GlutathioneDo glutathione levels fall with age?
Updated 10 Nov 2026
Short answer
In the blood, mostly yes. A 2023 review found 16 studies of blood: most of them reported less glutathione at older ages, except in the very oldest people. Studies of the brain did not agree as clearly.[1]
In a small trial, 24 older adults had less glutathione than 12 young adults. In those who took glycine with NAC (N-acetylcysteine), a source of cysteine, for 16 weeks, glutathione levels improved.[2] The review noted that the effect of raising brain glutathione on brain decline has been little studied.[1]
Sources (2)
- Changes in levels of the antioxidant glutathione in brain and blood across the age span of healthy adults: A systematic review. Detcheverry F, Senthil S, Narayanan S, Badhwar A Neuroimage Clin, 2023. PMID 37742519
- Supplementing Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) in Older Adults Improves Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Inflammation, Physical Function, and Aging Hallmarks: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Kumar P, Liu C, Suliburk J, Hsu JW, Muthupillai R, Jahoor F, et al. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 2023. PMID 35975308
More about glutathione
What is glutathione?Is glutathione absorbed when taken by mouth?Does glutathione work?Is glutathione safe?Does glutathione lighten skin?Does glutathione help the liver?For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.