Glutathione

Glutathione: The Master Antioxidant

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide made of glutamine, cysteine, and glycine, and it’s produced naturally in the liver. It’s often called the “master antioxidant” because it doesn’t just neutralize free radicals, it regenerates itself and other antioxidants like vitamins C and E. That makes it a recycling system for cellular defense, not just a one-and-done antioxidant.

Core functions:

Neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals
Supports detoxification in the liver and brain
Regenerates other antioxidants (like polyphenols and vitamins)
Protects mitochondria and supports cellular energy metabolism
Enhances immune function and reduces inflammation

Glutathione Synergy with Other Ingredients in Velocity

Nootropics (Taurine, Theanine, Citicoline)

Glutathione protects neurons from oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to cognitive decline. This neuroprotection enhances the effectiveness of nootropics:

Taurine: Glutathione reduces oxidative damage in mitochondria, where taurine also supports energy metabolism and calcium regulation.
Theanine: While theanine promotes calm focus, glutathione helps maintain the redox balance that supports neurotransmitter function.
Citicoline: Glutathione protects the phospholipid membranes that citicoline helps rebuild, creating a feedback loop of brain repair and resilience.

Ginseng & Caffeine

Both are stimulants, but they generate oxidative byproducts as part of their metabolic effects. Glutathione helps:

Buffer oxidative stress caused by caffeine metabolism
Enhance mitochondrial efficiency, making the energy boost from caffeine and ginseng more sustainable
Support adrenal health, which can be taxed by chronic stimulant use

Electrolytes

Electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, and sodium are essential for cellular hydration and electrical signaling. Glutathione supports:

Membrane integrity, ensuring electrolyte transport is efficient
Enzyme function, many of which are dependent on proper ionic balance

Together, they help maintain cellular homeostasis, especially under physical or mental stress.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are cofactors in glutathione synthesis—especially B2 (riboflavin), B6, B12, and folate. They:

Help recycle oxidized glutathione (GSSG) back into its active form (GSH)
Support methylation pathways, which are crucial for detox and neurotransmitter production
Enhance energy metabolism, complementing glutathione’s mitochondrial support

This is a foundational synergy—without B vitamins, glutathione can’t do its job effectively.

Polyphenols (Green Tea, Guarana, Green Coffee)

Polyphenols are antioxidants, but they’re also pro-oxidants in small doses, which can stimulate the body’s own defense systems. Glutathione:

Regenerates polyphenols after they neutralize free radicals
Works in tandem with them to amplify antioxidant capacity
Helps modulate inflammation, which polyphenols also target

This creates a layered antioxidant network—polyphenols act fast, glutathione sustains the defense.

The Big Picture: A Cellular Symphony

Think of glutathione as the conductor of a biochemical orchestra. It doesn’t just play its own part, it coordinates the performance of every other ingredient: