Glutathione is a tripeptide or small size protein. It is also known as a master antioxidant¹.

Glutathione is a product formed from amino acids such as glutamic acid, glycine, and cysteine. This is normally produced by the liver and is involved in several processes in the body, including tissue building and repair, the processing of chemicals and proteins required in the body, and the immune system². 

Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that has received a great deal of popularity for its reported health benefits. Yet what is glutathione, how is it influencing the body?

Many sources believe that it has anti-aging effects, whereas others claim it can cure obesity, improve fat metabolism, and even avoid cancer.

 

Functions of Glutathione

The important functions of glutathione include

• Constructing DNA, the building blocks of cells and proteins
• Support the immune system
• Help in the production of sperm cells
• Removing some free radicals
• Regulating enzyme functions
• Vitamin E and C regeneration
• Helping gallbladder and liver with fats
• Assisting apoptosis, a process of regular cell death

Studies have also reported connections between low rates of glutathione and certain diseases. Glutathione amounts can be improved by oral or intravenous (IV) infusion³.

 

Action of glutathione

Glutathione is engaged in many processes in the body, such as tissue building and repair, the production of chemicals and proteins required in the body, and the immune system⁴.

 

Dosage and Preparation of glutathione

There is not sufficient clinical data to decide the right dosage while taking GSH supplements, although some say that supplementation with NAC could be more successful. Various levels have been studied into particular medical conditions. The best dosage for you can rely on a variety of factors, including your gender, age, and medical background.

For certain situations, healthcare practitioners prescribe glutathione by IV, typically to manage diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. The administration of glutathione by IV is also used to relieve the side effects of chemotherapy, hemodialysis, and bypass surgery. Glutathione can be inhaled and supplied through a nebulizer or delivered by IV to Parkinson's patients⁵.

 

Benefits of Glutathione

Improve psoriasis

Whey protein increases glutathione levels. It has been explained in a research study that oral use of whey protein can improve psoriasis with or without additional treatment. However, more study is required. 

Glutathione manage uncontrolled diabetes

The levels of glutathione can be decreased due to high blood sugar in the long term. This can cause tissue damage and oxidative stress. The glutathione levels can be increased by taking dietary supplements containing glycine and cysteine. Despite high sugar levels in people with uncontrolled diabetes, glutathione lowered oxidative damage and stress. 

Reduces oxidative stress

Oxidative stress may be the cause of many diseases. The imbalance between the production and ability of the body to fight off free radicals leads to oxidative stress. These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. The severity of oxidative stress can be reduced by glutathione. 

According to the Journal of Cancer Science and therapy, the deficiency of glutathione causes an increase in oxidative stress that may cause cancer. It was also explained that an increased level of glutathione increases the antioxidant level and resistance to oxidative stress in cancer cells. 

Manage respiratory symptoms

The byproduct of glutathione is N-acetylcysteine. N-acetylcysteine is a medicine used to treat cystic fibrosis, asthma and it is also used to decrease the viscosity of the mucus so that it can easily come out with mucus. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. 

Some foods also contain glutathione, but pasteurization or cooking significantly reduces its levels.

The following foods contain the highest levels of glutathione. 

• Raw meat
• Unpasteurized dairy products such as milk
• Fresh vegetables and fruits like asparagus and avocado⁶

Parkinson’s disease

Some researchers indicate that the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be effectively reduced by maintaining adequate levels of glutathione. The parenteral use of glutathione seems to be more effective than oral supplementations. Further study is necessary to support its use. 

Reducing ulcerative colitis damage

Ulcerative colitis has been associated with oxidative damage and stress like other inflammatory conditions.  A study explains that colon damage can be improved with glutathione. 

However, more research is needed to study the effect of glutathione on ulcerative colitis⁷. 

 

How to increase your glutathione levels?

 Increase Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin present in different foods such as vegetables and fruits. The typical examples are kiwis, citrus fruits, papayas, and strawberries.

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and damage. It is also responsible for the body's supply of other antioxidants such as glutathione. 

Researchers explain that vitamin C improves the glutathione levels by attacking free radicals first and sparing glutathione. The reprocessing of glutathione is also done by vitamin C levels by converting oxidized glutathione back to its active form. The level of glutathione in white blood cells of healthy adults can be increased by taking vitamin C. One study explains that glutathione was increased by 18% in white blood cells when adults took 500-1000 mg of vitamin C daily for 13 weeks. According to another study, taking 500mg vitamin C per day increased glutathione levels in red blood cells by 47%. 

 

Consume more Selenium-Rich Foods 

Selenium is a cofactor of glutathione and an essential mineral. It is a substance required for the activity of glutathione. The following are the best sources of selenium. 

• Brazil nuts
• Brown rice
• Beef
• Fish
• Chicken
• Cottage cheese
• Whey Protein

Certain amino acids are required for the production of glutathione. Cysteine is an amino acid, required for the synthesis of glutathione. The supply of glutathione can be increased by consuming foods rich in cysteine such as whey protein. Whey protein boosts the glutathione levels and thus lowers the oxidative stress⁸. 

 

Side Effects of glutathione

There is no proper research conducted on the side effects of glutathione. Only limited data is available that tells us about the side effects of glutathione.

The following are the side effects of glutathione.

• Bloating
• Cramping
• Allergic reactions such as rashes⁹

 

References

1. Glutathione: The "Master" Antioxidant. [internet]. [cited 2020 August 26]; Available from  https://coremedscience.com/blogs/wellness/glutathione-the-master-antioxidant-1
2. Glutathione. [internet]. [cited 2020 August 26]; Available from  https://www.medicinenet.com/glutathione/supplements-vitamins.htm
3. What are the benefits of glutathione? [internet]. [cited 2020 August 26]; Available from  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323936#what-is-glutathione
4. Glutathione. [internet]. [cited 2020 August 26]; Available from  https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-717/glutathione
5. The Health Benefits of Glutathione. [internet]. [cited 2020 August 26]; Available from  https://www.verywellhealth.com/benefits-of-glutathione-89457
6. Glutathione Benefits. [internet]. [cited 2020 August 26]; Available from  https://www.healthline.com/health/glutathione-benefits#glutathione-benefits
7. What are the benefits of glutathione? [internet]. [cited 2020 August 26]; Available from  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323936#what-is-glutathione
8. 10 Natural Ways to Increase Your Glutathione Levels. [internet]. [cited 2020 August 26]; Available from  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-increase-glutathione#section3
9. The Health Benefits of Glutathione. [internet]. [cited 2020 August 26]; Available from  https://www.verywellhealth.com/benefits-of-glutathione-89457

 

---

Find articles related to: Medicine Telehealth Health glutathione benefits of glutathione


More articles about Skin & Esthetics

Back to the Health Tips Index