L-Glutathione and Selenium, a synergy.
Selenium is an essential cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, the enzyme through which glutathione neutralizes peroxides, so adequate selenium is needed for glutathione to exert its antioxidant function.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- L-Glutathione and Selenium
- Pair type
- Synergy
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Strong
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Supplement
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Synergy · Strong evidence
Synergy
What is happening. Selenium is an essential cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, the enzyme through which glutathione neutralizes peroxides, so adequate selenium is needed for glutathione to exert its antioxidant function.
Mechanism. Glutathione peroxidases are selenoenzymes that use selenocysteine at their active site to reduce hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides while oxidizing glutathione, linking selenium status directly to glutathione antioxidant capacity.
Recommendation. Ensure adequate selenium intake to support glutathione-dependent antioxidant activity; avoid exceeding the 400 mcg upper limit of selenium.
Sources (2)
- Rotruck JT et al, Selenium: biochemical role as a component of glutathione peroxidase, Science, 1973
- Brigelius-Flohe R, Glutathione peroxidases and redox-regulated transcription factors, Biological Chemistry, 2006
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both L-Glutathione and Selenium are in the same stack, this pair applies +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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