Glutathione is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in your body. Also known as GSH, it is produced by the liver and nerve cells in the central nervous system and is made from three amino acids: glycine, L-cysteine, and L-glutamate. Glutathione can help metabolize toxins, scavenge free radicals, support immune function, and more. In this article, we discuss the antioxidant glutathione, along with its uses and purported benefits.<\/p>\n
Use of supplements should be reviewed on an individual basis by a healthcare professional, such as a dietitian, pharmacist, or physician. No supplement is intended to treat or prevent disease. Low glutathione levels are thought to be associated with certain health conditions, such as neurological disorders (such as Parkinson's disease), cystic fibrosis, and age-related diseases and the aging process.\nHowever, this does not necessarily mean that glutathione is beneficial for these conditions.<\/p>\n
Glutathione has been studied for a wide range of uses, including but not limited to:<\/p>\n
Cystic fibrosis\nChemotherapy-related toxicity\nParkinson's disease\nHowever, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of glutathione for disease prevention or management.\nCystic fibrosis\nStudies have shown that inhaled or oral glutathione may help improve lung function and nutritional status in people with cystic fibrosis.<\/p>\n
A systematic review evaluated studies examining the effects of antioxidants on chemotherapy-related toxicities.\nEleven of the studies analyzed involved glutathione supplementation. Intravenous (IV) glutathione may be used along with chemotherapy to reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy.\nIn some cases, it may increase the likelihood of completing the chemotherapy regimen.\nHowever, more research is needed to confirm this conclusion.<\/p>\n
Parkinson's disease<\/p>\n
In one study, intravenous glutathione injections (600 mg twice daily for 30 days) significantly improved symptoms associated with previously untreated Parkinson's disease. However, this study was small and included only nine patients.<\/p>\n
Glutathione deficiency<\/p>\n
Glutathione is not an essential nutrient because it is produced in the body from other amino acids.\nLow levels of glutathione in the body can be caused by poor nutrition, environmental toxins, stress, and aging. Low levels of glutathione have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, and Parkinson's disease.\nSince glutathione levels in the body are not commonly measured, there is not much information about what problems occur in people with low glutathione levels.<\/p>\n