Glutathione Injection Dosage Per Week: A Guide to Antioxidant Therapy

If you’re chasing clearer skin, better energy, stronger immunity, or a sharper mind—glutathione might already be on your radar. Dubbed the “master antioxidant,” this powerful molecule plays a central role in detoxifying your body, supporting your liver, and protecting your cells from damage.

But here’s the catch: our natural glutathione levels take a serious hit as we age or deal with stress, toxins, or chronic inflammation. That’s why more and more people are turning to glutathione injections as a next-level wellness tool.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most up-to-date dosage insights, explore how glutathione supports your body at a cellular level, and explain how to use it safely. Whether you’re new to antioxidant therapy or optimizing an existing routine, this article will help you understand how to make glutathione work for you.

Overview of Glutathione Injection

Oral glutathione is popular—but not always powerful. Many people try capsules or powders like Jarrow Formulas Glutathione, NOW Glutathione, or Thorne’s S-Acetyl Glutathione, hoping for skin clarity, energy boosts, or detox support. But here’s the catch: most oral glutathione is rapidly broken down in the digestive tract. Enzymes and stomach acid degrade the compound before it ever reaches your bloodstream.

Even liposomal glutathione—from brands like LivOn Labs and Quicksilver Scientific—which uses fat-based delivery to improve absorption, still rely on gut absorption and can be hit-or-miss in terms of actual bioavailability.

Glutathione injections are the fastest and most effective way to raise your body’s antioxidant levels. Delivered just under the skin via subcutaneous injection, they bypass the digestive system entirely—meaning more glutathione enters circulation intact, right where your body needs it. These quick, shallow injections use a fine insulin needle or peptide pen and are easy to self-administer.

For fast, effective and reliable results, glutathione injections continue to be the gold standard—supported by science and real-world success.

What Is Glutathione and Its Benefits?

Glutathione is naturally produced in every cell of your body to help protect against stress, toxins, and aging. It defends cells from damage, supports detox pathways, and plays a major role in keeping your skin, energy levels, and immune system in top shape.

Glutathione is also a key player in:

• Skin health and glow – It supports collagen production, brightens skin tone, and reduces oxidative stress for a smoother, more radiant complexion.
• Energy and recovery – By supporting mitochondrial function and protein synthesis, glutathione helps optimize energy levels and post-exercise recovery.
• Detox and immune support – It assists the liver in eliminating heavy metals, alcohol byproducts, and pollutants, while helping to regulate immune response.
• Nutrient activation – Glutathione plays a role in processing amino acids like cysteine and glycine and boosts the function of other antioxidants, including vitamins C and E.

With glutathione at peak levels, your body is better equipped to detox, recharge, and thrive.

Importance of Glutathione Dosage and Concentration

There’s no one-size-fits-all dosage when it comes to glutathione injections. The optimal amount depends on your unique biology, lifestyle, and goals. Some people are just looking for a weekly antioxidant boost; others are recovering from chronic stress, inflammation, or illness—and may need higher support.

This guide will walk you through how to calculate your starting dose, monitor your response, and adjust based on your progress so you get the most benefit – safely and effectively.

Common Uses of Glutathione

Because glutathione supports so many biological systems, your ideal dosage will often depend on what you’re using it for. Below are some of the most common reasons people turn to glutathione—and how it works behind the scenes:

• Skin clarity and radiance – By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, glutathione helps brighten the complexion and even out tone. It also supports healthy melanin balance, which is why it’s so popular for skin-lightening protocols.

• Collagen and tissue repair – Glutathione protects fibroblasts (the cells that build collagen) from oxidative damage, supporting firmer, more elastic skin.

• Detoxification support – It fuels Phase II liver detox, binding to heavy metals, pollutants, and waste products so they can be safely excreted.

• Immune system balance – Glutathione helps modulate immune activity, reducing unnecessary inflammation while still supporting defense against viruses and bacteria.

• Cognitive health – In the brain, it protects neurons from oxidative stress and helps maintain mitochondrial function, both of which are critical for focus, memory, and long-term brain health.

• Chronic stress recovery – Stress and inflammation drain your glutathione stores. Replenishing it may help you bounce back faster from burnout, overtraining, or poor sleep.

Because it supports detox and defense systems so broadly, glutathione is also being researched for its role in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Recommended Glutathione Dosage Per Week

There’s a sweet spot when it comes to glutathione dosage—and finding it can elevate your results without overdoing it. This section helps you dial in the right weekly routine, based on your goals, lifestyle, and how your body responds.

Here’s a good starting point for dosage by goal:

• General wellness & detox support
  Start with 250–500mg, 2x per week (500–1000mg/week).
  Ideal for first-timers or those focused on maintenance, prevention, or subtle detox benefits.

