Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of glutamine, cysteine, and glycine, and is one of the body's most important endogenous antioxidants. Its role in cellular protection against oxidative stress has prompted research into its application for various health conditions, including convalescence (the recovery period after illness or surgery). During convalescence, oxidative stress can be elevated due to tissue repair, inflammation, and immune activity.

There is some scientific basis for glutathione’s use in supporting recovery, mainly from studies showing that glutathione depletion is associated with poorer outcomes in critically ill or recovering patients. Supplementation or intravenous administration has been explored in clinical settings, such as after surgery or during recovery from infections, with some studies reporting improvements in markers of oxidative stress and immune function. However, the evidence is limited and often drawn from small, heterogeneous studies or indirect evidence from broader populations (e.g., elderly, post-surgical patients, or those with chronic disease).

Large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically assessing glutathione’s impact on convalescence are lacking. While the biological rationale is strong and preliminary studies are promising, current scientific evidence is insufficient to strongly recommend glutathione for convalescence. Thus, its use is supported by scientific plausibility and limited early evidence, but robust clinical validation is not yet established.