Glutathione: the tripeptide explained

Glutathione is best known as a supplement and beauty treatment. This guide is about the molecule itself: what glutathione is, what it does in cells, and the forms researchers work with.

What is glutathione?

Glutathione is a tripeptide made of three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine and glycine (gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine). It is present in almost every cell, often at high concentrations, and is made inside cells in two enzyme steps. The sulphur-containing cysteine is what makes it chemically active.

Reduced and oxidised glutathione

Glutathione exists in two main states: reduced (GSH), which can donate electrons, and oxidised (GSSG), formed when two molecules link after neutralising reactive compounds. The GSH to GSSG ratio is widely used in research as a marker of a cell's redox state, its balance between oxidation and protection.

What is glutathione studied for?

• Antioxidant defence: as the substrate for glutathione peroxidase enzymes that neutralise peroxides.
• Detoxification: glutathione S-transferases attach glutathione to reactive compounds so cells can remove them.
• Redox signalling: changes in glutathione status influence protein function and cell signalling.
• Cysteine storage and transport between tissues.

Forms of glutathione in research

• Reduced glutathione (GSH): the standard research form, and the form Meytrix supplies.
• Liposomal glutathione: glutathione enclosed in lipid vesicles, studied as a way to improve stability and uptake.
• S-acetyl glutathione: a modified form designed to be more stable.
• Precursors: N-acetylcysteine and glycine (sometimes combined as "GlyNAC") are studied as ways to support the body's own production.

A note on skin lightening

Glutathione is widely marketed for skin lightening, and it is studied in laboratory research on melanin production. Health regulators in several countries have warned against injectable glutathione for skin lightening. Meytrix makes no cosmetic or health claims for glutathione: it is supplied as a research compound only.

Glutathione at Meytrix

Meytrix supplies glutathione 1500mg for laboratory research, with its batch Certificate of Analysis published. See also NAD+, another compound studied in cellular redox and energy research.

References

• Wu G, et al. Glutathione metabolism and its implications for health. J Nutr. 2004;134(3):489-492.
• Forman HJ, Zhang H, Rinna A. Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Mol Aspects Med. 2009;30(1-2):1-12.

Frequently asked questions

Is glutathione a peptide?

Yes. Glutathione is a tripeptide made of three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine and glycine.

What is the difference between GSH and GSSG?

GSH is reduced glutathione, the active form that can donate electrons. GSSG is oxidised glutathione, formed when two glutathione molecules link after neutralising reactive compounds. Their ratio is a common marker of cellular redox state.

What is liposomal glutathione?

Glutathione enclosed in tiny lipid vesicles called liposomes. It is studied as a way to improve the stability and absorption of glutathione.

Does Meytrix sell glutathione for skin lightening?

No. Meytrix supplies glutathione 1500mg as a research compound for laboratory use only and makes no cosmetic or health claims for it.

All Meytrix products are supplied for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.