From the Guidelines
Glutathione has not been proven effective for treating or preventing acute mountain sickness (AMS). The standard medications for AMS prevention and treatment include acetazolamide (Diamox) at 125-250mg twice daily starting 1-2 days before ascent, or dexamethasone 4mg every 6 hours in more severe cases 1. Glutathione, while an important antioxidant in the body, lacks sufficient clinical evidence to support its use for altitude-related illness. The pathophysiology of AMS involves hypoxia-induced changes and oxidative stress, and while glutathione theoretically could help counter oxidative damage, research has not demonstrated meaningful benefits.
Key Considerations for AMS Prevention and Treatment
- Gradual ascent (300-500m sleeping altitude gain per day above 3000m) is crucial to prevent AMS 2
- Proper hydration and avoiding alcohol are also essential for preventing AMS
- Established medications like acetazolamide should be used when needed, rather than relying on unproven supplements like glutathione
- Anyone experiencing severe AMS symptoms should descend to lower altitude immediately
Understanding AMS and Its Risks
- AMS can progress to high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE), a life-threatening condition with a 50% mortality rate if left untreated 2
- The risk of AMS steeply rises when unacclimatised individuals are exposed to increasing altitude, affecting more than 50% of them at altitudes above 4500 m 2
- Sex-specific differences in exercise behaviors and sex hormones (i.e. oestrogen) may contribute to some protection against illnesses, such as atherosclerosis and related coronary events 2
From the Research
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and Glutathione
- There are no research papers provided that directly discuss the role of glutathione in Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The studies provided focus on the prevention and treatment of AMS using various medications such as nifedipine, acetazolamide, and dexamethasone 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The mechanisms of AMS and its treatment are discussed in the studies, but glutathione is not mentioned as a potential therapeutic agent or preventative measure 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Treatment and Prevention of AMS
- Acetazolamide is currently the drug of choice for prevention of AMS, and probably HAPE as well 5.
- Nifedipine is effective for prevention and treatment of HAPE, but not for AMS 3, 6.
- Dexamethasone is effective for treatment of AMS, including early cerebral edema, but not for advanced cerebral edema 5.
- Oxygen effectively treats HAPE and mild AMS, but is not as useful for cerebral edema 5.