The Truth About Glutathione, the Body’s “Master Antioxidant” — with Dr. Nayan Patel

If you’ve spent any time exploring longevity, healthy aging or premium skincare lately, you’ve probably heard of glutathione. Often called the body’s “master antioxidant,” it’s become one of the most talked-about molecules in wellness. But what exactly is glutathione—and why does the body manufacture it in the first place?This week, Carmine sits down with Dr. Nayan Patel—pharmacist, educator, founder of Auro Wellness and adjunct faculty member at the USC School of Pharmacy—to explore the biology behind one of the body’s most important endogenous defense systems. After spending more than three decades studying glutathione, Dr. Patel explains why this remarkable molecule is far more than another antioxidant, how it protects cells from oxidative stress, and why supporting the body’s own antioxidant defenses may be one of the most important investments we can make in healthy aging.Together, they unpack how glutathione works alongside Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and other endogenous antioxidant systems, why oxidative stress begins inside the cell, what causes glutathione levels to decline over time, and why conventional oral and intravenous approaches have struggled to deliver glutathione where it’s actually needed.They also explore the philosophy of prevention versus treatment, how diet and lifestyle influence our antioxidant defenses, and the decades-long scientific journey that led Dr. Patel to develop a novel topical glutathione delivery technology.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why glutathione is often called the body’s “master antioxidant”;Why every healthy cell manufactures glutathione—and what essential jobs it performs;How glutathione works alongside Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), catalase and other antioxidant defense systems;Why oxidative stress begins inside the cell—and why that matters for aging;Why glutathione levels naturally decline as we get older;Why getting glutathione into the bloodstream isn’t enough—it has to reach the cell;Why Dr. Patel believes prevention should become a central focus of modern medicine;And how nutrition, lifestyle and reducing toxic exposures may help preserve the body’s own antioxidant defenses.Key TakeawayGlutathione isn’t simply another supplement—it’s one of the body’s own essential defense systems.Produced inside every healthy cell, glutathione helps neutralize oxidative stress where it begins while also supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways. As Dr. Patel explains, healthy aging isn’t about finding a miracle molecule. It’s about preserving the body’s remarkable ability to protect, repair and restore itself—and giving those innate systems the support they need to keep doing the jobs they were designed to do.Connect with Dr. Nayan Patel on Instagram at @dr_nayan_patel and on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Dr. Patel's work, his bestselling book The Glutathione Revolution, his podcast The Vitality Pharmacist, and Auro Wellness's topical glutathione technology at aurowellness.com.—Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on A