Glutathione: Uses, Side Effects, & More

Glutathione is an antioxidant found naturally in your body. Also known as GSH, it is produced by the liver and nerve cells in the central nervous system and is made from three amino acids: glycine, L-cysteine, and L-glutamate. Glutathione can help metabolize toxins, break down free radicals, support immune function, and more.

This article discusses the antioxidant glutathione along with its uses and purported benefits. It also provides examples of how to get more glutathione in your diet.

Purported Uses of Glutathione

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Glutathione depletion is thought to be associated with certain health conditions, such as neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease), cystic fibrosis, and age-related diseases, as well as the aging process. Still, this does not mean that glutathione supplementation can necessarily be helpful for these conditions.

Glutathione has been studied for a wide range of uses, including but not limited to:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Chemotherapy-related toxicity
• Parkinson's disease

However, there is limited scientific evidence to support using glutathione to prevent or manage any health condition.

Cystic Fibrosis

Studies have suggested that inhaled or oral glutathione may help improve lung function and nutritional status in people with cystic fibrosis.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

A systematic review evaluated studies looking at antioxidants' effects on chemotherapy-related toxicities. Eleven of the studies analyzed included glutathione supplementation.

Intravenous (IV) glutathione may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy to lessen the toxic effects of chemotherapy. In some cases, it may make it more likely that the chemotherapy regimen can be completed. More research is still needed.

Parkinson's Disease

In one study, IV glutathione (600 milligrams twice daily for 30 days) significantly improved symptoms associated with previously untreated Parkinson's disease. However, the study was small, only consisting of nine patients.

Glutathione Deficiency

Glutathione is not considered an essential nutrient since it is produced from other amino acids in the body.

Low levels of glutathione in the body can occur with poor nutrition, environmental toxins, stress, and increased age. Low glutathione levels have been associated with an increased risk of cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, and Parkinson's disease. However, this doesn't necessarily mean supplementing with glutathione decreases your risk.

Since glutathione levels in the body aren't usually measured, there is not much information on what happens to people with low glutathione levels.

What Are the Side Effects of Glutathione?

Due to a lack of research, little is known about the side effects of using glutathione supplements. No side effects have been reported with a high glutathione intake from diet alone.

However, there's some concern that using glutathione supplements may cause cramping and bloating or allergic reactions, with symptoms like a rash. In addition, inhaled glutathione has caused breathing problems in some people with mild asthma. If any of these side effects occur, stop taking the supplement and discuss it with your healthcare provider.

Long-term use of glutathione supplements may lower zinc levels.

Precautions

Glutathione supplements are generally recognized as safe.

There is not enough data to show that it is safe for pregnant or nursing individuals. Therefore, glutathione supplementation is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Dosage: How Much Glutathione Should I Take?

There is not enough scientific evidence to determine the proper dose of glutathione.

Various doses have been studied in research investigating specific medical conditions. The proper dose for you may depend on several factors, including your age, sex, and medical history.

In studies, glutathione doses given ranged from 250 to 1,000 milligrams daily. One study found that a minimum of 500 milligrams daily for at least two weeks was needed to increase glutathione levels.

In some cases, healthcare professionals administer glutathione through the use of an IV.

For some conditions, glutathione can also be inhaled and given through a nebulizer.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Glutathione?

There is not enough information yet to determine whether glutathione toxicity can occur.

Interactions

There is insufficient data to know how glutathione interacts with certain medications and other supplements.

How to Store Glutathione

Be sure to follow manufacturer directions for how to store supplements. It may vary depending on the form of the supplement.

Always keep medication and supplements out of reach of children.

Similar Supplements

Glutathione may come as a single supplement or combined with other ingredients.

Additionally, supplementing with other nutrients may help increase glutathione production in the body. These can include:

• Selenium
• Vitamin C
• N-acetylcysteine
• Milk thistle

Sources of Glutathione & What to Look For

Glutathione is readily found in certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables. A study published in Nutrition and Cancer found that dairy products, cereals, and bread are generally low in glutathione, whereas fruits and vegetables have moderate to high amounts of glutathione. Freshly prepared meats are relatively high in glutathione.

It can also be obtained in dietary supplements, such as capsules, liquids, or in topical form. It can also be given intravenously.

Food Sources of Glutathione

Good food sources of glutathione include:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Brussel sprouts
• Broccoli
• Onion and garlic
• Asparagus
• Potatoes
• Peppers
• Carrots
• Avocado
• Squash
• Spinach
• Melon

Glutathione Supplements

Glutathione dietary supplements and personal care products are available online and in many natural-food stores, drugstores, and vitamin shops. Glutathione supplements are available as a capsule, liquid, inhalant, topical, or can be given intravenously.

Be sure to look for supplements that are third-party tested. This means that the supplement has been vetted and has the amount of glutathione that the label claims, and it is free of contaminants. Supplements with labels from the USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab have been tested.

Summary

Glutathione has several roles in the body, including its antioxidant effects. Low levels of glutathione in the body are associated with many chronic conditions and diseases. However, there is not enough research to know if supplementing glutathione reduces the risk of those conditions or provides any health benefit.

Glutathione is made in the body from other amino acids. It is also found in the food we eat. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of supplementing before starting any dietary supplements.