Glutathione

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a naturally occurring tripeptide made up of the amino acids cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. It is an antioxidant that is found in all cells in the body and helps to neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to cells and DNA.

How does it work?

Glutathione works as an antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and DNA. It also helps to recycle other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, allowing them to continue to protect the body from oxidative stress. Additionally, glutathione helps to support the immune system by reducing inflammation and removing toxins.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The active ingredient in glutathione is glutathione itself.

What forms does it come in?

Glutathione can be found in various forms including oral supplements, injections, creams, and sprays.

What if there's an imbalance or deficiency?

If there is an imbalance or deficiency of glutathione in the body, it can lead to an increased risk of oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to cells and DNA.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

The use of glutathione for medicinal purposes dates back to the 1980s.

What does Glutathione help with?

Glutathione is a small molecule your body makes on its own. It sits inside every cell and acts as an antioxidant. People take it as a pill, a skin cream, an IV drip, or a mist they breathe in.

• Uneven skin tone and dark patches
  Early evidence — clinical trials of oral and skin-applied forms; trial sizes and doses not recorded in our file. Trials of both pills and creams found measurable skin lightening after several weeks of steady use. In lab work, it shifts melanin, the skin's pigment, toward a lighter type. Our file does not record how many people took part, or at what dose.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Movement problems in Parkinson's disease
  Early evidence — early clinical trials using IV glutathione. The brain area hit hardest in Parkinson's holds some of the body's lowest levels. These drop further as the illness goes on. Early trials using IV glutathione reported better movement and quality of life, but our file lists no sizes or doses.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• High blood sugar and insulin resistance
  Early evidence — small, early human studies. People with type 2 diabetes tend to have lower levels than others. In small studies, supplements improved insulin response and some markers of poor metabolic health. Our file does not record the sizes or doses used.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Long-term tiredness and low energy
  Evidence doesn't support this — studies that measured low levels in patients, not trials of taking it. Several studies in people with chronic fatigue syndrome found low glutathione levels. That is a link, not proof that topping it up brings energy back. In lab work, it guards mitochondria, the parts of a cell that make energy.
  Evidence grade D · Traditional tier T0
• A weak or run-down immune system
  Evidence doesn't support this — lab work on immune cells, plus low levels seen in HIV and older age. In lab studies, T-cells and natural killer cells need it to work and to multiply. Low levels show up in HIV, long infections, and older age. No human trial on file shows that taking it cuts infections.
  Evidence grade D · Traditional tier T0
• Liver strain and fatty liver
  Evidence doesn't support this — low levels observed in liver disease; no human trial on file. The liver is well known to use glutathione when it handles drugs, alcohol, and toxins. Low levels turn up again and again in fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Our file holds no human trial showing that supplements change the course of liver disease.
  Evidence grade D · Traditional tier T0
• Asthma and COPD breathing trouble
  Evidence doesn't support this — a nebulized form explored in clinics; no trial results on file. Lungs are known to use glutathione to shield fragile tissue from smoke and other irritants. Low levels are found in people with asthma and COPD. A breathed-in (nebulized) form has been tried in clinics, but our file records no trial results.
  Evidence grade D · Traditional tier T0
• Oxidative stress and free radical damage
  Not yet tested in people — established cell biochemistry; no human supplement trial on file. Glutathione is well established as the body's main antioxidant inside cells. It mops up harmful molecules made by normal body chemistry, pollution, and stress. Whether taking it as a supplement lifts that defense is not settled here, since our file holds no human trial.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0
• Heavy metal and toxin exposure
  Not yet tested in people — lab chemistry only; no human study on file. In the lab, glutathione binds mercury, lead, and arsenic and tags them for removal. People with heavy work or home exposure often take it for this reason. No human study on file shows that supplements clear metals from the body.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0

What Glutathione has not been shown to do

• No human trial on file shows that taking it clears mercury, lead, or arsenic out of a person.
• It has not been shown to slow or stop Parkinson's disease itself; the early IV trials looked only at symptoms.
• It has not been shown to prevent infections or to treat HIV, even though low levels are common in HIV.
• No human trial on file shows that it slows aging, guards DNA in people, or adds years of life.
• Low levels have been measured in chronic fatigue syndrome, but no trial on file shows supplements bring stamina back.
• There is no human trial on file to back the idea of it as a general body 'detox'.

How to read this:

Grade A means many good human trials agree. B means one good human trial. C means small or early human studies. D means the human evidence is weak or mixed. Insufficient means no human study at all, just lab work, animals, or custom. This page lists options, not advice, and it is not a promise of results. Talk with your doctor first, above all about IV or breathed-in forms.

What can Glutathione help prevent?

• Cisplatin-related kidney toxicity during chemotherapy (clinical use with oncologist guidance)
• Oxidative damage from environmental toxin and pollutant exposure
• Accelerated cellular aging associated with chronic glutathione depletion

Which foods are rich in it?

Some foods that are rich in glutathione include:

• Avocados
• Tomatoes
• Asparagus
• Spinach
• Nuts and seeds
• Seafood
• Meat, poultry, and dairy products

What are possible side effects?

The most common side effects of glutathione include:

• Skin irritation or rashes
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

What's the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of glutathione varies depending on the form and the reason for use. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider for specific recommendations.

How many days does it take to work?

The length of time it takes for glutathione to start working varies depending on the form and the reason for use. Some studies have shown that oral supplements may take several weeks to start working.

What time of day is best to take it?

The best time of day to take glutathione depends on the form and the reason for use. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider for specific recommendations.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

The best way to take glutathione depends on the form and the reason for use. Some forms may be taken with food, while others may be taken on an empty stomach. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider for specific recommendations.