Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant naturally produced by the liver and central nervous system. It is thought to help metabolize toxins, break down 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. GSH is a thiol compound, and low thiol levels may play a role in hepatitis and other diseases. However, more scientific evidence is needed to support its use in preventing or managing any health condition.
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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 nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It's now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
2. Heart Health
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 are common and 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 also evaluates how injected nanoparticles that contain GSH can improve symptoms. There's evidence they're effective in animal studies 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.
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 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.
Chronic Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is associated with a number of other health conditions that include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Arthritis affecting the joints
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Eye diseases like cataracts
Researchers continue to explore how glutathione may be used with these conditions.
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 anIV. There is insufficient data to know how glutathione interacts with certain medications and other supplements.
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.
Supplement Facts
- Active ingredient(s): Glutathione
- Alternate name(s): GSH
- Suggested dose: Insufficient data to support a recommended dose.
- Safety considerations: Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
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.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products (such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia, Consumer Labs, or NSF) and consult a healthcare provider,registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
