Glutathione: The Antioxidant That Supports Your Health

Cheyenne van Eikeren
May 12
2 min read

Have you ever heard of glutathione: a small, naturally occurring molecule with a powerful impact. In this blog, I’ll explain what glutathione is, why it's so important, and how you can support your natural levels.

What is glutathione?

Glutathione (also known as GSH) is a powerful antioxidant that your body produces from three amino acids: L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid, and glycine. It’s present in every cell, but is most concentrated in the liver, the body’s main detox organ. Glutathione plays a crucial role in:

Neutralizing free radicals
Detoxifying harmful substances (such as heavy metals)
Supporting the immune system
Regenerating other antioxidants like vitamins C and E
Repairing DNA and transporting amino acids

Without sufficient glutathione, your body becomes less resilient to oxidative stress and toxins.

What happens when glutathione levels are low?

Unfortunately, glutathione production decreases with age, sometimes by up to 50%. Other contributing factors include:

Chronic stress
Environmental toxins (like pollution and pesticides)
Infections or illness
Medication use
Poor diet (highly processed, sugar-heavy foods)

Low glutathione is associated with cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, liver dysfunction, and autoimmune conditions.

How to naturally boost glutathione levels

Although some foods contain glutathione (like asparagus, spinach, avocado, and melon), it's often not enough for therapeutic benefit. More effective strategies include:

Cysteine-rich foods like organic eggs, garlic, and onions
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage (rich in sulforaphane)
Supplements such as N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), alpha-lipoic acid, selenium, and milk thistle.
Lifestyle: reduce stress, exercise regularly, and avoid exposure to toxins

Mesology & glutathione: a personalized approach

A glutathione deficiency can be linked to deeper imbalances, like poor digestion, nutrient depletion, or chronic stress.

With Mesology, your biochemical functions are analyzed, including liver detox capacity, gut health, and energy metabolism. Based on this, Mesology provide targeted advice on nutrition, supplements, or therapies to naturally support your glutathione levels.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What exactly is glutathione?
It’s a natural antioxidant made by the body that neutralizes free radicals, supports liver detox, and strengthens immune function.
How do I know if I have a deficiency?
Signs include fatigue, low immunity, poor detox, or frequent inflammation. A mesologist can help assess this.
Can I get glutathione from food?
Yes, but only in small amounts. Raw organic vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and avocado contain some glutathione.
What are good supplements to support glutathione?
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), alpha-lipoic acid, selenium, curcumin, and milk thistle are all helpful.
Can I supplement with glutathione directly?
Yes, but oral forms are poorly absorbed. Liposomal forms or IV administration are more effective, usually offered by professionals.
How is glutathione different from vitamin C?
Glutathione is produced internally and also helps regenerate antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
Is glutathione safe for everyone?
Generally yes, but supplementation should be tailored to your individual needs. Always consult a professional.
Can glutathione help with chronic illness?
Research shows low glutathione is common in chronic conditions. Supporting levels can be beneficial.