Glutathione is the body’s most abundant and important intracellular antioxidant. The Glutathione Index measures your overall glutathione status from a dried blood spot sample using LC-MS/MS, reflecting your body’s antioxidant capacity and redox balance.
Glutathione plays a critical role in detoxification, immune function, and protecting cells from oxidative damage. It is synthesised from three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. Levels can be influenced by age, diet, toxin exposure, medications, chronic illness, and lifestyle factors such as exercise and sleep quality.
Low glutathione levels have been linked to increased susceptibility to infections, accelerated aging, liver dysfunction, neurodegenerative conditions, and a higher risk of chronic diseases. Maintaining optimal glutathione levels is one of the most important strategies for long-term cellular health and resilience against environmental and metabolic stressors.
Glutathione exists in two forms: reduced glutathione (GSH), which is the active form that directly neutralises free radicals and toxins, and oxidised glutathione (GSSG), which is produced after GSH performs its protective function. A healthy body continuously recycles GSSG back to GSH through the enzyme glutathione reductase. The Glutathione Index captures both forms to give a comprehensive picture of your antioxidant reserves and your body’s ability to cope with oxidative challenges from pollution, stress, illness, and ageing.
| Food Source | Serving | Key Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | 100g | Sulforaphane | HIGH |
| Brussels Sprouts | 100g | Sulforaphane | HIGH |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Allicin / Sulfur | HIGH |
| Onions | 100g | Quercetin / Sulfur | MODERATE |
| Spinach | 100g | Folate / Glutathione | HIGH |
| Avocado | 1 medium | Glutathione | HIGH |
| Asparagus | 100g | Glutathione | HIGH |
| Whey Protein | 30g | Cysteine | HIGH |
| Eggs | 2 large | Cysteine / Selenium | MODERATE |
| Turmeric | 1 tsp | Curcumin | MODERATE |
| Supplement Type | Typical Dose | Form | Absorption | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liposomal Glutathione | 250–500 mg | Liposomal | Superior | Best oral bioavailability |
| Reduced Glutathione (GSH) | 250–500 mg | Capsule | Moderate | Standard supplemental form |
| N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) | 600–1,200 mg | Capsule | Good | Key precursor for glutathione synthesis |
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid | 300–600 mg | Capsule | Good | Helps recycle glutathione |
| Milk Thistle (Silymarin) | 150–300 mg | Extract | Good | Supports liver glutathione levels |