On The Shelf

Mickie Cathers

Glutathione supplements are popular for their supposed benefits to boost skin vitality and collagen production and provide antioxidant support. While our bodies naturally produce glutathione, the hype around these supplements raises questions about their necessity.

Background

Glutathione, often referred to as GSH , is a naturally occurring antioxidant essential for combating oxidative stress. This antioxidant is produced from amino acids in the liver and central nervous system and plays a pivotal role in protecting cells from damage and supporting overall health.

Glutathione can exist in reduced, oxidized, or endogenous forms, each playing a distinct role in cellular health. Reduced glutathione is the active antioxidant form primarily found in healthy cells, crucial for neutralizing free radicals. Oxidized glutathione is inactive and unable to perform antioxidant functions until it is converted back to its reduced form. Endogenous glutathione refers to both reduced and oxidized forms within the body, highlighting the dynamic balance essential for cellular function.

Glutathione helps metabolize toxins and break down free radicals, reducing the risk of cell death. Additionally, glutathione supports immune function, aiding in the body’s defense mechanisms. Glutathione serves as a crucial antioxidant and neuromodulator in the brain, supporting neuron survival, modulating neurotransmitter activity, and combating oxidative stress. Depletion of glutathione can lead to increased oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammation, and disrupted cellular signaling.

Poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and stress can decrease glutathione levels, leading to increased health risks. Risks include increased chances of cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson’s.

Is there a benefit?

Many studies illuminate the diverse roles of glutathione in managing conditions such as oxidative damage, T2D, and Parkinson’s disease. Recent studies have shown that glutathione not only affects normal immune function but also participates in complex immune reactions, including fever and aging. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a hallmark of aging, is linked to decreased glutathione synthesis, leading to increased oxidative stress and vulnerability to infections. As cells become susceptible to damage, enhancing glutathione levels could mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and potentially slow down aging.

In the March 2021 issue of Clinical and Translational Medicine, Kumar and colleagues shared the results of a pilot clinical trial examining the impact of supplementation in improving glutathione deficiency. The aim of the 36-week trial was to address signs of aging such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and insulin resistance.

Results revealed that supplementation corrected red blood cell and glutathione deficiency, reducing inflammation and improving cognition, strength, and gait speed. Benefits diminished after stopping supplementation for 12 weeks.

Authors of a randomized clinical trial published on May 23, 2022, in Antioxidants explored the benefits of glutathione supplementation for older adults with T2D. Results showed that participants over 55 years saw significant decreases in A1C levels and increased fasting insulin. Daily intake of 500 mg oxidized glutathione over 6 months notably boosted blood glutathione levels.

In general, clinical studies on glutathione face various limitations, impacting the reliability of their outcomes. Differences in dosages and supplementation duration often lead to inconsistent results, complicating the understanding of glutathione’s efficacy. Small sample sizes and low heterogeneity further affect the robustness of study findings.

Dosage and availability

Glutathione supplements are accessible in various forms, from capsules to liquids, and can also be administered intravenously by health care providers. While no standard dosage exists, clinical studies typically use 250 mg to 1,000 mg daily, and most OTC products offer a 500 mg/day dosage. Glutathione is also found in vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts, among others.

What to tell your patients

Maintaining health through a balanced diet and reduced toxin exposure supports natural glutathione production. Glutathione supplements are generally safe, but be aware of potential adverse effects such as cramping, bloating, or allergic reactions. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid glutathione supplementation. ■