in sulphur-containing amino acids (like cysteine) are key: Eggs Lean meats and fish Whey protein Allium vegetables (garlic, onions) Cruciferous veg (broccoli, Brussels sprouts) Some foods contain glutathione itself - particularly avocado, spinach, asparagus, and okra - but cooking and storage rapidly degrade it. Where It’s Produced in the Body Glutathione is made inside your cells through a two-step process: Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase (GCL) joins glutamate and cysteine. Glutathione Synthetase (GSS) adds glycine to complete the molecule. Cysteine availability usually limits how much GSH you can make. Production happens in nearly every cell, especially in the liver, where detoxification demands are highest. What Does Glutathione Actually Do? Glutathione works as the body’s chemical sponge and cellular insurance policy: 1. Neutralises Free Radicals Acts as the main intracellular antioxidant, preventing oxidative damage to DNA, proteins and lipids. 2. Detoxifies the Liver Through GST enzymes, it binds to toxins, drugs, and pollutants to make them water-soluble for excretion. 3. Recycles Other Antioxidants Helps regenerate vitamins C and E back to their active forms. 4. Supports Mitochondrial Health Keeps mitochondria functioning efficiently and prevents oxidative stress that can lead to energy loss or cell death. 5. Modulates the Immune System High GSH levels support immune cell activity and resistance to infection. What Are Free Radicals? Free radicals are unstable molecules that are missing an electron. Imagine them as slightly unhinged molecules - desperate to steal electrons from anything nearby (your DNA, proteins, or cell membranes) to stabilise themselves. They’re produced naturally when your body burns oxygen for energy (in your mitochondria), but also from: Pollution and cigarette smoke Alcohol and processed food UV light and stress In small amounts, free radicals are fine - they’re actually part of your immune defence. But when they build up faster than your body can neutralise them, it causes oxidative stress - basically, internal rusting. [IMAGE1] What Are Mitochondria and Why Are They So Important? Mitochondria are your cells’ power plants - tiny organelles that convert food and oxygen into ATP, your body’s energy currency. Every heartbeat, breath, or thought relies on mitochondrial output. But because they handle oxygen and electrons, they’re also a major source of free radicals. That’s where glutathione steps in - it sits inside the mitochondria like a live-in cleaner, mopping up reactive oxygen before it can cause chaos. Why Prevent Oxidative Damage to DNA, Proteins, and Lipids? Because these molecules are your body’s fundamental building blocks: DNA stores your genetic instructions — oxidative damage can cause mutations and accelerate ageing or disease. Proteins are your functional machinery — damage can misfold enzymes, hormones, or receptors, derailing normal cell function. Lipids form your cell membranes — oxidation here weakens the barrier that keeps harmful substances out and nutrients in. When oxidative damage accumulates, it’s been linked to virtually every chronic condition imaginable - from cardiovascular disease and diabetes to neurodegeneration, infertility, and cancer (Sies & Jones, 2020). Free radicals aren’t evil - but they’re volatile. Glutathione keeps them in check, protecting your mitochondria, DNA, and cell membranes so your body runs like the well-oiled, oxygen-fuelled machine it’s meant to be. What It’s Good For (Evidence-Based Benefits) Liver Function & Detoxification GSH plays a crucial role in neutralising reactive metabolites. In fact, the medical antidote for paracetamol overdose (N-acetylcysteine) works by replenishing glutathione stores (Prescott, 1983). Blood Sugar & Ageing A randomised controlled trial found that long-term GSH supplementation improved blood GSH and reduced oxidative stress markers in older adults with type 2 diabetes (Kalamkar et al., 2022). Liver Fat Reduction A clinical study found oral GSH reduced liver fat and improved ALT in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (Honda et al., 2017). Immune Function Oral supplementation increased whole-blood GSH levels and improved natural killer cell activity (Richie et al., 2015). Neurological Protection Low brain GSH is linked with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. Intranasal GSH has shown potential to raise brain GSH levels (Aoyama & Nakaki, 2021). How to Support Your Glutathione Levels Naturally Eat sulphur-rich foods: eggs, garlic, onions, cruciferous veg. Supplement smartly: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and whey protein support GSH (glutathione) synthesis. Get your selenium & riboflavin: essential cofactors for glutathione enzymes. Manage stress & sleep: chronic stress depletes GSH. Avoid excessive alcohol & smoking: both rapidly deplete stores. The Testing Angle While glutathione itself isn’t commonly measured in standard blood work, its role links directly to oxidative stress, liver function, detoxification and ageing - all measurable through Vitall's Total Health Checks and Liver Function Test. These can offer indirect insight into your body's antioxidant capacity and redox balance. The Bottom Line Glutathione isn’t just another antioxidant - it’s your body’s biochemical bodyguard. From protecting cells and powering mitochondria to aiding detox and immunity, it quietly keeps the system running smoothly. The good news? You can actively support it through smart nutrition, lifestyle, and clinical testing. Because when it comes to health, balance isn’t found — it’s maintained.