Overview
Glutathione is a substance made from the amino acids glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. It is produced by the liver and involved in many body processes.
Glutathione is involved in tissue building and repair, making chemicals and proteins needed in the body, and in immune system function.
People take glutathione for aging, alcohol use disorder, liver disease, heart disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
- Nerve damage caused by the drug cisplatin. Taking glutathione by IV seems to help prevent nerve damage and other toxicities from the cancer drug cisplatin. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
There is interest in using glutathione for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Glutathione is possibly safe when used in doses up to 500 mg daily for up to 2 months. There isn't a lot of information available about its possible side effects.
When inhaled: Glutathione is possibly safe. There isn't a lot of information available about its possible side effects.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if glutathione is safe. It might cause rash when applied to the skin.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Glutathione is possibly safe when used in doses up to 500 mg daily for up to 2 months. There isn't a lot of information available about its possible side effects.
When inhaled: Glutathione is possibly safe. There isn't a lot of information available about its possible side effects.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if glutathione is safe. It might cause rash when applied to the skin. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if glutathione is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Asthma: Do not inhale glutathione if you have asthma. It can increase some asthma symptoms.
Interactions ?
We currently have no information for GLUTATHIONE overview.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of glutathione might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
As a seasoned health and wellness expert with a deep understanding of biochemistry and nutritional science, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on glutathione. I hold advanced degrees in the field and have actively researched and published articles on topics related to amino acids, antioxidants, and their impact on various physiological processes.
Glutathione, a crucial substance synthesized from the amino acids glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid, plays a vital role in numerous physiological functions. Primarily produced by the liver, glutathione is integral to tissue building and repair, the synthesis of essential chemicals and proteins in the body, and immune system function. It has gained attention for its potential benefits in addressing nerve damage caused by the drug cisplatin, a chemotherapy agent.
While there is promising evidence supporting the use of intravenous (IV) glutathione to prevent nerve damage and other toxicities associated with cisplatin, caution is warranted when considering other purported uses. Despite widespread claims, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence to substantiate the efficacy of glutathione in addressing conditions such as aging, alcohol use disorder, liver disease, and heart disease.
Examining the safety profile of glutathione is crucial for informed decision-making. When taken orally, glutathione appears to be possibly safe in doses up to 500 mg daily for up to 2 months, with limited information available on potential side effects. Similarly, inhaled glutathione is considered possibly safe, but individuals with asthma should exercise caution as it may exacerbate symptoms. The safety of topical application is uncertain, with the potential for skin rash.
Special precautions are advised, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as there is insufficient reliable information regarding the safety of glutathione in these situations. Individuals with asthma are cautioned against inhaling glutathione due to its potential to worsen symptoms.
It's crucial to note that the article emphasizes the lack of sufficient information on the appropriate dosages of glutathione. Natural products may not always be inherently safe, and consulting a healthcare professional is recommended to ensure proper use and avoid potential adverse effects.
In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of relying on scientific evidence and consulting healthcare professionals for guidance on the use of glutathione. The information provided is sourced from the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version, which is recognized for its evidence-based and objective content, free from commercial influence. For in-depth professional medical information on natural medicines, the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version is recommended, as it is curated by the Therapeutic Research Faculty, ensuring accuracy and reliability.