Key Takeaways

  • Glutathione is an antioxidant made in your body’s cells from three amino acids. It may help reduce oxidative stress, which occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and your body’s ability to fight them off.
  • Research suggests glutathione supplementation may help improve insulin resistance, reduce cell damage in fatty liver disease, and increase mobility for people with peripheral artery disease.
  • Glutathione may also help manage symptoms of autoimmune diseases and psoriasis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Talk with a healthcare professional before starting supplements, as side effects can include abdominal cramps, bloating, and allergic reactions.

Glutathione is an antioxidant produced in cells. It’s comprised largely of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine.

Glutathione levels in the body may be reduced by a number of factors, including poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and stress. Its levels also typically decline with age.

In addition to being produced naturally by the body, glutathione can be given intravenously, topically, or as an inhalant. It’s also available as an oral supplement in capsule and liquid form. However, oral ingestion of glutathione may not be as effective as intravenous delivery for some conditions.

There are various potential benefits of glutathione.

Reduces oxidative stress

Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to fight them off. Levels of oxidative stress that are too high may be a precursor to multiple diseases. These include:

  • diabetes
  • cancer
  • rheumatoid arthritis

Glutathione is one of the major antioxidants that can help to prevent the process of oxidative stress, which may, in turn, reduce disease.

May improve psoriasis

Research from 2022 showed that glutathione levels were lower in people with psoriasis. This research suggests that the use of dimethyl fumarate, a medication typically for treating multiple sclerosis, may help in the treatment of psoriasis because it helps to decrease inflammation. Dimethyl fumarate can also help increase glutathione levels via various pathways. However, more research is needed on how it can help manage multiple sclerosis.

A 2022 review notes that treatments that increase antioxidants like glutathione can help manage oxidative stress and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are related to it. This may help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis in some people.

Reduces cell damage in fatty liver disease

Cell death in the liver may be exacerbated by a deficiency in antioxidants, including glutathione. This can lead to fatty liver disease in both those who misuse alcohol and those who don’t. Glutathione has been shown to improve protein, enzyme, and bilirubin levels in the blood of individuals with alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

A small study from 2017 found that orally administered glutathione had positive effects on people with MASLD (formerly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) following proactive lifestyle changes. In this study, glutathione was provided in supplement form at a dose of 300 milligrams per day for four months.

According to a 2022 review, raising glutathione levels is important in the instance of an acetaminophen overdose. This type of overdose can lead to liver failure if left untreated. N-acetylcysteine is a type of medication that is given to replete glutathione to help your liver metabolize acetaminophen and prevent further damage to the liver.

Improves insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is when some cells in your liver, muscles, and fat don’t respond to insulin as well as they should and can’t take up glucose (sugar) from blood. It is often associated with diabetes and prediabetes.

A 2021 trial of males with obesity, some who had type 2 diabetes and some who did not, found that oral glutathione supplementation improved insulin resistance in all of the participants. This means that glutathione may help to improve insulin resistance.

Increases mobility for people with peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease occurs when the peripheral arteries become clogged by plaque. It most commonly happens in the legs.

Research from 2018 reported that glutathione improved circulation, increasing the ability of study participants to walk pain-free for longer distances. Participants receiving glutathione rather than a saline solution placebo were given intravenous infusions two times daily for 5 days and then analyzed for mobility.

May help fight against autoimmune disease

The chronic inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases can increase oxidative stress. These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and lupus.

According to a 2022 review, glutathione helps reduce oxidative stress by either stimulating or reducing the body’s immunological response. Autoimmune diseases, like lupus, attack the mitochondria in specific cells. Glutathione works to protect cell mitochondria by eliminating free radicals.

A diet rich in glutathione-boosting foods does not generally pose any risks. However, taking supplements may not be advisable for everyone.

Speak with your healthcare professional about glutathione to determine if it’s right for you. Possible side effects may include:

  • abdominal cramps
  • bloating
  • trouble breathing due to bronchial constriction
  • allergic reactions, such as rash

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that’s made in the body’s cells. Its levels decrease as a result of aging, stress, and toxin exposure. Boosting glutathione may provide many health benefits, including reduction of oxidative stress.

Other benefits of glutathione include the potential for improving insulin resistance and psoriasis. It may also help limit the damage from fatty liver disease.

While glutathione is generally considered safe, you should speak with your healthcare professional before beginning use of any supplements.