Understand the source comparison
Best Peptides for Heavy Metal Chelation: Research Comparison
Reduced L-Glutathione (GSH) Direct thiol-mediated binding; GST-catalysed conjugation; biliary and renal excretion Mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic (divalent metals) 500–1000mg twice daily (oral); 600–1200mg IV (clinical chelation protocols) Gastric degradation
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This page preserves a source comparison for education. It does not add a rating, recommendation or clinical judgment.
- Reduced L-Glutathione (GSH)
- Direct thiol-mediated binding; GST-catalysed conjugation; biliary and renal excretion
- Mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic (divalent metals)
- 500–1000mg twice daily (oral); 600–1200mg IV (clinical chelation protocols)
- Gastric degradation (mitigated by liposomal formulation); plasma half-life 2–4 hours
- Gold standard for endogenous chelation support. Strongest clinical evidence for measurable reduction in metal body burden
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
- Precursor to glutathione synthesis; increases hepatic GSH reserves indirectly
- Non-specific (supports GSH-mediated chelation of all thiol-reactive metals)
- 600–1200mg twice daily
- Requires functional GCL enzyme and adequate glycine/glutamate; less effective in GSH-depleted states
- Reliable for chronic supplementation but slower onset than direct GSH; best for prevention rather than acute chelation
- Carnosine
- Copper and zinc buffering via imidazole ring; prevents metal-catalysed oxidative damage
- Copper (Cu²⁺), zinc (Zn²⁺). Does not chelate mercury or lead
- 500–2000mg daily
- Rapid degradation by serum carnosinase (half-life <60 min); requires sustained dosing
- Neuroprotective in copper overload states but does not reduce total metal burden. Adjunct to pharmaceutical chelation, not a replacement
- Metallothionein-Inducing Protocols (zinc supplementation)
- Upregulates MT gene expression; increases intracellular metal-binding protein capacity
- Cadmium, zinc, copper (MT binds these preferentially)
- 15–30mg elemental zinc daily
- MT is endogenously synthesised, not supplemented. Zinc merely induces transcription
- Preventive strategy for chronic low-level cadmium exposure; does not mobilise already-deposited metals