Glutathione has been used
in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
A deficiency can be the result of diseases that increase the need for glutathione,
deficiencies of the amino acids needed for
synthesis, or diseases that inhibit glutathione formation.2 Examples of some health
conditions that are associated with glutathione deficiency include diabetes,
low sperm counts, liver disease,
cataracts, and HIV infection, respiratory
distress syndrome, cancer, and idiopathic
pulmonary fibrosis. Cigarette smoking is also associated with low glutathione levels because
it increases the rate of utilization of glutathione.
How much is usually taken?
There is very little evidence that taking glutathione supplements provides any benefit,
despite promising evidence about the effects of aerosol, intravenous, and intramuscular
glutathione, for people with a wide variety of conditions. People who have a proven
glutathione deficiency, which may require administration of glutathione intravenously,
intramuscularly, or by aerosol, should be treated by a healthcare professional. All ovarian
cancer patients currently taking cisplatin
(Platinol®) should discuss using intravenous glutathione with a healthcare
professional.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No side effects or interactions are known with oral administration of glutathione.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with glutathione. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
References:1. Jones DP, Coates RJ, Flagg EW, et al. Glutathione in foods listed in
the National Cancer Institutes Health Habits and History Food Frequency Questionnaire.
Nutr Cancer 1995;17:57–75.
2. White AC, Thannickal VJ, Fanburg BL. Glutathione deficiency in human
disease. J Nutr Biochem 1994;5:218–26.