• Skin brightening & complexion boost
  Start with 500–1000mg, 2–3x per week (1500–3000mg/week).
  For visible results in skin tone, clarity, and evenness over 4–8 weeks.

• Oxidative stress & recovery
  Start with 1000mg, 2–3x per week (2000–3000mg/week).
  For people recovering from illness, exposed to toxins, or managing high stress and inflammation.

• Athletic performance & anti-aging
  Start with 600–1000mg, 2–3x per week (1200–3000mg/week).
  Supports muscle repair, energy levels, mitochondrial health, and long-term vitality.

Factors That Influence Your Ideal Dosage

• Age & weight – Heavier individuals or those over 40 often require higher or more frequent doses due to natural declines in glutathione levels.
• Liver & kidney function – Glutathione is processed in the liver. If your detox pathways are sluggish or compromised, your need for support may be higher.
• Oxidative stress load – Smokers, heavy drinkers, and anyone living in a high-pollution environment typically have depleted stores and can benefit from higher dosing.
• Current health conditions – Signs like chronic fatigue, brain fog, autoimmune flares, or inflammatory skin issues may all indicate a higher demand for antioxidant support.

Safe Dosage Guidelines

Glutathione is generally well-tolerated, especially when administered subcutaneously in moderate doses. But just like with any supplement or injectable therapy, more isn’t always better—and the safest dose is the one that fits your individual needs.

Clinical studies show that glutathione doses ranging from 500mg to 1200mg per day are typically safe for short- and long-term use. Weekly protocols of 1000–3000mg spread over 2–3 injections tend to offer noticeable benefits without overwhelming the body.

That said, a few factors can influence how your body responds:

• Higher doses may be necessary for people dealing with chronic stress, illness, or environmental toxin exposure—but it’s best to increase gradually and observe how you feel.

• People with liver or kidney impairments may need closer monitoring, as glutathione is processed primarily through these detox organs.

• Immune modulation is another factor. Glutathione helps regulate immune activity—enhancing the body’s defenses when needed, while also calming excess inflammation. This balancing effect supports overall resilience, but in rare cases, very high or overly frequent doses may temporarily dampen immune function, especially in people with weakened systems or ongoing infections.

Most importantly, listen to your body. If you’re noticing improvements in energy, skin clarity, or recovery without any side effects, you’re likely in the right range.

Possible Side Effects and Reactions

While glutathione injections are well-tolerated for most people, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects—especially when starting out or increasing dosage. Here’s what you might expect and why it happens.

Common Side Effects

• Mild Injection Site Irritation
  Slight redness, itching, or tenderness at the injection site is normal. This usually fades within minutes to hours. Rotate injection sites, always use a fresh insulin needle, and ensure the peptide is fully dissolved before injecting. A cold compress can help ease discomfort. You can also consider a peptide pen which uses a much smaller and thinner needle. Learn more about peptide pens and injection safety in our article Peptide Safety 101: How to Reconstitute, Inject, and Store Peptides the Right Way
• Headaches or Brain Fog (Early On)
  This can occur when glutathione mobilizes toxins faster than the body can clear them. Often temporary, these effects can be managed by staying hydrated and reducing dose frequency if needed. You can also support detox pathways with supplements like magnesium, NAC, or activated charcoal.
• Digestive Shifts or Mild Bloating
  Some people report minor GI changes in the first few weeks, likely due to liver pathway activation and toxin release. Hydration and rest help.
• Lightheadedness or fatigue
  Brief dizziness or tiredness following injection. Often tied to blood sugar levels, hydration status, or rapid shifts in cellular activity. Eating a light snack before injecting can help. Again, hydration and rest help.
• Mild Skin Brightening
  Glutathione may gently brighten skin complexion when used over time. This is due to its influence on melanin production and oxidative stress. If not desired, lower your dose or space out injections.

Diet can play a huge role in reducing unwanted side effects – both common and rare. We delve into this towards the end of this article. If you’d like you can skip ahead to our section on diet.

Rare Side Effects

• Herxheimer (“detox”) reaction
  If your toxic load is high—due to mold exposure, chronic infections, or heavy metals—your body may temporarily struggle to eliminate the byproducts that glutathione mobilizes. This can cause fatigue, brain fog, nausea, or even flu-like symptoms. Lowering the dose and supporting elimination (via hydration, electrolytes, and gentle movement) often resolves this quickly.

• Allergic reactions
  In rare cases, individuals may experience hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. This is typically not a response to glutathione itself, but to preservatives, additives, or low-quality ingredients used in some products.

To avoid these issues, it’s critical to source your glutathione from a trusted, third-party tested store—and reconstitute it with your own bacteriostatic water. Avoid pre-mixed solutions with unknown stabilizers, and steer clear of untested vials from questionable online sellers.

