What is the role of glutathione in the body?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Glutathione is a crucial antioxidant in the body; it isfound in high concentrations in the lungs, where it helps mitigate reactive oxygen species from inhaled oxidants. It also plays a vital role within cells by reducing reactive oxygen species and regulating mitochondrial function and cell division.

    Glutathione’s reduced form, GSH, is a relevant target for treatment because it’s one of the most critical endogenously-produced antioxidants in the body. GSH is found in high quantities in the fluid of the lungs, for example, where it helps reduce the reactive oxygen species produced by neutrophils responding to smoke and other oxidizing compounds you may inhale.[1] Within the cell, GSH helps to reduce reactive oxygen species, such as the superoxide and peroxide radicals. Additionally, it is found in many organelles, aiding in the regulation of mitochondrial life cycle and cell division.[1]