From the Guidelines
Glutathione and collagen supplements are not recommended for routine use due to limited evidence on their effectiveness and potential for interactions with other medications or underlying health conditions. When considering supplementation, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, particularly in the context of cancer treatment, as discussed in the ESPEN guidelines on nutrition in cancer patients 1. The guidelines highlight the importance of nutrition support for cancer patients, but also note that the evidence for glutamine supplementation is contradictory, with some studies showing positive effects on mucositis and diarrhea, while others found no benefit 1. Similarly, there is limited evidence to support the use of collagen supplements for improving outcomes in cancer patients. Potential side effects of glutathione supplements include abdominal cramps, bloating, and allergic reactions, while collagen supplements may cause digestive discomfort, feelings of fullness, or unpleasant taste. Before starting any supplement, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider, especially for individuals with existing medical conditions or those undergoing cancer treatment, to ensure safe and effective management of their condition. Key considerations include:
- Evaluating the individual's nutritional status and needs
- Assessing the potential risks and benefits of supplementation
- Monitoring for interactions with other medications or underlying health conditions
- Encouraging a balanced diet that provides adequate precursors for glutathione and collagen production. In the context of cancer treatment, nutrition support should be tailored to the individual patient's requirements, and supplementation should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as noted in the ESPEN guidelines 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
WARNINGS 1、Before use, perform a skin test on your arm and discontinue use if you have allergy symptoms or skin abnormalities. 2、For external use only, avoid contact with eyes when used 3、Keep out of reach of children ACTIVE INGREDIENT ASCORBIC ACID 2% GLUTATHIONE 1% NIACINAMIDE 1% KOJIC ACID 1% SODIUM HYALURONATE 0.5% The FDA drug label does not answer the question about the suggestability of having glutathione and collagen supplementation or any harmful effects.
From the Research
Glutathione and Collagen Supplementation
- The efficacy of glutathione supplementation has been studied in various contexts, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 2 and liver diseases in general 3.
- A study on NAFLD patients found that oral administration of glutathione (300 mg/day) for 4 months significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, and ferritin levels 2.
- Another study suggested that glutathione administration could be a promising strategy to recover oxidative stress-induced liver damages in alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases 3.
- However, the interaction between glutathione and other supplements, such as vitamin C, can be complex. A study found that vitamin C supplementation decreased reduced glutathione in chronic haemodialysis patients, suggesting a potential pro-oxidant effect 4.
- Regarding collagen supplementation, there is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support or refute its use in conjunction with glutathione.
- A study on oral glutathione supplementation found that it increased body stores of glutathione in healthy adults, with doses of 250 or 1,000 mg/day showing efficacy 5.
Potential Harmful Effects
- The studies provided do not report significant harmful effects of glutathione supplementation, but the interaction with other supplements like vitamin C can be complex 4.
- High doses of glutathione or long-term supplementation may have unintended consequences, but the current evidence does not support this conclusively.
- As with any supplement, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting glutathione or collagen supplementation, especially in the context of underlying medical conditions or interactions with other medications.