Understand the source comparison
Glutathione Peptide Same as Glutathione: Full Comparison
This table compares standard reduced glutathione with the most common modified peptide forms used in research settings. Reduced Glutathione (GSH) γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine tripeptide 10–15% oral Direct delivery of active molecule Oxidizes within 10 min in p
No winner is assigned.
This page preserves a source comparison for education. It does not add a rating, recommendation or clinical judgment.
- This table compares standard reduced glutathione with the most common modified peptide forms used in research settings.
- Reduced Glutathione (GSH)
- γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine tripeptide
- 10–15% oral
- Direct delivery of active molecule
- Oxidizes within 10 min in plasma; degrades in gastric acid
- Gold standard for IV/direct-tissue delivery; poor for oral or systemic studies
- Liposomal Glutathione
- GSH encapsulated in phospholipid vesicles
- 35–50% oral
- Protects GSH from gastric/enzymatic degradation
- Stable at 2–8°C for 60–90 days
- Best oral delivery form for systemic GSH elevation in live models
- Acetylated Glutathione (S-acetyl-GSH)
- GSH with acetyl group on cysteine thiol
- 25–40% oral
- Acetyl group blocks oxidation; enhances lipophilicity
- Stable at room temp for 12–18 months as powder
- Preferred for storage stability; requires intracellular deacetylation
- Glutathione Ethyl Ester (GSH-EE)
- GSH with esterified carboxyl groups
- 60–75% cellular uptake
- Bypasses active transport; directly crosses membranes
- Moderate stability; hydrolyses in aqueous solution within 24–48 hrs
- Highest intracellular delivery; short shelf-life limits bulk preparation
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
- Acetylated cysteine (not glutathione)
- 40–60% oral (as cysteine donor)
- Provides rate-limiting substrate for endogenous synthesis
- Highly stable; 3–5 year shelf life
- Indirect mechanism; increases GSH over 6–12 hrs rather than immediately