• Sulfur Sensitivity
  Glutathione contains sulfur, and in rare cases, people with sulfur sensitivity may feel fatigue, headaches, or digestive upset after injection. This isn’t an allergy — it’s often due to either impaired sulfur metabolism (due to methylation issues or CBS gene variants), gut issues like candida or dysbiosis. If you have reactions to high-sulfur foods (garlic, onions, eggs) it is likely you have a sulfur sensitivity.

Tip: If this sounds like you, start with small doses (100 – 200mg) and support sulfur metabolism with molybdenum, B6, or Epsom salt baths. You can also speak with a functional medicine practitioner for targeted detox support. Many people can build sulfur tolerance over time.

• Temporary Immune Suppression
  People with chronic infections, autoimmune conditions, mold illness, Lyme, or long COVID may experience a dip in immune function when starting glutathione—even at moderate doses. Start with 100–200mg, increase gradually, and pause if symptoms worsen. Focus on optimizing drainage and elimination with hydration, electrolytes, gentle movement, and binders like activated charcoal. Take cofactors like vitamin C, B-complex, zinc, and selenium to help your body use glutathione efficiently. A functional medicine doctor can can help personalize your dosing and support.

Methods of Glutathione Administration

There are three primary ways to supplement glutathione: oral supplements, intravenous (IV) infusions, and subcutaneous (SubQ) injections. Each method has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your goals, health status, and how aggressively you want to increase glutathione levels.

IV Therapy for Glowing Skin and Detoxification?

Intravenous (IV) glutathione typically delivers a very large dose directly into the bloodstream, making it the most immediate and bioavailable option. This form of administration is typically reserved for clinical settings—supporting patients undergoing chemotherapy, managing chronic Lyme or mold illness, or addressing advanced neurodegenerative conditions where aggressive detoxification is necessary.

Because IV glutathione bypasses digestion entirely, the full dose reaches systemic circulation. But this intensity also comes with tradeoffs:

• Side effects can occur from high doses, including nausea, dizziness, chest tightness, or rapid changes in blood pressure—especially in individuals with compromised liver or kidney function.
• Immune-compromised individuals (those with long COVID, Lyme, chronic viral infections, or autoimmune disease) may also experience temporary immune suppression or detox-related symptoms if the dose is too aggressive.

While IV glutathione can be life-changing for certain medical cases, it’s not ideal for routine wellness goals.

Understanding Glutathione Infusions

A glutathione infusion is a type of intravenous (IV) therapy where the antioxidant is delivered gradually—typically over 15 to 60 minutes—instead of all at once. This slower method allows for higher doses and tends to be better tolerated, reducing the risk of side effects like chest tightness or flushing that can occur with rapid IV pushes.

If you have a serious medical condition that warrants IV glutathione—or your healthcare provider recommends this route—be sure to confirm that the treatment will be administered as an infusion, not a push. This ensures safer, smoother delivery and more predictable results at higher therapeutic levels.

Injectable Glutathione vs. Oral Supplements

Oral glutathione—including liposomal forms—must pass through the digestive tract. Along the way, enzymes and stomach acid degrade the compound, reducing how much actually reaches your bloodstream. Absorption rates vary from person to person, and many users find the effects subtle or inconsistent.

For maintenance or mild support, a high-quality liposomal brand can still be helpful. But for those looking for more intensive antioxidant action, subcutaneous injections via insulin syringe or peptide pen offer a more reliable and effective option. By delivering glutathione just beneath the skin, this method bypasses the gut entirely and allows for faster, more noticeable results in areas like skin tone, energy, focus, and immune resilience.

Precautions and Storage Recommendations

Glutathione is well-tolerated by most people, but a few smart precautions can help you get the best results with minimal side effects. If you have a chronic illness, take prescription medications, or are prone to allergies, consult a healthcare provider before starting.

Support your body’s natural detox systems by staying hydrated and getting enough cofactor nutrients—especially vitamins B6, C, zinc, selenium, and magnesium.

Important Precautions to Consider

Many common side effects and sensitivities—like sulfur intolerance, detox reactions, and immune fluctuations—are covered earlier in this guide. Below are a few additional considerations to keep in mind before starting or adjusting your glutathione routine:

• Timing with other supplements: To get the most from your injections, avoid taking competing antioxidants (like high-dose vitamin C or NAC) at the exact same time. Staggering doses by a few hours can improve overall absorption and cellular use.
• Overuse and “stack fatigue”: Using too many peptides, detox agents, or antioxidants at once can overwhelm your system—even if each one seems beneficial. Give your body time to respond before layering multiple compounds.
• Stay hydrated: Glutathione mobilizes toxins for elimination. If you’re not drinking enough water, your detox pathways (kidneys, liver, lymph) may get sluggish, increasing the chances of side effects like fatigue or brain fog. Aim for at least half your body weight (in lbs) in ounces of water per day, and consider adding electrolytes if you’re sweating, fasting, or taking binders.
• Be mindful of sun exposure: Some people report increased sun sensitivity when using glutathione, especially at higher doses or when paired with other skin-supporting compounds. While glutathione can support skin clarity and reduce oxidative stress, always wear SPF and avoid excessive sun after injections—especially during bright midday hours.

