Can Glutathione help for Autism?

Why Glutathione helps manage Autism

Glutathione helps manage autism by reducing inflammation in the brain. By doing so, less brain cells are damaged which decreases the risk of neurological damage.

This could control symptoms of autism, thus improving overall quality of life for autistic patients.

Additionally, glutathione helps reduce glutamate levels in the brain. This regulates the level of toxicity, which protects brain cells against damage. Hence, symptoms of autism might decrease.

How Glutathione works for Autism

Glutathione, known as the "Mother of all anti-oxidants", plays an important role in detoxifying the body from toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals. It does so by binding to these toxic substances and neutralizing their function.

Accordingly, this antioxidant assists their transformation into mercapturic acid in order to flush them out of the body through urine.

This reduces oxidative stress in the body which in turn decreases the inflammation found in the brain. As a result, brain cells are protected from damage which relieves some autistic symptoms.

Moreover, glutathione gets rid of excess glutamate in the brain by regulating glutamate activity and restoring balanced glutamate levels in the brain. This prevents the brain to be excitable to the point of toxicity. By doing so, brain cells are protected, and autistic symptoms are managed. 

Glutathione Dosage for Autism: How much to Take

There is no official dosage indication for glutathione for autism. However, the standard dose recommendations of glutathione are:

• Capsules: in this supplement, all capsules contain glutathione encapsulated with microscopic liposomes (tiny globules surrounded by a lipid bilayer similar to your cell membranes). It is considered the best oral form since the liposome protects the main drug from metabolic processes and enzymes during its delivery to the targeted area. The recommended daily dose is between 50mg/day and 600mg/day or 20-40mg of body weight, taken 2-3 times per day. Always start with a smaller dose in sensitive children.
• Intravenous therapy: this is the most effective form of glutathione but is also the most invasive. The recommended dose is between 1,500mg to 4,000mg  once or twice per week. The dose can either be administered in a clinic or at home if the doctor prescribes it.
• Glutathione powder: This form is either taken with water or mixed with food. It is not highly recommended to take glutathione powder because once mixed or cooked with food, it loses its function. And, if mixed with water, powder effect will diminish because, unlike capsules, it does not include liposomes that protect glutathione from metabolic processes during ingestion.
• The recommended daily dose ranges between 50mg/day and 600mg/day or 20-40mg of body weight, taken 2-3 times per day.
• Inhaled nebulizer: the recommended dosage of this form is 600mg daily, but it needs a medical prescription, especially that people with specific conditions like asthma should not use this. The glutathione is used as a liquid form and put in the nebulizer. The instruction of usage will be given by the doctor or health expert.
• Transdermal and lotions: glutathione could be administered through the skin by a patch or lotion.

Important Notice: Dosages should always be consulted with the doctor in order to revise each person’s personal case according to age, weight and medical purpose.

Taking Glutathione for Autism: precautions

If you are taking glutathione, you need to avoid drinking alcohol as it could interfere with the absorption of the supplement in the body. Alcohol increases the rate of depletion of glutathione.

Glutathione may have a negative interaction if taken with anti-psychotic or chemotherapeutic drugs. Also, high doses of paracetamol, a drug used to treat fever and pain, could deplete glutathione especially in the liver.

People with certain medical conditions:

People with the following conditions should be careful and always check before taking glutathione:

• Allergies: People who have allergies can possibly have a reaction to glutathione which might lead to a skin rash.
• Asthma: If you have asthma, do not inhale glutathione through a nebulizer as it can increase asthma symptoms including wheezing.
• Other conditions: people should consult their doctor about taking glutathione if they have liver, kidney, or heart problems.

Taking Glutathione for Autism: side effects

If you take glutathione, some side effects can take place such as abdominal cramps, bloating, cough or hoarseness, frequent urge to have bowel movement, and straining while passing stool.

In addition, taking glutathione for a long period of time can lower zinc levels.