Glutathione IV Therapy: The Master Antioxidant for Skin, Recovery and Detoxification
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide produced naturally in every cell of the human body. Often described as the master antioxidant, it is involved in neutralising free radicals, regenerating other antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E, and supporting the liver's normal detoxification pathways.
Glutathione levels decline with age, stress, exposure to environmental toxins, illness and intense exercise. At Live More Clinic, intravenous Glutathione therapy is used to help raise systemic levels, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, which can limit absorption of oral glutathione.
What Is Glutathione?
Glutathione is composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. It is produced in the liver and used throughout the body for antioxidant defence, immune modulation, and conjugation reactions that bind to and neutralise toxins, heavy metals and metabolic byproducts.
Although the body synthesises glutathione, levels can be depleted by chronic disease, alcohol intake, smoking, poor sleep, oxidative stress and the natural ageing process. Intravenous delivery has been studied for its ability to raise plasma glutathione concentrations, and is generally associated with more reliable absorption than oral routes.
Key Benefits of Glutathione IV Therapy
Skin clarity and tone. Glutathione inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production. Some patients report brighter, more even skin tone with regular treatments. Glutathione has been studied for effects on pigmentation, though much of this research involves topical or oral forms rather than IV.
Antioxidant defence. By neutralising reactive oxygen species, glutathione may help protect cells from oxidative damage, which is associated with ageing and some chronic conditions.
Liver and toxin support. Glutathione plays a role in phase II liver metabolism, conjugating with certain substances so they can be processed and excreted.
Immune balance. Glutathione is involved in lymphocyte function and may support a balanced immune response.
Recovery and athletic support. Intense exercise depletes glutathione and increases oxidative load. IV repletion may help support recovery and is studied for its role in muscle recovery and mitochondrial function.
Who Can Benefit from Glutathione IV Therapy?
Glutathione IV may be considered by individuals who:
- Want support for skin clarity, evenness and brightness
- Are exposed to high oxidative stress (intense training, demanding work, environmental toxins)
- Are recovering from illness, alcohol use or sustained stress
- Wish to support liver function and natural detoxification pathways
- Are interested in healthy ageing and cellular protection
Caution applies in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and severe liver or kidney disease. Doses should always be reviewed in consultation with a doctor.
How It's Administered at Live More
At Live More Clinic, Glutathione is offered as a quick IV push (10 to 15 minutes) or as part of a longer "Forever Young" IV therapy combining glutathione with Vitamin C for skin and antioxidant support. Treatment frequency is tailored to your goals — typically weekly for the first 4 to 8 weeks, with maintenance sessions thereafter.
What to Expect During and After
The IV push is generally well tolerated. Patients sometimes notice a faint sulphurous taste or smell during infusion — this is normal and short-lived. Most people feel no immediate sensation; visible skin effects build gradually over a course of treatments. Energy and recovery benefits often appear sooner.
Is Glutathione IV Therapy Right for You?
If you are seeking targeted antioxidant support for skin, recovery or detoxification, glutathione IV is a widely used and studied infusion. Speak with our medical team about whether it fits your goals, and to design an appropriate protocol.
References
- Pizzorno, J. (2014). "Glutathione!." Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, 13(1), 8–12
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684116/ - Sinha, R., Sinha, I., Calcagnotto, A., et al. (2018). "Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function." European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 72, 105–111
https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2017.132 - Allen, J., Bradley, R. D. (2011). "Effects of oral glutathione supplementation on systemic oxidative stress biomarkers in human volunteers." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(9), 827–833
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0716 - Honda, Y., Kessoku, T., Sumida, Y., et al. (2017). "Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, pilot study." BMC Gastroenterology, 17, 96
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-017-0652-3 - Watanabe, F., Hashizume, E., Chan, G. P., Kamimura, A. (2014). "Skin-whitening and skin-condition-improving effects of topical oxidized glutathione: a double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial in healthy women." Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 7, 267–274
https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S68424