9 Health Benefits of Glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant naturally produced by the liver and central nervous system. It is also available as a supplement. GSH is thought to help break down toxins and free radicals involved in cell damage, support immune function, and more. It also can play a role in treating certain genetic conditions.

Researchers have explored a wide range of GSH uses for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Parkinson's disease, and even stroke. However, many of these possible benefits have been supported so far only by lab or animal studies. More scientific evidence is needed to support its use in preventing or managing any health condition.

1. Liver Health

Hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and alcohol-related liver disease have been linked to low levels of GSH. Some studies have demonstrated benefits of glutathione in treating liver conditions, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which was formerly called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

2. Heart Health

GSH is a compound known as a thiol. Biological thiol levels often become altered with heart disease, and there's increasing interest in how GSH might be used as a biomarker for cardiovascular health.

Studies also are focused on how it might be used to counter the oxidative processes that contribute to heart health risks, such as plaque forming in blood vessels or changes in the vessel lining.

3. Stroke

There's some evidence to suggest the glutathione produced in the liver plays an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role in people who have had an ischemic stroke (caused by a blockage, not a bleed).

Researchers are investigating how this process, and others related to liver metabolism, can be used to improve outcomes after a stroke.

4. Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a lung condition in which thick secretions block the airways and are hard for people to clear on their own. Studies have suggested that inhaled or oral glutathione may help improve lung function and nutritional status in people with cystic fibrosis.

Ongoing research is also evaluating how injected nanoparticles that contain GSH can improve symptoms. There's evidence from animal studies that they're effective, but more research is needed.

5. Cystinosis

Cystinosis is a rare genetic condition in which a certain amino acid builds up in body tissues, including the kidneys, liver, pancreas, muscles, and the eyes and brain. The most common type affects the kidneys and is diagnosed in infancy, but others can emerge later.

Two medications, Cystagon (cysteamine bitartrate) and Procysb, an extended form of cysteamine, can be used in treating cystinosis and preventing organ damage. It acts to improve how the body uses GSH, and may be useful with other conditions as well.

6. Lupus

Glutathione may offer benefits for people living with lupus, an autoimmune disorder that has been linked to low GHS levels. A review of 15 different studies found some evidence that both GHS and curcumin may offer benefits, but more study is needed to understand the role of glutathione.

7. Cancer

Researchers are still working to understand the role of GSH in various cancers. The antioxidant properties mean that GSH can play a protective role in cancer, but it's also thought that GSH might promote tumor growth and spread.

Elevated GSH levels have been noted in cancers that include breast, lung, ovarian, renal (kidney), and head and neck cancers. Yet other cancers, including brain and liver types, are associated with low GSH levels. Scientists note that most of what they know to date is based on lab data and more study is needed to understand GSH and cancer.

8. Parkinson's Disease

Studies have shown that low or altered GSH levels are associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and contribute to its development. Some estimates suggest an overall 30% loss in brain GSH levels due to normal aging.

Researchers focus on how boosting antioxidant levels with GSH may help people diagnosed with PD.

9. Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes has been linked with both oxidative stress and low levels of GSH. It's possible that glutathione may offer benefits in managing or preventing diabetes, as well as complications like diabetic neuropathy. More research is needed into how GSH, or GSH in combination with other therapies like IL-6 inhibitors, can help.

Glutathione Deficiency

Glutathione is not considered an essential nutrient since it is produced from other amino acids in the body. However, low levels of glutathione in the body can occur with poor nutrition, environmental toxins, stress, and increased age.

Although low GSH levels are associated with health conditions like hepatitis and Parkinson's disease, there's still not enough evidence to suggest that supplements will limit your health risks.

Side Effects

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.

GSH contains glycine, L-cysteine, and L-glutamate. Long-term use of glutathione supplements may lower zinc levels.

Precautions

Glutathione supplements are generally recognized as safe, but there is not enough data to recommend its use for pregnant or nursing people. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Further, there is insufficient data to know how glutathione interacts with certain medications and other supplements. Adverse effects of IV glutathione can include:

• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (rare but serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Kidney dysfunction
• Air embolism (an air bubble in the blood vessels)
• Sepsis (life-threatening response by the body to infection)

However, according to the researchers, some of these reported complications may have been related to improper IV techniques or counterfeit glutathione.

Dosage

There is not enough scientific evidence to determine the proper dose of glutathione. 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 inhaled glutathione or through the use of an IV. There is insufficient data to know how glutathione interacts with certain medications and other supplements.

Many glutathione supplements can be taken by mouth (oral) or put under the tongue (sublingual). Some evidence suggests that sublingual glutathione is absorbed better than oral formulations.

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
• Milk thistle

Sources of Glutathione & What to Look For

Glutathione is readily found in certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables. It can also be obtained in dietary supplements, such as capsules, liquids, or given in IV or topical form. Food sources can include:

• Brassica vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts)
• Onion and garlic
• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Potatoes
• Peppers
• Carrots
• Avocado
• Squash
• Spinach
• Banana
• Strawberries
• Citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit, lemon)
• Green tea
• Grape juice
• Herbs including turmeric, rosemary, and gingko biloba

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.

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.