What is the difference between Glutathione (GSH) and SS-31?

Glutathione (GSH) (Reduced L-Glutathione) is graded B and is Not FDA-approved as therapeutic — sold as supplement; intravenous use compounded. SS-31 (Elamipretide (SS-31)) is graded B+ and is Not FDA-approved — Phase 3 trials for primary mitochondrial myopathy. They are commonly compared because they share the categories: longevity.

Which has stronger clinical evidence — Glutathione (GSH) or SS-31?

On our internal evidence scale, Glutathione (GSH) is B and SS-31 is B+. A+ indicates large RCTs plus FDA approval; C indicates primarily preclinical or anecdotal evidence.

What is the typical dose of Glutathione (GSH) vs SS-31?

Glutathione (GSH): 200–600 mg sublingual / 600–2400 mg IV (compounded). SS-31: Trial range: 40 mg subcutaneous daily. Always work with a licensed clinician — peptide dosing should be individualized.

Glutathione (GSH) vs SS-31

Both Glutathione (GSH) and SS-31 are used for longevity. Here's how their evidence, dosing, and regulatory status actually compare.

Glutathione (GSH)

Evidence B

Reduced L-Glutathione

Technically a tripeptide (γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) and the body's primary antioxidant. Often grouped with peptide therapy in IV/compounded form for liver support and oxidative stress.

View full Glutathione (GSH) profile →

SS-31

Evidence B+

Elamipretide (SS-31)

A cell-permeable tetrapeptide that targets cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Investigated for primary mitochondrial myopathy, heart failure, and dry age-related macular degeneration.

View full SS-31 profile →

Side-by-Side

Attribute	Glutathione (GSH)	SS-31
Evidence Grade	B	B+
FDA Status	Not FDA-approved as therapeutic — sold as supplement; intravenous use compounded	Not FDA-approved — Phase 3 trials for primary mitochondrial myopathy
Typical Dose	200–600 mg sublingual / 600–2400 mg IV (compounded)	Trial range: 40 mg subcutaneous daily
Clinics Indexed	312	29
Categories	antioxidant, longevity	mitochondrial, longevity

Key reported benefits — Glutathione (GSH)

✓Master antioxidant
✓Liver detoxification support
✓Oxidative stress reduction

Key reported benefits — SS-31

✓Mitochondrial cardiolipin support
✓ATP production
✓Reduced oxidative damage

Educational use only

This comparison is for educational purposes and not medical advice. Peptide selection should be made with a licensed medical professional based on your individual goals, health history, and current evidence quality.

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