Who wouldn't like to get their hands on a naturally occurring substance that acts as an antioxidant, an immune system booster, and a detoxifier? Something that can help your body repair damage caused by stress, pollution, radiation, infection, drugs, poor diet, aging, injury, trauma, and burns? A handful of researchers are saying the antioxidant glutathione can do all that and maybe more. But can you believe such sweeping claims? What's the evidence to back them up? Here are what three experts have to say: "Glutathione is a very interesting, very small molecule that's [produced by the body and] found in every cell," says Gustavo Bounous, MD, director of research and development at Immunotec and a retired professor of surgery at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. "It's the [body's] most important antioxidant because it's within the cell."
Antioxidants -- the most well known of which are vitamins C and E -- are important for good health because they neutralize free radicals, which can build up in cells and cause damage. Because glutathione exists within the cells, it is in a prime position to neutralize free radicals. It also has potentially widespread health benefits because it can be found in all types of cells, including the cells of the immune system, whose job is to fight disease.
Glutathione occurs naturally in many foods, and people who eat well probably have enough in their diets, says Dean Jones, PhD, professor of biochemistry and director of nutritional health sciences at Emory University in Atlanta. Those with diets high in fresh fruits and vegetables and freshly prepared meats are most likely just fine. On the other hand, those with poor diets may get too little.
Glutathione (also known as GSH) has been deemed the “super antioxidant” by medical science, but what does that really mean to you? How much different could your life be if you had more energy, clearer thinking, and became ill less often? GSH plays an important role in every cell of your body. How will increased levels of GSH impact your life? Some of the key benefits of glutathione include:
Increased Energy
Clearer Thinking
Faster Recovery and Less Muscle Pain after Exercise
Reduces the Effects of Aging
Reduces Wastes and Toxins in the Body
Improved Heart and Lung Function
Increased Immunity Levels
Prevents or Reduces the Effects of over 69 Diseases
The tripeptide glutathione is also known as GSH. It is not considered to be an essential nutrient since the body is able to produce it by itself if provided the proper balance of the three key amino acids. The problem is many people do not produce high enough levels of glutathione leaving their bodies vulnerable to the damaging effects of free radicals, toxins, and disease. Glutathione has become one of the hottest topics of discussion and research in the medical arena with over 30,000 medical articles published during the last 5 years.
When this element is at peak levels it provides the protective shield which prevents damage from free radicals and toxins. GSH aids in increasing intracellular strength and providing a barrier which protects the cell. An illustration of the effects of glutathione can be found in your own kitchen. Have you ever noticed how as soon as you slice open an apple the fruit begins to brown almost immediately? If you lightly coat the outside of the apple with lemon juice it remains looking fresh for hours. The difference is the reduction of the effects of free radicals.
In numerous medical studies it has been discovered when people are ill their levels of glutathione are reduced and this can be seen on a patient’s electronic health record. This has been observed in severe illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. This same phenomenon is seen when people are battling colds, flu, and other common illnesses.
By maintaining high levels of glutathione production your body is able to maintain strong cells and powerful immune system. The ability of bacteria and virus to infect your body is greatly reduced.
Interestingly these effects are found in aging related diseases, also. As one example, our brains can be severely affected by the effects of free radicals and certain fats. Glutathione has been demonstrated to reduce the effects of both of these mind damaging elements. Many people have reported increases in mental clarity after restoring glutathione levels to normal or optimal levels.
It is uncertain how important this will be in battling Alzheimer’s disease, but research is currently underway and positive results are being seen.
Like any supplement, glutathione has the potential for allergic reactions in some people. This is not really something that can be planned for unless it is not the glutathione but another ingredient in the supplement that is causing the reaction and you already know to avoid this other substance. It is just something to be aware of.
The potential for allergic reactions should not discourage you from considering glutathione. Any supplement has the potential for an allergic reaction but most people who take supplements the way they are meant to be taken experience no adverse reactions. Just make sure to pay close attention to how you feel and any symptoms that you experience when you start taking glutathione.
Glutathione, in some cases, can also cause digestive disturbances. It is believed that glutathione is processed by the intestines so side effects can manifest there as digestive disturbances. One of the most common manifestations is diarrhea.
If you do experience diarrhea while taking glutathione then you should stop taking glutathione. Dehydration is always a risk when a person has diarrhea because if water cannot be taken in properly in the intestines then it is easy for the body to become dehydrated. This is especially pertinent if you sweat excessively due to exercise or other factors.
Glutathione side effects can be different for different people, just like they would be with any supplement. But most people will not experience any adverse reactions as long as they take glutathione properly. For most people the potential benefits of glutathione far outweigh the risks.
Now we will consider the side effects of raising glutathione with the first building block: N-Acetyl-Cysteine or NAC. N-acetyl-cysteine is a pharmaceutical drug that has been used in emergency medicine for years in treating acetaminophen overdose. It is very effective when given in large doses in an emergency room setting when someone is going into liver failure from an overdose of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.
There is also a popular glutathione enhancer on the market that contains N-acetyl-cysteine as its main active ingredient. This box label says: “Caution: This Product is for adult use only. It is not for use by young children, pregnant women or nursing mothers. Allergy warning: This product contains ingredients derived from shellfish and mushrooms.”
