Glutathione Health Benefits: The Master Antioxidant

Glutathione, often called the "master" antioxidant, is one of our body's most important antioxidant compounds as it supports the utilization and recycling of other antioxidants. Glutathione is also essential in assisting the liver in detoxifying harmful substances. Studies have shown that low or dysregulated levels of glutathione may be associated with various health conditions like liver disease, cancer, aging, eye diseases, HIV, and Parkinson's disease.

Glutathione levels in the body are affected by many factors, including genetics, inadequate diet, stress, and alcohol consumption.(1-4) This article explores glutathione, the potential health benefits and risks of supplementation, how to test glutathione levels, and supplementation options.

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What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a small molecule made from three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. It helps the liver detoxify harmful substances. Glutathione is also an antioxidant (5), meaning it helps manage dangerous chemicals called free radicals (oxygen-containing molecules that can damage cell structures, including DNA).

Glutathione exists in two forms: reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG). The ratio between GSH and GSSG helps determine the antioxidant ability of a cell. Resting healthy cells have a GSH:GSSG ratio over one hundred; this ratio may drop to between one and ten in cells exposed to stressors.

What are Glutathione's Health Benefits?

• Glutathione supports the immune system and may have antibacterial properties.
• The liver is crucial for detoxification (converting toxic substances to non-toxic compounds that the body can safely eliminate). Glutathione plays an essential role in the liver in these detoxification reactions.
• Glutathione supports healthy lungs by helping to manage inflammation and supporting the regulation of a substance called surfactant that keeps the air sacs (alveoli) healthy.
• Glutathione treatment may support lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis.
• Glutathione may support athletic performance by helping to manage muscle fatigue.
• Glutathione may help lighten sun-damaged skin. It also may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.

How to Test for Glutathione Deficiency

Glutathione levels can vary depending on diet, health status, and other factors. It's essential to work with a functional or integrative medicine provider to interpret the results of these tests and determine if a glutathione deficiency is present and what the underlying causes might be.

• You can measure glutathione levels directly from a blood sample.
• The organic acids test (OAT) by Great Plains Laboratory measures many different metabolites in the urine. One of these metabolites, called pyroglutamic acid, can be elevated during periods of poor nutrition, stress, toxin exposures, and oxidative stress, among others. Elevated pyroglutamic acid in the urine may suggest that the body's glutathione stores are depleted.
• The Advanced Oxidative Stress Profile is a comprehensive urine and blood test that evaluates reduced, oxidized, and total glutathione plus two other oxidative stress markers.
• The data for decreased zinc levels caused by long-term glutathione supplementation are limited; however, total serum zinc can be measured if you have concerns.
• The total serum zinc measurement can be inaccurate if your albumin levels are low or inflammatory markers are elevated.
• Ferritin, ESR, and CRP are commonly used markers of inflammation.
• If you have a high index of suspicion for a chronic zinc deficiency, then an RBC zinc may be more accurate.

How Much Glutathione Supplementation Is Safe?

Various studies have looked at different amounts of glutathione taken by mouth. In one study, 500 mg of glutathione was given to healthy adult volunteers twice a day for four weeks with no adverse events. Two other studies used doses of up to 1000 mg daily for three weeks and six months. Oral glutathione supplementation is possibly safe for adults when taken in doses of up to 500 mg per day for up to 2 months.

Limited studies in humans have evaluated the use of intravenous glutathione. Researchers used a single dose of 1200 mg intravenous glutathione in one study. Another study demonstrated that 1400 mg glutathione administered intravenously three times a week for four weeks was well tolerated with no adverse events. Intravenous glutathione has to be administered by a healthcare professional.

How to Supplement Glutathione?

• ‍Oral supplements: Supplements are available in a capsule or tablet form and can be taken orally. These supplements contain glutathione or a combination of precursor compounds like N-acetylcysteine (NAC), L-glutamine, and L-glycine. Some studies report that digestive enzymes may destroy glutathione taken by mouth. Other studies have found that oral glutathione may help increase body stores.
• ‍Intravenous (IV) therapy: A healthcare professional can administer glutathione intravenously. IV therapy allows higher levels of glutathione to be delivered directly into the bloodstream, which may be beneficial for some health conditions.
• ‍Transdermal cream: Glutathione can be applied topically as a cream, which allows for absorption through the skin. This delivery method needs to be better studied, and its effectiveness must still be confirmed.
• ‍Liposomal Glutathione: This form of glutathione is encased in a liposome (a type of fat). Liposomes may improve glutathione absorption and also help to protect the encased glutathione from being destroyed by stomach acid.
• ‍Glutathione-rich foods: Some foods, including asparagus, avocado, spinach, and red pepper, contain high levels of glutathione or its precursors. Eating a diet rich in these foods may help to support glutathione levels in the body.

Are There Any Risks to Supplementing Glutathione?

Most studies on the effectiveness of glutathione supplementation are short-term, so the long-term risks and benefits of glutathione supplementation still need to be better understood.

Some possible side effects of glutathione supplementation include:

• Asthma: nebulized (inhaled) glutathione has triggered airway narrowing, cough, and breathlessness in people with asthma.
• Zinc deficiency: some sources report an association between long-term glutathione supplementation and low zinc levels; however, human studies have not been performed to validate this.
• Glutathione supplementation has not been studied for safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Summary

Glutathione is an antioxidant that is naturally produced in the body. It plays a crucial role in supporting cells from damage caused by free radicals and toxins and is also involved in maintaining the health of the immune system. Low levels of glutathione have been linked to several health conditions.

Glutathione supplements are available in various forms, such as oral supplements, intravenous injections, creams, and inhaled forms. The effectiveness of glutathione supplementation will vary depending on the specific health condition being addressed. Working with an integrative or functional medicine practitioner is the best way to ensure your supplementation strategy is evidence-based, safe, and appropriate.