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 plays a central role in neutralising free radicals, regenerating other antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E, and supporting the liver's 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 restore systemic levels efficiently — bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, which significantly limits 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. Supplementation through intravenous delivery has been shown to raise plasma glutathione concentrations more reliably than oral routes.
Key Benefits of Glutathione IV Therapy
Skin clarity and tone. Glutathione inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production. Patients commonly report brighter, more even skin tone with regular treatments. The effect is supported by clinical work showing reductions in pigmentation and improved skin appearance.
Antioxidant defence. By neutralising reactive oxygen species, glutathione helps protect cells from oxidative damage implicated in ageing and chronic disease.
Liver and toxin support. Glutathione is essential to phase II liver detoxification, conjugating with toxins (including certain medications and heavy metals) so they can be safely excreted.
Immune balance. Glutathione modulates lymphocyte function and supports a balanced immune response, which is particularly relevant in chronic stress or recovery from illness.
Recovery and athletic support. Intense exercise depletes glutathione and increases oxidative load. IV repletion can support recovery, reduce muscle soreness and protect 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 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 one of the most well-studied infusions available. 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