Glutathione how much

Researchers have found links between low levels of glutathione and some diseases. It is possible to increase glutathione levels through oral or intravenous IV supplementation. Another option is to take supplements that activate the natural glutathione production in the body. These supplements include:.

Reducing toxin exposure and increasing intake of healthful foods are also excellent ways to naturally increase glutathione levels. Free radicals may contribute to aging and some diseases. Antioxidants help to counteract free radicals and protect the body from their damaging effects. Glutathione is a very strong antioxidant, partly because high concentrations can be found in every cell in the body. Some research shows that glutathione has a role in preventing the progression of cancer.

However, the same research indicates that glutathione may make tumors less sensitive to chemotherapy , which is a common cancer treatment. Hepatitis , alcohol abuse, and fatty liver disease all damage the cells of the liver. A small clinical trial concludes that glutathione could help treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease due to its antioxidant properties and potential to detoxify.

Insulin resistance can result in the development of type 2 diabetes. The production of insulin causes the body to move glucose sugar from the blood and into cells that use it for energy.

It is marketed as a food or dietary supplement, either alone, or in combination with vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid and other antioxidants. The fate of orally administered glutathione has been studied in animal models and human volunteers. The principal site of absorption is the upper jejunum. Circulating glutathione is primarily cleared by the kidney. This is based on the observation of lack of similar increase in plasma glutathione levels after the administration of the constituent amino acids of glutathione when compared to the administration of glutathione capsules.

The administration of cysteine-rich glutathione precursors, especially N-acetyl cysteine, has been shown to increase intracellular glutathione levels. The bioavailability of oral glutathione in humans is a controversial subject. A single-dose study conducted by Witschi et al.

This results in increased hydrolysis of glutathione with resultant low serum levels. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on oral glutathione supplementation mg twice daily for four weeks in 40 healthy adult volunteers failed to show any significant change in serum glutathione levels. Results showed a steady increase in glutathione levels when compared to the baseline. The raised levels returned to baseline after a one-month washout period.

In summary, human trials performed before have shown that over-the-counter oral glutathione supplementation has a negligible effect on raising plasma levels in humans. The only trials that support the concept of oral supplementation to raise glutathione levels in healthy adults have been conducted by Richie et al. It is important to take note of the fact that both studies used a specific brand of glutathione, manufactured by the trial funding company.

Manufacturing high dose glutathione pills is technically difficult as GSH has a very high electrostatic charge which makes processing and encapsulating higher strengths of glutathione very difficult. Alpha lipoic acid is a glutathione replenishing disulfide that increases whole blood and intracellular GSH levels. Oral glutathione is also available as sublingual tablets and solutions.

While sublingual preparations contain very low doses 50— mg , oral suspensions and solutions have a foul sulfurous taste and need to be freshly prepared. This has recently become available over-the-counter in India as well. On review of literature, we could find only two studies that evaluated the efficacy of oral glutathione as a skin-lightening agent.

A randomized, double-blind, two-arm, placebo-controlled study conducted in the Thai population studied the effect of orally administered glutathione on the skin melanin index in sixty healthy medical students [Table - 1]. The primary end-point studied was the reduction of melanin indices at six different sites.

At four weeks, the melanin indices decreased consistently at all six sites in the glutathione group. There was a statistically significant reduction at two sites in the placebo group, namely the right side of the face and the sun-exposed left forearm.

The tolerance to glutathione was excellent. The limitations of this study include a short study period, lack of follow-up, lack of measurement of serum glutathione levels and the choice of cohort, which consisted of a young and healthy population. Despite these shortcomings, this study was the first to demonstrate the beneficial effects of oral glutathione in skin lightening.

In our opinion, the sublingual or buccal route is likely to increase the bioavailability of glutathione better than oral tablets or capsules. A comparative study between these two routes of administration is the only way to provide reliable evidence in this regard. Interestingly, intravenous injections of glutathione have been used for years but there is not even a single clinical trial evaluating its efficacy.

Manufacturers of intravenous glutathione injections recommend a dose of — mg for skin lightening, to be injected once to twice weekly. The duration for which they should be continued is not specified. However, there are no studies to support this hypothesis. Although intravenous glutathione delivers a much higher therapeutic dose that enhances its efficacy, it also provides a narrower margin of safety due to the possibility of overdose toxicity.

There is no available data on the efficacy of intravenous glutathione for skin lightening. The data on safety are available, but scarce.

In an animal-based study, no significant adverse effects were reported in dogs, who were administered up to mg of glutathione per kg body weight every day for 26 weeks. The Food and Drug Administration of Philippines have issued a position paper with a public warning regarding the safety of off-label use of glutathione injection [Box 5] and the adverse drug reactions reported from the use of intravenous glutathione for skin lightening [Box 6].

