Examining Glutathione: Can’t I just take a pill?

Glutathione, a tripeptide, is formed in a two-step process and composed of three amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It is the most abundant antioxidant produced in the body. Antioxidants are important because they neutralize free radicals and oxidants. Glutathione is also important to mitochondrial health, recycling of vitamin C and E and immune function. Its importance sparks unscientific fads such as taking glutathione in pill form and including it in products such as makeup. Supplements and other antioxidants are not substitutions for the natural production of glutathione and an abundance or absence of glutathione can cause health problems. Understanding how glutathione is formed, its functions, and its role in disease is important. Because of its remarkable role in maintaining a proper biochemical environment, glutathione has gained recognition and will remain prevalent in research.