What are the possible glutathione side effects of N-acetyl-cysteine? Always check with your medical practitioner before deciding on any treatment for raising your glutathione if you have any questions or concerns. The main side effects with N-acetyl-cysteine have to do with its short half life and toxicity. They include the following:
Short half life, so has to be administered several times a day to be effective
Rash
Wheezing
Nausea
Anaphylaxis-like allergic reaction, which may include difficulty breathing due to bronchospasm* (* Repeated overdoses will cause the allergic reaction to progressively worsen.)
Decrease in blood pressure
Angioedema (rapid swelling of the skin)
Vomiting
Cramps
Diarrhea
Although rare, death has been reported in association with N-acetyl-cysteine. Some find the taste and smell unacceptable, due to the sulfur content. Regular N-acetyl-cysteine usage for raising your glutathione is not recommended for infants and small children. More studies need to be done to determine the safety of N-acetyl-cysteine for long term usage. A recent study done at the University of Virginia School of Medicine indicated that N-acetyl-cysteine usage in rats developed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) that mimicked the effects of chronic hypoxia. They also found that this was “an unanticipated adverse effect of chronic NAC administration and introduce(s) a new animal model of PAH.” It should be noted that treating drug overdoses or acute pulmonary disease with N-acetyl-cysteine requires monitoring by a health professional. Suggested non-prescription oral doses range from 200-2,400 mg/day depending on one’s health.
Now we will discuss the glutathione side effects from raising glutathione with undenatured whey protein. Other terms that may be used to identify this substance is bonded cysteine, undenatured whey protein isolate, or undenatured whey protein concentrate. Two of the best well known ways for raising glutathione are with N-Acetyl Cysteine, which was considered above, and undenatured whey protein. A special form of undenatured whey protein that has been extensively studied for over 30 years now. It is a nutraceutical, or medicinal food. It delivers bonded cysteine to the cells where you can make glutathione right there in your cells.
Here are the considerations for those evaluating undenatured whey protein, taken from the product label:
Patients with a known allergy to milk proteins, should not take this. This is different than lactose intolerance, since the lactose has been removed. It contains less than 1% lactose and is therefore well tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals. The best way to know if you are allergic to milk proteins is if you know for a fact that you were allergic to your mother’s breast milk as an infant, and as a result were unable to breastfeed. This is quite rare.
Patients on a protein restricted diet should take into account that there is 9 grams of protein per pouch.
Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy should discuss the use of this product with their health practitioner.
The reason for this is if you are on drugs to keep your immune system suppressed or working at a lower level, undenatured whey protein could theoretically interfere with these drugs by allowing your immune system to be stimulated. This would be especially important if you have recently received an organ transplant and are taking drugs to make sure you do not reject the organ. It should be noted that there are no documented cases of this undenatured whey protein interfering with an organ transplant, but this is stated as a general precaution.
Undenatured whey protein is a dry powder, and needs to be mixed to be consumed. Glutathione side effects with bonded cysteine powder may include the following if not mixed properly:
Gastrointestinal Bloating
Cramps
This can be prevented by mixing it appropriately with a liquid or food as instructed.
A transient urticarial (hive)-like rash may appear in rare individuals that are undergoing a severe detoxification reaction. This rash goes away when the product intake is reduced or stopped.
I have not personally known anyone that has had this reaction, called a Herxheimer Reaction, but as mentioned, you can reduce the amount or stop it completely.
I have known of individuals who were detoxing and felt sluggish or nauseous, and I recommended they get extra rest and drink plenty of water, half their body weight in ounces, and this phase usually passes within a few days depending on the individual. This is an indication that you have a heavy toxin load, and the glutathione, through your liver and kidneys, is trying to remove the toxins from your system. Since you detoxify in your sleep, and water hydrates you and keeps things moving, water and sleep definitely help you to flush these liquefied toxins from your system.
Lastly, you may want to know, “Can I take too much or accidentally overdose on glutathione? What are the side effects of a glutathione overdose?” The Physician’s Desk Reference tells us that when we take the building blocks for glutathione, the cell makes just as much as it needs, and no more. If you take in more building blocks than you need, the excess is stored in your liver and kidneys until you need them. Additionally it is noted that overdosing on undenatured whey protein has not been reported. Always use good sense and follow recommended guidelines when taking any glutathione enhancer, whether it be pharmaceutical (drug) or nutraceutical (food).
Everything is Better August 06, 2006, From Georgia
I feel better, more energetic, more hopeful, happier and healthier since I started taking this stuff. You cannot put your finger on exactly what changes because everything improves! If you try it for a month you will see!
Great results February 24, 2010, From Georgia
I am now on my 2nd bottle and already feel a sense of well being and feeling and cleansed. I know Glutathione can be found in a lot of raw green vegetables & in fruits which I nelegect to eat on a regular. So far I am feeling the difference. I will continue to purchase this product.
Great Product July 29, 2007, From Rhode Island
Ive been able to lose weight easier and reduce my stress,it really makes me feel good.
works great for arthritis November 28, 2011, From Minnesota
I can workout ... now without my feet getting sore. My back and knees haven't felt this good in years. And my skin cleared up as well. I've only been using it for 2 weeks and I've noticed a huge difference. Highly recommended.
Great Product... Helped my results! August 28, 2009, From California
This product actually helped my results in liver function, which was slighly off due to cholesterol medication.
Glutathione helped my recovery. October 28, 2011
At 78 years old I suffered from 3 accidents, the details are too lengthy to describe but they each resulted in me falling onto my right shoulder. I was unable to use my shoulder properly for 6 months. With the use of my diet + supplements + exercise I am able to function at a reasonable level