From the Guidelines
Glutathione is primarily used as an antioxidant in the body to protect cells from oxidative damage, and its supplementation is recommended in patients with chronic oxidative stress or malabsorption at a dose of 200-500 mg/day. Glutathione helps detoxify harmful substances, supports immune function, and maintains cellular health. It is available as a supplement in various forms, including oral pills, intravenous injections, and topical applications. Typical oral supplementation ranges from 250-1000mg daily, though absorption through this route is limited [ 1 ]. For medical purposes, glutathione is used to reduce side effects of chemotherapy, treat certain lung diseases, prevent anemia in kidney disease patients, and treat poisoning from certain chemicals. Some studies have evaluated the use of glutathione in preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, with mixed results [ 1 ]. However, the most recent and highest quality study recommends its use in patients with chronic oxidative stress or malabsorption [ 1 ].
Key Points
- Glutathione supplementation is recommended in patients with chronic oxidative stress or malabsorption
- The recommended dose is 200-500 mg/day [ 1 ]
- Glutathione helps protect cells from oxidative damage and supports immune function
- It is available in various forms, including oral pills, intravenous injections, and topical applications
- Typical oral supplementation ranges from 250-1000mg daily, though absorption through this route is limited [ 1 ]
Medical Uses
- Reducing side effects of chemotherapy
- Treating certain lung diseases
- Preventing anemia in kidney disease patients
- Treating poisoning from certain chemicals It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting glutathione supplementation, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or taking medications [ 1 ].
From the Research
Uses of Glutathione
Glutathione is used for various purposes, including:
- Antioxidant defenses through participating in cellular redox reactions in the human body and other living organisms 2
- Detoxifying xenobiotics, protecting protein thiols from crosslinking and oxidation, regulating the cell cycle, storing cysteine, etc. 2
- Maintaining the redox balance and reducing oxidative stress due to its ability to inactivate the reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur species 2
- Enhancing metabolic detoxification and regulating the function of the immune system 2
- Medicinal purposes in the prevention and treatment of some diseases, such as Parkinson's disease 3, 4, 5
- Treating age-related disorders, as its proper balance is essential for improving health 2
- Nutritional strategy to maintain a normal pool of GSH in the body 2
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Glutathione is also used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including:
- Parkinson's disease, as it acts alone or in concert with enzymes within cells to reduce superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxynitrites 3, 5
- Alzheimer's disease, as altered glutathione metabolism has been implicated in its pathogenesis 4, 6
- Sickle cell anaemia, as glutathione precursors can restore glutathione homeostasis both in vitro and in vivo 4
- Chronic diseases associated with ageing and the infected state, as glutathione metabolism plays a crucial role in these conditions 4