From the Guidelines
Glutathione is most effectively used to reduce side effects of chemotherapy treatments, particularly cisplatin toxicity, and should be administered intravenously at doses of 1,500-3,000 mg, as supported by the majority of clinical trials, including those referenced in 1.
Uses of Glutathione
- Reducing side effects of chemotherapy treatments, particularly cisplatin toxicity
- Reducing toxicity from alcohol consumption and certain medications
- Improving skin health by reducing hyperpigmentation, often in topical forms at 1-2% concentration
- Supporting liver function during detoxification processes
- General antioxidant support, though absorption is limited compared to intravenous or liposomal forms, as noted in 1
Mechanism of Action
Glutathione works by donating electrons to unstable molecules, preventing oxidative damage to cells, and by conjugating with toxins to facilitate their elimination from the body.
Production and Supplementation
The body naturally produces glutathione from three amino acids (glutamine, glycine, and cysteine), but levels can decrease with age, illness, and exposure to toxins, which is why supplementation may be beneficial in certain circumstances, as discussed in 1 and 1.
Clinical Evidence
While the evidence for glutathione supplementation is mixed, with some studies showing benefit and others showing no effect, the most recent and highest quality studies, such as those referenced in 1, suggest that glutathione can be effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and other side effects.
Dosage and Administration
The optimal dosage and administration of glutathione vary depending on the specific use and individual patient needs, but typical doses range from 250-1,000 mg daily for oral supplementation, and 1,500-3,000 mg for intravenous administration, as noted in 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Uses of Glutathione
- Glutathione is an abundant natural tripeptide found within almost all cells, playing vital roles including antioxidation, maintenance of the redox state, modulation of the immune response, and detoxification of xenobiotics 2.
- It participates in detoxifying xenobiotics, protecting protein thiols from crosslinking and oxidation, regulating the cell cycle, and storing cysteine 3.
- Glutathione can enhance metabolic detoxification and regulate the function of the immune system, making it a universal biomarker for improving health and treating age-related disorders 3.
- Glutathione supplementation has been shown to increase body stores of glutathione in healthy adults, with increases in GSH levels in blood, erythrocytes, plasma, lymphocytes, and exfoliated buccal mucosal cells 4.
- Glutathione therapy has potential in treating various diseases, including aging, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, neurological disorders, liver disorders, and diabetes mellitus, by replenishing depleted GSH levels 5.
Therapeutic Applications
- Glutathione has been investigated as a potential therapeutic agent in cancer treatment, with studies exploring its role in promoting cancer, impeding chemotherapy, and enhancing anti-neoplastic therapy 2.
- Glutathione supplementation has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve immune function, with increases in natural killer cytotoxicity 4.
- New approaches, such as the use of nano-materials and liposomes, are being explored to improve the delivery and efficacy of glutathione therapy 5.
Biological Functions
- Glutathione plays a crucial role in maintaining the redox balance and reducing oxidative stress due to its ability to inactivate reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur species 3.
- Glutathione cooperates with vitamin C to enhance antioxidant capacity and provide cells with enhanced survival potential under oxidative challenge 6.