Your cells contain glutathione, which is a substance made from three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine.
Glutathione acts as an important antioxidant in your body. That means it helps combat free radicals. These are molecules that can damage your body's cells.
Glutathione plays a role in many chemical reactions in your body. It also helps detoxify chemicals, including some that your body creates naturally, as well as pollutants and drugs.
Your supply of glutathione seems to decrease as you get older, possibly because your body can't create as much. Lower glutathione levels appear to go hand-in-hand with poorer health. For instance, lower levels may play a role in many conditions that are more likely to develop in older people.
Your glutathione levels may also decrease during certain health problems, such as:
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hepatitis
- Parkinson's disease
Why do people take glutathione?
Some people take glutathione:
- For its antioxidant power
- As a detoxification agent
- To attempt to protect themselves from the harmful effects of radiation and chemotherapy for cancer; there is no evidence that glutathione works in this regard.
People also take glutathione to try to treat weakened immune systems or infertility, as well as many other conditions.
In fact, taking glutathione by mouth does not appear to be an effective way to get it into your body. It is thought that glutathione may be broken down by enzymes in the stomach.
Some other studies looking at its health effects have used it in injection form or as a treatment inhaled into the lungs.
Certain other supplements may boost your body's production of glutathione, such as:
- Curcumin
- N-acetylcysteine
- Selenium
- Silymarin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
Can you get glutathione naturally from foods?
Your body doesn't seem to absorb glutathione well from foods. However, certain foods high in amino acids that contain sulfur may help boost your levels. These include:
- Unprocessed meat
- Garlic
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Spinach
What are the risks of taking glutathione?
Side effects. Taking glutathione long-term has been linked to lower zinc levels. Inhaled glutathione maytrigger asthma attacks in people who have asthma. Symptoms may include wheezing.
Risks. Avoid taking glutathione if you're sensitive to it. Experts don't know if taking glutathione is safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Interactions. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications.
Supplements are notregulated by the FDA in the same way thatdrugs are.The FDA does not review these supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market.
