What Are the Ingredients in NOW Glutathione 500mg?

November 18, 2025 •

2 min read

Glutathione is a tripeptide molecule produced naturally by the liver and is critical for healthy immune system function. NOW Glutathione 500mg is a dietary supplement that combines this master antioxidant with complementary ingredients to create a powerful blend for supporting the body's detoxification processes.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at NOW Glutathione 500mg reveals its formula contains reduced-form glutathione, milk thistle extract, and alpha-lipoic acid, along with excipients for capsule formation and stability.

Key Points

Active Ingredients: The primary active ingredients are Reduced Glutathione (500mg), Milk Thistle Extract (100mg), and Alpha-Lipoic Acid (50mg).
Reduced Form: The formula uses reduced glutathione (GSH), which is the body's most active and absorbable form of the antioxidant.
Synergistic Effects: Milk thistle supports liver health, enhancing the body's detoxification processes, while alpha-lipoic acid helps recycle and prolong the life of other antioxidants like glutathione.
Inactive Ingredients: Inactive ingredients include Hypromellose (a cellulose capsule), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, and Silicon Dioxide, which are used for manufacturing and stability.
Vegan-Friendly: The use of a vegetable-based cellulose capsule makes this product suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Broad Antioxidant Support: The combination of ingredients offers a comprehensive strategy for protecting against oxidative stress and supporting cellular health.

The Active and Inactive Ingredients in NOW Glutathione 500mg

NOW Glutathione 500mg is a dietary supplement that combines glutathione with other ingredients to support antioxidant defense and detoxification. The formulation includes active compounds that provide direct health benefits and inactive ingredients that are necessary for the capsule's structure and stability.

The Primary Active Ingredients

Reduced Glutathione (500mg)

This supplement contains 500mg of reduced glutathione, the active form (GSH) composed of three amino acids. It functions as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Glutathione is also crucial for detoxification, particularly in the liver, and supports immune system function.

Milk Thistle Extract (100mg)

Derived from the Silybum marianum plant, Milk Thistle Extract is included for its liver-supporting properties. It contains silymarin, which helps protect liver cells and supports the liver's role in detoxification, potentially enhancing the body's use of glutathione.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (50mg)

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant naturally produced in the body. It is unique because it works in both fat- and water-soluble environments within cells. ALA helps to recycle other antioxidants, including glutathione, extending their effectiveness, and also supports energy metabolism.

Inactive Ingredients and Their Purpose

Inactive ingredients are included for the manufacturing and stability of the capsules:

Hypromellose (cellulose capsule): Forms the vegetarian capsule shell.
Microcrystalline Cellulose: A filler to ensure proper capsule volume.
Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source): Acts as a flow agent.
Silicon Dioxide: An anti-caking agent to prevent clumping.

Comparison of Key Ingredients


Ingredient	Primary Function	Synergistic Effect with Glutathione
Reduced Glutathione (500mg)	Master Antioxidant, Detoxification	Primary active compound, provides direct antioxidant and detox support.
Milk Thistle Extract (100mg)	Liver Support, Antioxidant	Aids the liver's function, enhancing the body's natural detoxification pathways that rely on glutathione.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (50mg)	Potent Antioxidant, Recycles Antioxidants	Extends the life and effectiveness of glutathione within cells, maximizing its antioxidant power.
Hypromellose (Capsule)	Encapsulation	None (structural function).
Microcrystalline Cellulose	Filler/Binder	None (manufacturing aid).

A Comprehensive Approach to Antioxidant Support

NOW Glutathione 500mg's combination of reduced glutathione, milk thistle, and alpha-lipoic acid offers a multi-faceted approach to antioxidant defense. While glutathione is a direct antioxidant, milk thistle supports liver health, which is vital for natural glutathione production and function, and alpha-lipoic acid recycles glutathione to prolong its activity. This blend is designed for comprehensive cellular protection.

Conclusion

NOW Glutathione 500mg contains reduced glutathione, milk thistle extract, and alpha-lipoic acid, along with inactive ingredients for capsule formation and stability. This combination aims to provide enhanced antioxidant support and promote healthy detoxification processes. As with any supplement, professional healthcare advice is recommended before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

The reduced glutathione (GSH) acts as the body's master antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals to protect cells from oxidative stress and supporting detoxification processes.

Milk thistle extract is included for its traditional use in supporting liver health. A healthy liver is crucial for the body's natural production and utilization of glutathione, making it a complementary ingredient.

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that works in both fat and water-soluble cellular environments. It helps to recycle other antioxidants, including glutathione, which extends their protective effects within the body.

Yes, the capsules are made from hypromellose (a cellulose material), making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

While some studies suggest potential skin-lightening effects from glutathione, primarily by inhibiting melanin production, the supplement is formulated for broad antioxidant, immune, and detoxification support. Any cosmetic effects would be secondary to its primary health benefits.

The inactive ingredients, or excipients, are used to create the capsule, ensure consistent dosage, and prevent the ingredients from clumping together during manufacturing. They do not have an active therapeutic effect.

Dosages for glutathione supplements vary. 500mg falls within a common range for maintenance and therapeutic benefits, though some studies have used higher doses. Individual needs vary, so it's always best to follow package directions or consult a healthcare professional.