Supplements Antioxidants What Is Glutathione? What GSH Supplements Can and Cannot Do for Your Body By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 03, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Meredith Bull, ND Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND Facebook LinkedIn Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles. She helped co-author the first integrative geriatrics textbook, "Integrative Geriatric Medicine." Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What It Is What It's Used For Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparation Sources of GSH Frequently Asked Questions Glutathione, also known as GSH, is a molecule found naturally in your body. It is produced by the liver and nerve cells in the central nervous system. Glutathione is made up of three amino acids: L-cysteine, glycine, and L-glutamate. Proponents claim that glutathione supplements can help treat and prevent a number of health conditions, from heart disease to Alzheimer's disease. This article reviews what GSH is, what it does, and what health benefits it may have. Verywell / Alexandra Gordon What Is GSH? Glutathione is an antioxidant, a molecule that helps fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that form in response to factors like your diet and the environment. When more free radicals exist than antioxidants, oxidative cell damage occurs. This can lead to inflammation and a variety of health issues ranging from high blood pressure and diabetes to Alzheimer's disease and more. Antioxidants are critical as they help keep things in healthy balance. Your body makes some antioxidants, but others comes from external sources like your diet or supplements like GSH. In addition to being an antioxidant, GSH also plays a part in your body's: Metabolism of toxins and cancer-causing substancesNatural creation and repair of DNAProduction of protein and prostaglandin, a compound with hormone-like effectsActivation of enzymes Glutathione also helps with the breakdown of nutrients and the regulation of important body processes, such as the immune response. 1:49 Click Play to Learn About Glutathione’s Side Effects on Skin This video has been medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND. What Is Glutathione Used For? Glutathione is purported to reverse the aging process, prevent cancer, and preserve memory. It is also said to protect against a wide range of health problems, including: Hardened arteries (atherosclerosis) Lyme disease Alzheimer's disease Chronic fatigue syndrome Colitis High cholesterol Osteoarthritis Asthma Cataracts Diabetes Glaucoma Heart disease Hepatitis Liver disease Parkinson's disease Alcohol use disorder Recap GSH is an antioxidant that help balance free radicals. Having too many free radicals can cause damage at the cellular level, which is how many diseases start. Antioxidants like GSH can help prevent diseases that result from inflammation caused by oxidative stress. Possible Side Effects Due to a lack of research, little is known about the side effects of using glutathione supplements. However, there's some concern that the use of glutathione supplements may cause cramping and bloating. In addition, some people may experience allergic reactions to glutathione supplements, such as a rash. Dosage and Preparation There is not enough scientific evidence to determine the proper dose of GSH. Some suggest that supplementing with N-acetylcysteine (NAC, or whey) may be more effective. Various doses have been studied in research investigating specific medical conditions. The proper dose for you may depend on several factors, including your age, sex, and medical history. In some cases, healthcare professionals administer glutathione through use of an IV to treat atherosclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and side effects of chemotherapy. For some conditions, glutathione can also be inhaled and given through a nebulizer. If you're considering the use of glutathione for a condition, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before starting your supplement regimen. Self-treating a chronic condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. Sources of GSH Glutathione is readily found in certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables. A study published in Nutrition and Cancer found that dairy products, cereals, and breads are generally low in GSH. Fuits and vegetables have moderate to high amounts of GSH, and freshly prepared meats are relatively high in GSH. Glutathione dietary supplements and personal care products are widely available for purchase online and in many natural-foods stores, drugstores, and vitamin shops. Although glutathione plays a vital role in the body, the benefits are thought to be primarily due to the cysteine that helps form it. Other supplements, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), may provide the cysteine needed to raise glutathione levels in the body in a less expensive way. According to limited research, increasing the body's glutathione through diet or supplements can help with certain health conditions. Recap Glutathione is found in many foods, especially fruits, vegetables, and meats. Supplemental GSH can be delivered in a variety of ways, including orally (pills or capsules), by IV, or even inhalation treatments. Your healthcare provider will help decide which method is best for you. Summary As an antioxidant, glutathione helps your body balance free radicals and stay healthy. It works at the cellular level to prevent inflammation and other cell damage that can make you sick. GSH is found in certain foods, but can also be taken as a dietary supplement. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplements. Frequently Asked Questions What does glutathione do for the body? Glutathione is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, molecules that cause cellular damage. Glutathione also helps to break down nutrients, activate enzymes, produce proteins, repair DNA, inactivate toxins, and regulate the immune system. What are the benefits of taking glutathione? Low glutathione levels are liked to several diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer’s and dementia, cancer, chronic liver disease, diabetes, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. However, there is limited research to support the use of glutathione supplements for treating any condition. Does glutathione lighten skin color? Possibly. Glutathione is marketed overseas as a skin-lightening agent, but a 2019 review of published studies said the evidence for that use was inconclusive. However, the review noted glutathione appears to brighten skin tone when applied topically prior to light exposure. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Pizzorno J. Glutathione!. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):8–12. PMID:26770075 Weschawalit S, Thongthip S, Phutrakool P, Asawanonda P. Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects. CCID. 2017;10:147-153. doi:10.2147%2FCCID.S128339 Jones DP, Coates RJ, Flagg EW, et al. Glutathione in foods listed in the National Cancer Institute's Health Habits and History Food Frequency Questionnaire. Nutr Cancer. 2009;17(1):57-75. doi:10.1080/01635589209514173 Minich DM, Brown BI. A review of dietary (phyto)nutrients for glutathione support. Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2073. doi:10.3390/nu11092073 Dilokthornsakul W, Dhippayom T, Dilokthornsakul P. The clinical effect of glutathione on skin color and other related skin conditions: A systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(3):728-737. doi:10.1111/jocd.12910