Carnosine vs Glutathione
Both are small endogenous peptides with antioxidant roles. Carnosine also buffers acid in muscle and is studied against glycation; glutathione is the cell’s main redox buffer.
Carnosine
A dipeptide (β-alanyl-L-histidine) abundant in muscle and brain, studied as a pH buffer, antioxidant and anti-glycation agent.
BEST STUDIED FOR
Mitochondrial & longevity
Read the cited profile →
Glutathione
Glutathione is the body’s principal endogenous antioxidant — a tripeptide (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) that neutralises reactive oxygen species and supports phase-II detoxification and cellular redox balance.
BEST STUDIED FOR
Redox and oxidative-stress research
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Price, purity and dispatch
| Compare | Carnosine | Glutathione1500mg |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | R999 |
| Cost per mg | — | R0.67 / mg |
| Purity (Janoshik) | — | On request |
| Stock | — | Restocking |
| Dispatch | — | When restocked |
| Certificate | — | Request CoA |
| Literature | — | 4 papers → |
| Research focus | Mitochondrial & longevity | Redox and oxidative-stress research |
| Read the cited profile | Notify me |
Prices are read live from the catalogue. Cost per mg is the vial price over its stated mg. Purity is shown only where the certificate is published. Every compound is supplied for laboratory research only.
SIDE BY SIDE
| Carnosine | Glutathione | |
|---|---|---|
| The key difference | Dipeptide (β-alanine + histidine) | Tripeptide (Glu-Cys-Gly) |
| Class | Mitochondrial & longevity | Mitochondrial & longevity |
| Mechanism | Carnosine buffers acid in contracting muscle, chelates metals, scavenges reactive species and reacts with sugars to reduce advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). | Glutathione is the body’s principal endogenous antioxidant — a tripeptide (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) that neutralises reactive oxygen species and supports phase-II detoxification and cellular redox balance. |
| Status | Dietary and supplement research, with small randomised trials in endurance and metabolic health; zinc-carnosine is a separate gastric compound. | An endogenous antioxidant tripeptide; sold as a supplement, and used intravenously in some clinical settings. |
| Reported safety signals | Reviews and trials report it as well tolerated. | Generally well tolerated in supplement trials; oral bioavailability is debated. |
| A key study | A comprehensive review of carnosine physiology since its 1900 discovery. (Physiol Rev 2013, PMID 24137022) | A review of glutathione metabolism and its central role in antioxidant defence and detoxification. (J Nutr 2004, PMID 14988435) |
WHEN TO RESEARCH WHICH
Carnosine for muscle buffering and glycation; glutathione for redox research. Both are discussed here strictly as research compounds; nothing on this page is medical advice or a dosing guide.
REFERENCES (PUBMED)
- [Carnosine] Physiology and pathophysiology of carnosine — Physiol Rev 2013. PMID 24137022
- [Carnosine] Carnosine and Beta-Alanine Supplementation in Human Medicine: Narrative Review and Critical Assessment — Nutrients 2023. PMID 37049610
- [Carnosine] Carnosine and advanced glycation end products: a systematic review — Amino Acids 2018. PMID 29858687
- [Glutathione] Glutathione metabolism and its implications for health — J Nutr 2004. PMID 14988435
- [Glutathione] Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione — Eur J Nutr 2015. PMID 24791752
- [Glutathione] Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function — Eur J Clin Nutr 2018. PMID 28853742
FREQUENTLY ASKED
What is the difference between Carnosine and Glutathione?
Both are small endogenous peptides with antioxidant roles. Carnosine also buffers acid in muscle and is studied against glycation; glutathione is the cell’s main redox buffer.
What is the regulatory status of Carnosine and Glutathione?
Carnosine: Dietary and supplement research, with small randomised trials in endurance and metabolic health; zinc-carnosine is a separate gastric compound. Glutathione: An endogenous antioxidant tripeptide; sold as a supplement, and used intravenously in some clinical settings.
What safety signals have been reported?
Carnosine: Reviews and trials report it as well tolerated. Glutathione: Generally well tolerated in supplement trials; oral bioavailability is debated.
Which studies is this comparison based on?
For Carnosine: “Physiology and pathophysiology of carnosine” (PMID 24137022); “Carnosine and Beta-Alanine Supplementation in Human Medicine: Narrative Review and Critical Assessment” (PMID 37049610); “Carnosine and advanced glycation end products: a systematic review” (PMID 29858687). For Glutathione: “Glutathione metabolism and its implications for health” (PMID 14988435); “Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione” (PMID 24791752); “Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function” (PMID 28853742).
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All products supplied for research purposes only. Not for human consumption.
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