What Is Glutathione? Health Benefits, Risks, More

HBR

While there’s no risk in eating glutathione-rich foods, there may be risks in taking injectable glutathione for skin whitening or lightening.

It’s 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

Some people use glutathione as a skin-lightening agent, but only small studies have found a combination of oral and topical glutathione to be safe and effective for this purpose.

In 2019, the FDA issued a statement warning that intravenous (IV) glutathione treatments may carry a risk of contamination if not properly compounded.

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.

Side Effects

Side effects of topical or oral glutathione supplements are usually minimal and may include:

  • Gas
  • Loose stools
  • Flushing
  • Weight gain
  • Topical skin irritation

People with asthma may experience an irritation in breathing if glutathione is taken intranasally (through the nose) or with an inhaler.

IV glutathione isn’t regulated by the FDA and may have a risk of contamination.

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

Related Posts