Glutathione
OTHER NAME(S): gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, glutathione, GSH, L-glutathione, reduced glutathione
Overview
Glutathione is an antioxidant that is naturally found in your body and is available over the counter as a supplement. It is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. It seems to be well tolerated, but there is not enough research to know what side effects it may cause. Before taking glutathione, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is glutathione used for?
Glutathione is commonly used to improve overall health and boost the immune system, but its benefits are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed glutathione for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does glutathione work (mechanism of action)?
Glutathione is made by your liver from three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. Your body makes glutathione on its own, but it is also found in small amounts in certain foods, such as spinach, avocados, and asparagus. Glutathione has many important functions in the body, but it is most well-known for its role as a strong antioxidant. It helps reduce damage to the cells in many parts of your body, including your liver, lungs, and red blood cells. It is sometimes referred to as GSH and L-glutathione, which are the same substance.
Your body makes less glutathione as you age. Glutathione levels may also go down in people who drink large amounts of alcohol or who smoke cigarettes. People with certain health conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes, cancer, and hepatitis, also tend to have lower glutathione levels. But it is not clear if taking glutathione is helpful for any of these conditions.
There is interest in taking glutathione to help your body fight off inflammation, toxins, and other substances that can cause damage. It is also sometimes used to boost overall health and immune function. But its benefits for any use are not well defined.
Some skin care products contain glutathione. Many of these products claim that glutathione can help lighten the skin and eliminate toxins. But its benefits for any use on the skin are poorly studied and unclear.
How should I store glutathione?
You should store glutathione according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of glutathione?
Glutathione seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of glutathione that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of glutathione?
While less common, the most serious side effects of glutathione are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Glutathione may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using glutathione and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use glutathione?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use glutathione.
- Gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine
- Glutathione
- GSH
- L-glutathione
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific glutathione products they stock.
What should I know about glutathione before using it?
Glutathione is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep glutathione out of the reach of children.
Do not confuse glutathione with N-acetylcysteine. Some people take N-acetylcysteine to increase their glutathione levels. But these substances are not the same, and taking N-acetylcysteine may not always increase your glutathione levels.
The FDA has not tested glutathione products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using glutathione?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if glutathione is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how glutathione could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Glutathione passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does glutathione interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between glutathione and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect glutathione. But drinking large amounts of alcohol may lower the levels of glutathione in your body. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Does glutathione interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between glutathione and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between glutathione and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with glutathione is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking glutathione with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much glutathione?
If you or someone else has used too much glutathione, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use glutathione safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Cureus: “The role of glutathione metabolism in chronic illness development and its potential use as a novel therapeutic target.”
- Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition: “Oral glutathione and growth in cystic fibrosis: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.”
- National Cancer Institute NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: “Glutathione.”
- National Cancer Institute NCI Drug Dictionary: “Glutathione.”