Glutathione Supplements 101: Potential Benefits, Known Risks, and More

Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness. Talk to a healthcare professional about whether a supplement is the right fit for your individual health, and about any potential drug interactions or safety concerns.

Read on to learn about the health benefits, limitations, and possible side effects of glutathione supplements.

Although research for glutathione supplementation may seem promising, further studies are needed to confirm some of its benefits, says Simran Malhotra, MD, a triple board-certified doctor in lifestyle medicine and internal medicine, who is also a medical reviewer for Everyday Health.

Here are some of the potential benefits of glutathione.

May Help Prevent and Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Dr. Malhotra calls the research “exciting” but notes that it is preliminary and not strong enough to establish glutathione as a diabetes treatment.

May Support the Immune System

May Relieve Certain Respiratory Symptoms

Some evidence suggests that delivering intravenous (IV) glutathione may relieve shortness of breath associated with COVID-19 and COVID-19 pneumonia (a lung infection caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus).

May Improve Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Glutathione may help manage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease — now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease — a condition where extra fat builds up in the liver.

Glutathione isn’t generally touted as a weight loss solution, and there is only limited — and outdated — research linking the two.

Ultimately, there’s no solid evidence that glutathione supplements lead to weight loss, says Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, a plant-based registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist based in Los Angeles. “Just because higher glutathione levels have been linked to better metabolic health, it does not mean that taking glutathione supplements will help with weight loss,” she says, noting that using it as a weight loss supplement isn’t its intended purpose.

Sheth encourages her patients to focus on building healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating whole foods, exercising regularly, and prioritizing quality sleep instead.

While there’s no risk in eating glutathione-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, the risks of supplement forms sold in most health stores are still unclear, and there may also be serious risks with injectable glutathione for skin whitening or lightening.

It’s also important to note that the FDA regulates supplements differently than drugs, so be sure to reach out to your doctor before starting any supplement.

Risks

The risk of contaminants or infection from IV injections is a serious concern, says Oma N. Agbai, MD, a dermatologist at UC Davis Health in Sacramento, California, who specializes in multicultural dermatology. “It’s so unregulated that when someone goes to a med spa or some kind of clinic to get this kind of treatment, you don’t really know what you’re injecting.” If staff are poorly trained in injection techniques, “There is a risk for infection, such as fatal sepsis [blood poisoning],” she adds.

While oral glutathione is generally considered to be safe, there is not enough data to recommend long-term use, especially for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people who take prescription or over-the-counter drugs, and those who have chronic conditions, says Malhotra.

Talk to your doctor and your pharmacist before you decide to add it into your daily routine, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medication, or living with chronic conditions.

“Just like any other supplement, it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider before you take it,” Malhotra says.

While research is lacking on risks to people with eczema who use glutathione, topical products can cause allergic reaction, irritation, stinging, or redness, especially if they contain alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives. Patients should speak to their dermatologist before trying topical glutathione, Malhotra says.

Side Effects

“While glutathione supplements are generally considered safe, they may cause gastrointestinal side effects like bloating and cramps, or allergic reactions,” says Sheth.

• Gas
• Loose stools
• Flushed skin
• Weight gain

It’s best to discuss any use of a new supplement directly with your healthcare provider.

• Liquids
• Powders
• Intranasal capsules
• Oral capsules
• IV

Oral glutathione options may not pass on all of the health benefits that come from the glutathione your body naturally makes. “It has a very low oral bioavailability, which means that when you take a capsule of glutathione and it reaches your gastrointestinal tract, a large portion of it breaks down before the bloodstream absorbs it,” says Seemal R. Desai, MD, a dermatologist and assistant professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Glutathione is found in an array of foods, so you can readily include it in your diet, Sheth says.

She suggests optimizing your glutathione production by focusing on a diet rich in whole foods before turning to supplements. “This strategy will support your body’s glutathione levels, and promote overall health and wellness,” Sheth says.

• Strawberries
• Lemons
• Avocados
• Tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Green peppers
• Oranges
• Apples
• Bananas
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Cauliflower

• 250 grams a day of cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale
• Up to 12 grams of turmeric per day
• 300 to 400 milliliters of water per day (about 14 ounces)
• Four cups of green tea per day
• 150 grams of salmon twice a week

Choosing the right glutathione product and storing it safely are vital to getting the most out of your supplement.

Selection

To choose a quality supplement, check the label for approvals from USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab. This means the product has undergone third-party testing for quality and purity.

“It also ensures you are getting the best-quality supplement, without heavy metals, pesticides, or other toxin contamination,” says Malhotra.

Storage

Follow manufacturer guidance on the packaging for the best way to store a particular product, as it will usually recommend the ideal temperature for storage.

It should always be kept out of reach of children, with the packaging tightly closed. Consumers should also throw away supplements after their expiration date.

The ideal glutathione dose varies by individual, medical need, and the form of glutathione used.

Your best bet is to follow the recommended dosage on the packaging, in conjunction with guidance from your doctor or a registered dietitian, Sheth says. “It’s important to follow the dose recommendation guidelines and start with the lowest effective dose, after discussing it with your physician.”

• Glutathione is considered to be a powerhouse antioxidant that’s made naturally within the body. It may help with maintaining a healthy immune system, preventing cell damage, managing type 2 diabetes, and detoxifying the body. However, more research is needed to examine its efficacy.
• Because glutathione levels decrease as we age, some people turn to supplementation or eating a diet rich in whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, to encourage the body’s production of this antioxidant.
• If you’re thinking about taking glutathione, speak to a healthcare professional before adding it to your regimen, and try to prioritize getting glutathione from food sources before taking a supplement.
• Oral and IV glutathione supplements may be unsafe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people who take prescription or over-the-counter medications, and those who have chronic conditions. IV supplements in particular carry risk of infection and contamination. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking a glutathione supplement.