Proper Storage of Glutathione

To preserve potency, store your unmixed glutathione vial (the dry powder form) in the refrigerator, where it will remain stable for up to 12 months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution should be kept refrigerated and used within 6–8 weeks for best results.

Use sterile tools, alcohol wipes, and clean hands when mixing or injecting to prevent contamination and maintain product safety.

Learn more about reconstitution and injection safety in our article Peptide Safety 101: How to Reconstitute, Inject, and Store Peptides the Right Way

Dietary Sources of Glutathione

Glutathione injections work best when your body has the right support. Certain foods can help your body use glutathione more efficiently, recover faster, and avoid side effects like fatigue or brain fog.

Think of it this way: injections are your main tool—but food gives your body the materials it needs to process and maximize every dose.

Foods That Help Prevent Detox Side Effects

(especially important if you’re dealing with mold, fatigue, or chemical exposure)

These foods help your liver flush out toxins more smoothly—so you’re less likely to feel drained, foggy, or nauseous after injections:

• Broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts – These support liver detox and help your body “keep up” with the waste glutathione clears out.
• Garlic and onions – Contain natural sulfur compounds that help your body break down toxins and support gut health.
• Oranges, bell peppers, and strawberries – Packed with vitamin C, which helps your body hold on to more glutathione and reduces inflammation.
• Milk thistle, turmeric, and green tea – Natural plant compounds that protect your liver and support steady detox function.

Foods That Boost Energy, Focus & Recovery

(for elderly individuals or those dealing with high stress and/or fatigue prior to beginning glutathione)

If you’re entering your glutathione protocol already feeling run down, mentally foggy, or physically drained, the right foods can help your body respond better and recover faster:

• Eggs, chicken, lentils, and whey protein – Provide key amino acids like cysteine to help your body rebuild and maintain glutathione naturally.
• Avocados, olive oil, and nuts – Contain healthy fats that stabilize energy, support brain health, and reduce inflammation.
• Spinach, beets, and asparagus – Offer folate, magnesium, and antioxidants that aid in energy production and mental clarity.

Foods That Strengthen Immunity and Detox

(if you’re getting sick often, feeling run down, or have autoimmune concerns)

These foods help your immune system stay balanced—not too aggressive, not too weak:

• Brazil nuts, tuna, and eggs – Provide selenium, a nutrient your body uses to activate glutathione for immune defense.
• Leafy greens and legumes – High in B vitamins that support your body’s natural detox and energy systems.
• Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries – Low in sugar but high in antioxidants, giving extra protection without depleting glutathione.

Incorporating just a few of these foods each week can go a long way in enhancing results and reducing unwanted effects.

Consultation for Glutathione Therapy

While subcutaneous glutathione injections are generally safe for healthy individuals, getting professional guidance can help you optimize results—especially if you’re managing chronic conditions or already taking medications.

A functional or integrative medicine provider can:

• Tailor your dosage based on age, detox capacity, oxidative stress, and health goals
• Run lab tests to assess antioxidant status and glutathione levels
• Screen for interactions with medications, supplements, or chronic conditions
• Monitor progress and adjust the protocol to avoid plateaus or side effects

Get Professional Advice for Glutathione Treatment

If you are unsure about your health or have concerns with self-administering, working with a knowledgeable practitioner can be a great support. Look for a functional medicine doctor, integrative MD, or naturopathic physician with experience in injection protocols, detox therapies, or mitochondrial health. These professionals can run relevant lab tests (like oxidative stress markers or methylation panels), review any chronic conditions or medications, and help you troubleshoot side effects. If you choose to go the DIY route, make sure you’re using sterile technique, high-quality materials, and a trusted peptide supplier.

References and Further Reading

Dozens of scientific studies have shown the effectiveness of Glutathione. You can read some here, here and here.

For your convenience here are links to our most popular peptide reports:

• BPC-157 for Gut and Tissue/Muscle Healing and Anti-Aging – BPC-157: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects and Safety
• Retatrutide for Weight Loss – Retatrutide: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects and Safety
• PT-141 for Libido and Reproductive Health – PT-141: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects and Safety
• TB-500 for Tendon Repair, Increased Collagen and Flexibility – TB-500: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects and Safety
• Ipamorelin for Healthy Muscle Growth and Weight Loss – Ipamorelin: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects and Safety

You may also enjoy this informative video on Glutathione.