Glutathione jabs may boost your fitness, curb your risk for age-related illness, and more.
Nicknamed “the master antioxidant” by some researchers (1), glutathione is generating buzz for its potential health benefits. Proponents have hailed it as an immune system booster, an anti-aging powerhouse, and a cancer preventer—which may be why glutathione supplements and glutathione injections are becoming increasingly popular.
But does it live up to the hype? Here’s what you need to know about glutathione, its potential health benefits, and whether you need to get more through supplements or glutathione injections.
Glutathione is an antioxidant that’s made up of three amino acids—cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. Produced in the liver and by nerve cells in the central nervous system, glutathione’s main functions are:
In addition to your body’s own glutathione, you can also get the powerful antioxidant from foods like asparagus, avocado, and cucumber (3).
As an antioxidant, glutathione helps fight free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cells and have been linked to inflammation and a host of age-related diseases from high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s (5) to heart disease and cancer (6). Glutathione can also aid in the production of Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Oxidative stress—an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body—and low amounts of vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid can cause glutathione levels to decline (4). Why that should concern you: Some research indicates that imbalances in glutathione levels play a role in the aging process (7).
If you’re looking to supplement with glutathione, there are several options, including oral supplements, topical creams, IV infusions, and injections. Glutathione injections have been found to be better at boosting levels of the antioxidant than oral supplements because some benefits can be lost during digestion.
IV infusions also bypass the digestive tract, but you have to have iv therapy done in a clinic; you can give yourself injections at home if your doctor prescribes them.
Glutathione injections are administered directly into your muscle—typically your buttocks or upper arm—or under the skin, where the compound is absorbed and carried into the bloodstream.
Once glutathione injections enter your bloodstream, here’s what the antioxidant may do:
Scientists from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston recently found that glutathione increases lifespan in mice by 24%. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy in humans (8).
Low levels of glutathione have been linked to age-related diseases. That may be because if your body lacks glutathione, it can’t fight off the free radicals that cause oxidative stress.
Researchers have found that glutathione has a positive effect on oxidative stress in lab studies (9). A recent small study of healthy older adults given glyNAC, a supplement that increases glutathione levels, showed lower oxidative stress and inflammation after 24 weeks of treatment (10). This suggests that glutathione might protect against age-related diseases including cancer, diabetes, insulin resistance, and arthritis, which have been linked to high levels of oxidative stress.
Antioxidant deficiency—including a lack of glutathione—can exacerbate cell death in the liver and lead to fatty liver disease.
One study reported that glutathione was most effective when given to people with fatty liver disease intravenously, in high doses. Another study showed that oral daily glutathione supplementation over 4 months combined with improvements in lifestyle habits led to positive effects on the liver for some people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (11).
One study from Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that glutathione has skin brightening benefits and can smooth wrinkles and promote skin firmness (12).
Glutathione can also help reduce unpleasant bumps on the skin. A small study found that taking whey protein isolate—which can increase natural glutathione levels—improved psoriasis without additional treatment (13).
Some people get glutathione injections online or at spas because glutathione injections also promote skin lightening by transforming melanin into a lighter share and enhancing the appearance of uneven skin tone. The mechanism involves deactivating the tyrosinase enzyme responsible for skin pigmentation. However, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against using glutathione for this purpose because the shots might contain unknown harmful ingredients or contaminants (14). Glutathione injections should only be used if you have a prescription from your doctor and they come from a licensed pharmacy.
Glutathione may keep your immune system strong so it can better fight off infections. One small clinical trial found that people who took glutathione supplements had elevated levels of natural killer (NK) cells and lymphocytes, your body’s front-line infection fighters (15).
Glutathione plays an important role in the brain and levels are decreased in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (16). One small study of patients with early, untreated Parkinson’s disease given high dose intravenous glutathione twice a day for 30 days showed symptom improvement that lasted for 2-4 months after treatment ended (17). Cognition in healthy, older adults may also be improved with supplementation that improves glutathione levels (10).
When used before a workout, glutathione may enhance your sweat session. In one small study, men who received glutathione before they exercised performed better, felt less fatigued and had lower levels of lactic acid in their blood (18). Another study in healthy older adults showed supplementation with glyNAC, which increases glutathione levels, led to improvements in strength, gait speed, and body composition (10).
Glutathione is the first line of defense against oxidative stress. Now available through Hone.
Learn MoreGlutathione injections have a few side effects, including:
In rare cases, you could have an allergic reaction such as itching, irritation, or redness at the injection site.
If you take glutathione as prescribed by your doctor and you encounter any of these side effects, call your doctor immediately to avoid any complications.
If you are looking to protect against age-related illness or want to achieve clear skin, and are considering glutathione, talk to your physician about glutathione injections or supplements. Mention any medications you take (prescription and over-the-counter) and if you’ve been diagnosed with a specific condition. Inhaled glutathione may trigger asthma attacks in people who have asthma.
You can also work with Hone to see if glutathione injections are right for you. Simply create an account, then describe your symptoms using Hone’s online form. A board-certified physician will review your answers, and prescribe glutathione if appropriate. If your prescription is approved, glutathione injections will be sent straight to your door.
The dose for glutathione can vary from person to person. Each patient doesn’t require the same level of treatment. Your doctor will take these factors into consideration and suggest the dose and frequency that’s right for you.
If your healthcare provider has determined that glutathione injections are right for you, they will give you a prescription and guidelines on correctly administering it.
The cost can depend on the quality of the shot and how many sessions are required to achieve your desired result.
Glutathione injections may help to detoxify and eliminate poisons and toxins in the liver, lungs, intestines, and kidneys. They can also clear toxins from your cells and free your body from radicals that lead to age spots, wrinkles, acne, and skin lightening (hyperpigmentation). Glutathione can also be used as an anti-inflammatory agent and to counter oxidative stress.
Results will depend on your metabolism, the consistency of the treatment, and your general health. But the majority of patients typically see results after three weeks of treatment.
After taking a glutathione shot, you may experience bloating, cramping, or rashes. You may also notice itching, irritation, or redness at the injection site.
Emerging research suggests that glutathione injections and oral supplements may ward off age-related diseases and help people live longer. More research needs to be done to confirm these benefits in humans. If you are interested in glutathione injections, you need a prescription from your doctor.
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