The Comprehensive Role of Glutathione in Aging: From Muscle Integrity to Hearing

From cognitive function to muscle maintenance to hearing abilities, aging is often characterized by a myriad of changes in health-related markers. While there are dozens of factors at play when it comes to how healthfully we age, low levels of the antioxidant glutathione are thought to be a top contributor. 

As glutathione levels decrease with age, we become less able to neutralize oxidative stress, leading to dysfunction in cells and organs all over the body. Inadequate glutathione can lead to an imbalance of molecules called free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cells, proteins, fats, and DNA. Glutathione is also needed to ensure healthy mitochondrial function, protecting these cellular powerhouses from the free radical production that occurs when we turn food into fuel.  

While heart and brain health are often mentioned when discussing aging, antioxidants, and longevity, lesser-known—but still vastly important—areas of research include age-related muscle and hearing maintenance.  

Age-related hearing abilities are about more than just being able to listen to your favorite song—it can also significantly impact social connection, cognitive health, balance, and longevity. Although you may not think the ears and muscles are related, early signs of suboptimal hearing and muscle integrity as a part of aging can surface together and one common thread between the two may be glutathione (or lack thereof). 

In a small case-control study published in Antioxidants, researchers found that adults with age-related decline in muscle integrity were more likely to have low blood glutathione levels and an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants than those with healthier muscle mass.  

Moving from the muscles to the ears, recent research has also associated oxidative stress with hearing. According to a review paper published in 2024, the ear’s cochlea—responsible for much of our auditory processes—requires high-energy metabolism. With high energy output from mitochondria comes higher free radical and ROS production and greater susceptibility to oxidative stress—which is where glutathione comes in again.* 

The sirtuin SIRT3—a longevity-related protein that requires NAD+ for proper functioning—is also involved here, helping to maintain hearing during aging by promoting glutathione-mediated antioxidant defense systems. 

If low glutathione levels are the problem, it may seem like simply adding more of the antioxidant could be the answer to these common age-related health concerns. However, most glutathione supplements other than liposomal forms exhibit poor bioavailability, which is why researchers use two of glutathione’s precursors: the amino acids cysteine (in the form of N-acetylcysteine, or NAC) and glycine.* 

Research in the past few years has examined the benefits of a supplement that combines glycine and NAC (“GlyNAC”) with promising results. For example, a 2022 pre-clinical study in mice showed that GlyNAC increased the mouse lifespan by 24% and reversed many hallmarks of aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction and genomic damage.* 

Overall, glutathione is undeniably essential at all ages—but older adults are particularly susceptible to its decline and the oxidative stress that can influence virtually everything from our heads to our toes. 

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.