Glutathione

Other names: γ-glutamylcysteinylglycine

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Glutathione, also known as γ-glutamylcysteinylglycine, is one of the important antioxidants in the bodies of humans and animals. It is a peptide consisting of the amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid, and is therefore a tripeptide in structure. Glutathione plays a key role in protecting cells from oxidative damage and is essential for the function of many enzymes. It is present in the body in two forms: reduced (GSH), which is active, and oxidatively (GSSG), which is less active.

Glutathione is also used in some commercial products. In the food industry it is used as a food additive. It is included in some dietary supplements designed to support the immune system or detoxify the body. In addition, glutathione is also found in cosmetic products, where it acts as an antioxidant and improves the skin's moisturizing ability. In certain cases it is also used in medicine, for example in the treatment of paracetamol or alcohol intoxication or in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Last but not least, it is also used in research, where its levels in the body are often measured as an indicator of overall health or stress.