← All peptidesLongevitySubcutaneous protocol for antioxidant and cellular detoxification research.
Glutathione (g-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) is the master antioxidant tripeptide studied for cellular detoxification, oxidative stress reduction, and redox balance. As the most abundant intracellular thiol, glutathione plays a central role in neutralizing free radicals, supporting liver function, enhancing immune cell activity, and protecting against environmental toxins. This educational protocol presents a subcutaneous injection approach using a practical dilution for clear insulin-syringe measurements.
Get Glutathione → code PROFITProtocol Overview
Concise summary of the regimen.
GoalSupport antioxidant defense, cellular detoxification, and immune function.
ScheduleDaily or every-other-day subcutaneous injections for 4 to 8 weeks.
Dose Range100 to 200 mg daily with gradual titration.
Reconstitution3.0 mL per 1,500 mg vial (500 mg/mL).
StorageLyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze-thaw.
Dosing & Reconstitution
| WEEK | DAILY DOSE | UNITS PER INJECTION |
|---|
| Weeks 1 to 2 | 100 mg | 20 units (0.20 mL) |
| Weeks 3 to 4 | 150 mg | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 5 to 8 | 200 mg | 40 units (0.40 mL) |
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously, or split into every-other-day dosing based on protocol goals. Some protocols utilize 200 mg 1 to 2 times weekly for maintenance.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2 to 8 °C, protected from light. At 500 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 5 mg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage preserves peptide quality.
- Lyophilized: store at -20 °C in dry, dark conditions; minimize moisture exposure.
- Reconstituted: refrigerate at 2 to 8 °C; use promptly and avoid freeze-thaw.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
- Glutathione is relatively unstable once reconstituted: use within 2 to 3 weeks for optimal potency.
Supplies Needed
Plan based on a 4 to 8 week daily protocol with gradual titration.
Peptide Vials (Glutathione, 1,500 mg each):
- 4 weeks (100 to 150 mg/day avg): ~3 vials.
- 8 weeks (150 to 200 mg/day avg): ~7 vials.
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- Per week: 7 syringes (1/day).
- 4 weeks: 28. 8 weeks: 56.
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles):
- 4 weeks (3 vials): 1 bottle. 8 weeks (7 vials): 3 bottles.
Alcohol Swabs:
- Per week: 14 swabs.
- 4 weeks: 56 (1 x 100-count). 8 weeks: 112 (2 x 100-count).
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- Use new sterile insulin syringes; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
How This Works
Glutathione (GSH) is the body's most abundant intracellular antioxidant, present in virtually every cell at concentrations of 1 to 10 mM. As a tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, it functions as the primary thiol-based redox buffer, neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), supporting Phase II detoxification pathways, and facilitating the excretion of xenobiotics and heavy metals. The reduced form (GSH) donates electrons to neutralize free radicals and is then recycled back from its oxidized form (GSSG) by glutathione reductase. Clinical and preclinical research demonstrates that maintaining optimal GSH levels supports liver function, immune cell activity, mitochondrial protection, and overall cellular homeostasis.
Benefits & Side Effects
Observations from preclinical and clinical literature.
- Supports reduction of oxidative stress markers and maintenance of cellular redox balance.
- May enhance liver function and support hepatic detoxification pathways.
- Research suggests immune-modulating effects, including support for natural killer cell activity and T-cell
function.
- Clinical studies on skin health indicate potential effects on melanin index and skin brightness with
sustained use.
- Generally well tolerated; occasional mild injection-site reactions (redness, itch) may occur.
- Rare reports of gastrointestinal discomfort with high-dose protocols; start with lower doses and titrate
gradually.
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary strategies for best outcomes.
- Consume sulfur-rich foods (cruciferous vegetables, garlic, onions) to support endogenous GSH
synthesis.
- Minimize alcohol consumption, which depletes hepatic glutathione stores.
- Reduce exposure to environmental toxins and oxidative stressors where possible.
- Prioritize adequate sleep and stress management to support antioxidant recycling.
- Consider complementary nutrients such as vitamin C and selenium that support glutathione recycling.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best-practice resources.
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry.
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45 to 90 degrees into subcutaneous tissue.
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
- Wait 5 to 10 seconds before withdrawing; dispose of syringe in sharps container.
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
References
Source citations for further reading.
- The antioxidant glutathione: protective roles, cofactor functions, and regeneration mechanisms (PubMed).
- Glutathione: roles in immune function, detoxification, and clinical applications (PMC).
- Glutathione: pharmacological aspects and implications for clinical use in NAFLD (PMC).
- Exploring safety and efficacy of glutathione supplementation: narrative review (PMC).
Educational and research reference only. Not medical advice. For research use only; not for human consumption.