Dubbed "the ultimate antioxidant" by researchers, glutathione has gained attention for its potential health perks. Advocates tout its ability to bolster the immune system, combat aging, and even stave off cancer, which may explain the rising popularity of both glutathione supplements and injections. But does it deliver on these promises? Let's delve into what glutathione is, its potential benefits, and whether opting for supplements or injections is worthwhile.  

What Exactly is Glutathione?

Glutathione, an antioxidant composed of three amino acids—cysteine, glycine, and glutamine—all chiefly produced in the liver and nerve cells of the central nervous system. Its primary functions include tissue repair, immune system support, and the synthesis of vital proteins and elements like magnesium, crucial for overall health and wellness.  

Aside from being produced internally, glutathione can also be obtained from certain foods such as asparagus, avocado, and cucumber.

  • Antioxidant: glutathione combats free radicals—unstable molecules implicated in cell damage, inflammation, and various age-related ailments from Alzheimer's to heart disease and cancer. Moreover, it aids in the production of Vitamin C and E.  
  • Oxidative stress: stemming from an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, coupled with low levels of vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid, can lead to a decline in glutathione levels. Research suggests that such imbalances may contribute to the aging process.

What About Glutathione Injections?

For those seeking to supplement with glutathione, numerous options exist, including oral supplements, topical creams, IV infusions, and injections. Glutathione injections, in particular, have been shown to be more effective in raising antioxidant levels compared to oral supplements, as some benefits may be lost during digestion.  

While IV infusions offer a similar bypass of the digestive tract, they necessitate clinical administration. On the other hand, self-administered injections at home are feasible with a prescription.  

Glutathione injections are typically administered directly into the muscle or under the skin, facilitating absorption into the bloodstream. These injections have been linked to various benefits:  

  1. Alleviating Cell Damage from Fatty Liver Disease: Glutathione deficiency, including a lack of glutathione, can exacerbate liver cell death and contribute to fatty liver disease. Studies have shown the efficacy of glutathione injections, particularly intravenously in high doses, in mitigating liver damage.
  2. Enhancing Skin Health: Research suggests that glutathione possesses skin-brightening properties, reducing wrinkles and promoting skin firmness. Additionally, it can aid in managing skin conditions like psoriasis. However, caution is advised regarding unauthorized online or spa-administered injections for skin lightening, as they may contain harmful ingredients.   
  3. Strengthening the Immune System: Glutathione supplementation has been associated with elevated levels of natural killer cells and lymphocytes, bolstering the body's defense against infections.   
  4. Improving Brain Health: Reduced glutathione levels are observed in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Studies indicate potential symptom improvement with glutathione supplementation, suggesting a role in supporting cognitive function.   
  5. Enhancing Physical Performance: Pre-workout glutathione supplementation has shown promise in improving exercise performance and reducing fatigue. 

Possible Side Effects

  • Rashes
  • Bloating
  • Cramping
  • Fatigue
  • Allergic reactions are rare but possible, necessitating prompt medical attention if experienced

Are Glutathione Injections Right For You?

Individuals interested in safeguarding against age-related ailments or achieving clearer skin should consult with their physician regarding glutathione injections or supplements. It's crucial to disclose all medications and medical conditions to ensure safety. Notably, individuals with asthma should exercise caution with inhaled glutathione.  

Dosing and frequency of glutathione injections vary based on individual needs, determined in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Cost: The expense of glutathione injections depends on factors like quality and required sessions.
  • Uses: Glutathione injections aid in detoxification, skin rejuvenation, anti-inflammatory action, and countering oxidative stress.
  • Results: Typically, noticeable results emerge after about three weeks of consistent treatment.

If prescribed by a your Precision Medical Provider, glutathione injections may be a valuable adjunct to your wellness regimen, offering a range of potential benefits for overall health and vitality.

References:

  1. Bains VK, Bains R (2015). The antioxidant master glutathione and periodontal health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26604952/
  2. Dröge W, Breitkreutz R (2000). Glutathione and immune function. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11115795/
  3. Minich DM, Brown BI (2019). A Review of Dietary (Phyto)Nutrients for Glutathione Support. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770193/
  4. Gonzalez-Perez O, Gonzalez-Castaneda RE (2006). THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVES ON THE COMBINATION OF ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID AND VITAMIN E. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2925278/
  5. Huang WJ, et al (2016). Role of oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4840676/
  6. Hayes JD, et al (2020). Oxidative Stress in Cancer. Cancer Cell. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32649885/
  7. Ballatori N, et al (2009). Glutathione dysregulation and the etiology and progression of human diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756154/
  8. Kumar P, et al (2022) GlyNAC (Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine) Supplementation in Mice Increases Length of Life by Correcting Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Abnormalities in Mitophagy and Nutrient Sensing, and Genomic Damage. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35268089/
  9. Kumar P, et al (2021) Glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) supplementation in older adults improves glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, genotoxicity, muscle strength, and cognition: Results of a pilot clinical trial. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ctm2.372
  10. Honda Y, et al (2017). Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, pilot study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5549431/
  11. Weschawalit S, et al (2017). Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5413479/
  12. Prussick R, et al (2013) Psoriasis Improvement in Patients Using Glutathione-enhancing, Nondenatured Whey Protein Isolate: A Pilot Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3805302/
  13. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2022). [Fact Sheet] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/injectable-skin-lightening-and-skin-bleaching-products-may-be-unsafe
  14. Honda Y, et al (2017) Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, pilot study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28789631/
  15. Aoyama K. (2021) Glutathione in the Brain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125908/
  16. Sechi G, Det a; (1996). Reduced intravenous glutathione in the treatment of early Parkinson’s disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8938817/
  17. Aoi W, et al (2015). Glutathione supplementation suppresses muscle fatigue induced by prolonged exercise via improved aerobic metabolism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4328900/