Glutathione: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More

How Glutathione works in the Body

Glutathione plays an important role in protecting diverse body cells against toxic injuries. These can be caused by toxins such as organic toxins, heavy metals, and free radicals that tend to damage the cell and its mitochondria.

Accordingly, glutathione blocks oxidative stress by directly binding to oxidative compounds that damage DNA, cell membranes, and impair various functions. It also binds to toxins and heavy metals and quickly neutralizes them. Subsequently, it transforms them into mercapturic acid that can be dissipated out of the body through urine.

This allows the immune system, digestive system, and brain to function properly. It also boosts the body’s energy by protecting the mitochondria’s function.

Moreover, glutathione recycles and regenerates other antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E and helps the liver and gallbladder process fats.

How to Take Glutathione: dose and form

Glutathione could be given through multiple forms which are:

• Capsules: glutathione capsules usually come encapsulated with microscopic liposomes, which are 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.
• 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: always make sure that supplements contain clinically proven glutathione or L-glutathione which are the most effective forms of glutathione. Read the ingredients panel carefully and avoid buying supplements that contain additives, preservatives, or sweeteners since they can cancel out the power of the antioxidant

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

Glutathione components

Glutathione is considered a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid where cysteine can be in either the reduced or oxidized glutathione state. It is normally found in the liver at a concentration of 10 mmol l⁻¹.

This natural antioxidant is usually present in almost all cells in the body of humans, animals, and plants. Glutathione synthesis is highly controlled by the cysteine amino acid as it is considered the rate-limiting step. Its reducing power comes from the thiol group in the cysteine linkage.

Glutathione Food Sources

Glutathione can be found naturally in foods, but it Is not properly absorbed by the body since it is degraded by an intestinal enzyme when consumed orally. Also, cooking and storage of foods rich in glutathione can decrease the antioxidants amount and effect.

Some of the foods rich in glutathione are:

• Okra
• Spinach
• Avocados
• Asparagus

However, experts have found that glutathione can be boosted by sulfur rich foods, precursor nutrients that aid in glutathione’s formation, and supplements

Some of these foods are:

• Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, and cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Spinach
• Melon
• Avocados
• Carrots
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Unprocessed meats
• Garlic
• Onion
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Legumes

Other food sources, and herbs that can boost glutathione levels include:

• Whey
• Milk thistle
• Flaxseed
• Guso seaweed
• Turmeric

Supplements that can boost glutathione levels are:

• Curcumin Extract
• N-acetylcysteine
• Selenium
• Silymarin
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

Glutathione benefits

Glutathione is an important dietary supplement that benefits our body on a cellular level.

Below is a list of the different glutathione benefits for the following conditions.

• Autoimmune disease: this disease is characterized by increased oxidative stress caused by chronic inflammation. Glutathione diminishes the impact of oxidative stress by either stimulating or reducing the body’s immunological response. It can also protect the mitochondria, which might be attacked in some kinds of diseases, by eliminating free radicals. This might decrease the risk of diseases such as rheumatoid and lupus.
• Psoriasis:  glutathione has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. As such, skin cells are better protected from damages, thus diminishing the risk of psoriasis.
• Diabetes: glutathione aids in reducing insulin resistance which helps in decreasing and improving blood sugar regulation. This helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Peripheral artery disease: Glutathione can improve blood circulation and increase the ability of patients to walk pain-free for longer distances.
• Parkinson Disease: glutathione may help in reducing Parkinson disease symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. More research is needed for more information about this relation.
• Respiratory disease: inhaled glutathione may help reduce asthma and cystic fibrosis by thinning mucus and making it less paste-like. It also aids in decreasing inflammation.
• Fatty liver disease: glutathione can reduce cell damage in alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease by improving protein, enzyme, and bilirubin levels in the blood. Glutathione is found to be most effective when given intravenously in high doses.

Taking Glutathione: 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. This is because alcohol increases the rate of depletion of glutathione.

High doses of paracetamol, a drug used to treat fever and pain, could also deplete glutathione, especially in the liver.

People should be aware of mixing medications since glutathione may have a negative interaction with anti-psychotic or chemotherapeutic drugs.

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 cause 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: 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. People should always consult with their doctor on the duration of glutathione intake.