Another issue pertaining to pure and high-quality intravenous glutathione solution is the extremely high cost. The cheaper versions may be counterfeit, with the risk of life-threatening events. Considering the many limitations of intravenous glutathione, it is prudent that dermatologists refrain from administering such injections for skin lightening until further trials and high quality studies establish a favourable benefit versus risk ratio that justify its use [Box 7].

The recent surge of intravenous glutathione in India has prompted the media and health authorities to spread awareness about its potential complications, although a statutory ban remains elusive. Since glutathione is a component of human cellular metabolism, the adverse effects seen with oral supplementation are expected to be mild, akin to high-dose vitamin supplements. The adverse effects of intravenous glutathione speculatively arise from the direct delivery of huge amounts of the molecule in the blood circulation.

Other potential adverse effects of high dose and long-term glutathione supplementation include:. While there is no published data for intravenous glutathione, the results of the three randomized controlled trials mentioned above have provided grade Ib and 2b evidence in favour of the skin-lightening effects of topical and oral glutathione, with no significant adverse effects [Table - 1].

However, larger and long-term studies are warranted to generate more evidence. At present, there are no publications that document improvement in any specific hyperpigmentation disorder with the use of topical or oral glutathione.

The new-fangled concept of recommending glutathione as an adjuvant orally, topically or as mesotherapy for melasma, freckles and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is based on its depigmenting properties detailed in [Box 2]. In a study that was conducted to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in melasma, the levels of glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity and other pro-oxidant parameters were significantly higher in the blood of patients compared to controls.

This confirmed the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of melasma. Thus, supplementation of glutathione is logically expected to downregulate melanogenesis and improve melasma. Based on the current level of evidence, other authors have also suggested the use of oral or topical glutathione as an adjunctive therapy for facial melanosis.

They are awaiting grant of a patent by the US Food and Drug Administration to be used for the treatment of melasma, freckles, lentigines and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. It only affects new melanogenesis and not pre-existing pigmentation. A decrease in the cellular and serum levels of glutathione has been speculated to be associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory dermatoses that include psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata, polymorphic light eruption, acne vulgaris, etc.

This prevents it from being hydrolysed thereby allowing it to enter the bloodstream. However, the lack of human trials, quick degradability of liposomes and safety concerns of soy lecithin a liposomal component are barriers against its current use. S-acetyl-glutathione consists of oral glutathione attached to a sulfur atom. It is taken up intact by chylomicrons in the gut. The acetyl group prevents its oxidation and increases its plasma stability. Studies conducted in mice and human foreskin fibroblasts have revealed that S-acetyl-glutathione molecules are taken up directly by cells with subsequent conversion to glutathione by cleavage of the acetyl bond within the cell.

This results in higher levels of intracellular glutathione. Your healthcare provider will help decide which method is best for you. As an antioxidant, glutathione helps your body balance free radicals and stay healthy. It works at the cellular level to prevent inflammation and other cell damage that can make you sick. GSH is found in certain foods, but can also be taken as a dietary supplement. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplements.

Glutathione is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, molecules that cause cellular damage. Glutathione also helps to break down nutrients, activate enzymes, produce proteins, repair DNA, inactivate toxins, and regulate the immune system.

However, there is limited research to support the use of glutathione supplements for treating any condition. Glutathione is marketed overseas as a skin-lightening agent, but a review of published studies said the evidence for that use was inconclusive. However, the review noted glutathione appears to brighten skin tone when applied topically prior to light exposure. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Pizzorno J. Integr Med Encinitas. A clinical trial of glutathione supplementation in autism spectrum disorders. Med Sci Monit.

Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects. Nutr Cancer. A review of dietary phyto nutrients for glutathione support.

The clinical effect of glutathione on skin color and other related skin conditions: A systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. A study found that dietary supplementation with cysteine and glycine boosted glutathione levels.

It also lowered oxidative stress and damage in people with uncontrolled diabetes, despite high sugar levels. Study participants were placed on 0. N-acetylcysteine is a medication used to treat conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. As an inhalant, it helps to thin mucus and make it less paste-like. It also reduces inflammation. N-acetylcysteine is byproduct of glutathione.

Glutathione is found in some foods, although cooking and pasteurization diminish its levels significantly. Its highest concentrations are in:. Glutathione contains sulfur molecules, which may be why foods high in sulfur help to boost its natural production in the body.

These foods include:. Glutathione is also negatively affected by insomnia. Getting enough rest on a regular basis can help increase levels. A diet rich in glutathione-boosting foods does not pose any risks. However, taking supplements may not be advisable for everyone. Possible side effects may include:.

Its levels decrease as a result of aging, stress, and toxin exposure. Boosting glutathione may provide many health benefits, including reduction of oxidative stress. Acne surfaces during times of hormonal imbalance. Some seek natural treatments such oral vitamin and mineral supplements. Learn which natural remedies…. Health enthusiasts have long raved about the countless benefits of wheatgrass, and for good reason.