Glutathione vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & LongevityImmune Support
GlutathioneAnti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)- Summary
- Glutathione is the body's master endogenous antioxidant tripeptide, composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It neutralizes reactive oxygen species, supports detoxification in the liver, recycles other antioxidants (vitamins C and E), and plays a central role in immune function, DNA repair, and cellular redox balance.
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and protects cardiolipin from oxidative damage. It is one of the most promising mitochondrial longevity compounds, studied in clinical trials for heart failure, renal disease, and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Half-Life
- Minutes to hours depending on route; IV half-life approximately 10-30 minutes
- ~2–5 hours
- Admin Route
- Oral (liposomal preferred), Sublingual, Intravenous, Nebulized/inhaled, Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 250-1000 mg per day
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Daily to several times per week
- Key Benefits
- Primary endogenous antioxidant and free radical scavenger
- Supports hepatic detoxification of xenobiotics and heavy metals
- Recycles vitamins C and E to maintain antioxidant network
- Modulates immune function and T-cell activity
- Skin brightening via inhibition of tyrosinase (IV/topical routes)
- Neuroprotective in oxidative stress-related conditions
- Mitochondrial protection and energy metabolism support
- Restores mitochondrial function and ATP production
- Protects inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue
- Cardioprotective — studied in heart failure trials
- Renoprotective — reduces ischemic kidney injury
- Anti-aging via mitochondrial preservation
- Potential in neurodegenerative disease prevention
- Side Effects
- Oral bioavailability is limited (largely hydrolyzed in gut); liposomal or sublingual forms preferred
- IV administration: rare allergic reactions, vein irritation
- High-dose supplementation may cause zinc depletion over time
- Inhaled glutathione may trigger bronchoconstriction in asthmatics
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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