Glutathione
The body's 'Master Antioxidant,' produced in the liver to neutralize free radicals and escort heavy metals and toxins out of the body.
Deep Dive
Your body naturally produces Glutathione from three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. It is the most abundant antioxidant in the human body, present in every cell, and plays a central role in Phase II liver detoxification, immune function, and cellular repair.
Genetic variants in the GST gene family — particularly GSTM1 and GSTP1 — can severely limit glutathione production or recycling. Individuals with null deletions in GSTM1 (approximately 50% of the population) have significantly reduced capacity to conjugate and excrete environmental toxins.
If your Glutathione levels are genetically low, you are more vulnerable to oxidative stress, accelerated ageing, and environmental toxicity from mould, heavy metals, and chemical exposure. Supporting glutathione production through N-acetylcysteine (NAC), glycine, selenium, and alpha-lipoic acid is a cornerstone of any genetically-informed detoxification protocol.