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| Introduction |
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| Glutathione is a key component of two antioxidants present in the body. It also plays an important role in the removal of toxins. Physicians recommend the use of a glutathione formulation that is labeled “GSH” on supplement packaging as GSH glutathione is the only active form of the supplement.
Foods containing glutathione include avocado, watermelon, asparagus, grapefruit, potato, acorn squash, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, cantaloupe, broccoli, okra, peaches, zucchini, and spinach.
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| Reported Uses |
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Glutathione is perhaps best known for its role in inhibiting free radical damage. It has also been researched for its potential ability to convert harmful foreign compounds like pesticides, solvents, and air pollutants into less harmful substances that can be flushed from the body. On the cellular level, glutathione may facilitate the transport of important nutrients across cell membranes while supporting the integrity of red blood cells. What's more, glutathione may support the cells that carry out our immune responses.
Based on what researchers know about the role of glutathione in the body, a number of targeted clinical applications have been developed. Glutathione may significantly enhance quality of life and prevent liver and kidney damage in patients who are receiving chemotherapy.(1, 2, 3) It may also support health during radiation therapy. (4) What's more, glutathione may improve liver function in recovering alcoholics.(5)
Glutathione deficiency has been associated with cataracts and supplementation has shown promising results.(6) A deficiency of glutathione in patients with anorexia nervosa might have an increased risk of liver damage.(7) Deficiency has also been associated with Parkinson's disease. Researchers think glutathione may hold promise for future treatment and prevention of the disease.(8)
Because glutathione can support immune function, it has seen use in the treatment of AIDS. Results have been promising when glutathione is used in concert with AZT, a common AIDS treatment.(9) Studies have also suggested that glutathione may treat respiratory infections in children.(10)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| 50-500mg daily. |
250mg daily.
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Capsules and powder. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. |
Health Conditions
If you have diabetes or asthma, talk to your doctor before taking this dietary supplement.
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Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding. |
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Gebbia V, et al. Weekly 5-fluorouracil and Folinic Acid plus Escalating Doses of Cisplatin with Glutathione Protection in Patients with Advanced Head and Neck Cancer. Med Oncol Tumor Pharmacother. 1992;9(4):165-68.
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2 Smyth JF, et al. Glutathione Reduces the Toxicity and Improves Quality of Life of Women Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer Treated with Cisplatin: Results of a Double-blind, Randomised Trial. Ann Oncol. Jun1997;8(6):569-73.
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3 Sumiyoshi Y, et al. Glutathione Chemoprotection Therapy against CDDP-induced Neurotoxicity in Patients with Invasive Bladder Cancer. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. Sep1996;23(11):1506-08.
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4 Bhattathiri VN, et al. Influence of Plasma GSH Level on Acute Radiation Mucositis of the Oral Cavity. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. May1994;29(2):383-86.
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5 Nardi EA, et al. High-dose Reduced Glutathione in the Therapy of Alcoholic Hepatopathy. Clin Ter. Jan1991;136(1):47-51.
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6 Fecondo JV, et al. Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase in the Human Cataractous Lens. Exp Eye Res. Jan1983;36(1):15-23.
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7 Zenger F, Russmann S, Junker E, Wuthrich C, Bui MH, Lauterburg BH. Decreased glutathione in patients with anorexia nervosa. Risk factor for toxic liver injury? Eur J Clin Nutr. Feb2004;58(2):238-43.
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8 Perry TL, et al. Parkinson's Disease: A Disorder Due to Nigral Glutathione Deficiency? Neurosci Lett. Dec1982;33(3):305-10.
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9 Magnani M, et al. Antiretroviral Effect of Combined Zidovudine and Reduced Glutathione Therapy in Murine AIDS. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. Sep1997;13(13):1093-99.
View Abstract
10 Testa B, et al. Glutathione in the Upper Respiratory Tract. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. Feb1995;104(2):117-19.
View Abstract
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