Recently, WholeFoods Magazine presented a list of the 38 most in-demand ingredients fueling the dietary supplement innovations of 2025. On the list: glutathione, an antioxidant with a variety of functions, including neutralizing harmful substances and reducing cell damage. “Glutathione itself is considered a master antioxidant and one of the most important antioxidants our body makes,” Maria Stanieich, Senior Marketing Manager Kyowa Hakko U.S.A., Inc., explained to WholeFoods readers. “Every single cell, even down to single-celled organisms, makes glutathione. That’s how important it is in this world to scavenge and help with reactive oxygen species. Glutathione itself is considered a master antioxidant because it can neutralize many different types of reactive oxygen species or oxidants that are out there...It has many roles in terms of being a versatile antioxidant, and it is one of the most important antioxidants out there.”

A closer look at glutathione's benefits.

• Reduction of oxidative stress: The primary antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress by preventing cell damage due to oxidative stress.
• Support for male fertility: A study showed the beneficial effects of glutathione on the rebuilding of testicular function, spermatogenesis, and sperm DNA integrity in BEP treated rats, possibly by altering the deleterious effects of oxidative stress.
• Increasing magnesium levels: Research has found that magnesium is essential to the maintenance of glutathione concentration for the protection against oxidative damage in the erythrocyte membrane.
• Removing toxins: A key player in detoxification, glutathione speeds up the plasma membrane transport of toxins by at least four differing mechanisms.
• Regenerating antioxidants: Glutathione regenerates vitamin C and E antioxidants to their active forms. 
• Supporting healthy liver function: Crucial for liver detoxification, protection from damage, and overall function. A small 2023 study suggests it could help treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Brain function support: Low glutathione levels are commonly found in patients with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. These diseases can cause neurodegeneration prior to their onset, the regulatory mechanism of neuronal glutathione production can serve as a potential therapeutic application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. 
• Supporting skin health: A tool for the maintenance of healthy skin. Glutathione plays a role in production of collagen—essential for skin elasticity and firmness. 
• Supporting respiratory health: The lungs are the main dependents of glutathione, it reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, cleans out allergens, and removes toxins.
• Supporting weight management: Glutathione has also been found to help individuals with weight loss. In a 2018 study, 103 adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and obesity followed a personalized diet plan for six months. Before and after intervention, body weight, body fat percentage, respiratory quotient, and other markers were tested. At the end of the study, patients with high glutathione levels experience greater weight and body fat loss.

Creating the Perfect Environment

Our bodies are constantly under attack and our immune system is always working to protect us from not just environmental ambushes but internal invaders as well. Building up our bodies' defenses requires avoiding toxins like alcohol and smoking while consuming a regular diet of healthy foods, a daily exercise regimen, and taking the right supplements to help keep our bodies in tip top shape. As Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN, reports, foods that help increase glutathione include milk thistle, whey protein, sulfur foods, and beef liver. While consuming foods that are high in glutathione like turmeric, avocado, strawberries, oranges, spinach, green asparagus, almonds, okra, broccoli, and certain meats like poultry, can help keep things in line, factors such as aging, poor dieting, excessive smoking/alcohol consumption, and oxidative stress can lead to lowered quantities and require supplements to help the body maintain sufficient levels of the antioxidant.

More to know on glutathione

For a deeper dive into the science, including more on glutathione and mental wellness, don't miss Naturally Informed keynote Nayan Patel, PharmD, Adjunct Faculty at USC School of Pharmacy, present The Role of Glutathione in Enhancing Mental Resilience and Reducing Stress, now available to view on demand.