Glutathione Injections: What Glutathione Is and What Research Has Looked At

Glutathione shows up everywhere, from wellness clinics to skincare aisles. The science on what your body does with glutathione is solid. The science on glutathione injections is much thinner, and it helps to keep the two apart.

What is glutathione?

Glutathione is a small molecule made of three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. Your cells make it on their own, and it is the most abundant antioxidant inside cells. It helps keep the balance between oxidation and reduction (often called redox balance) and is part of how cells handle certain waste products and reactive molecules.

Your body produces glutathione every day. Levels can vary with age, diet, illness, and other factors.

How glutathione is studied

Researchers have mostly looked at whether taking glutathione raises the amount stored in the body.

Oral glutathione. A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the European Journal of Nutrition (Richie et al., 2015) gave 54 healthy non-smoking adults one of two daily amounts of oral glutathione or a placebo. Glutathione levels in blood and several types of cells rose over time, more with the higher amount, and returned to baseline about a month after people stopped. Researchers also saw changes in some markers of oxidative stress and immune activity. Individual results vary.

Liposomal oral glutathione. A one-month pilot study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Sinha et al., 2018) gave liposomal glutathione to 12 healthy adults. Blood glutathione levels rose within one to two weeks. The authors described the findings as preliminary, the group was small, and the study was funded by a supplement company. Individual results vary.

Injectable glutathione. A 2016 review in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology (Sonthalia, Daulatabad, and Sarkar) looked closely at glutathione's popular use for skin lightening. The authors found no good evidence that glutathione injections work for that purpose. They also noted that reports of adverse effects from intravenous glutathione led the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines to issue a public warning against that use. The review found a small number of randomized trials of oral and topical forms and said larger, longer studies are needed.

What the research has not shown

Large human trials have not shown that glutathione injections improve energy, immunity, skin tone, or any health outcome. Higher blood levels do not automatically mean a health benefit. NUVARA does not offer glutathione for skin lightening.

Glutathione options at NUVARA

A NUVARA physician may consider three forms:

• Glutathione Injection. Compounded medication. Not FDA-approved.
• Oral glutathione tablets. Compounded medication. Not FDA-approved.
• Glutathione Topical cream. Compounded medication. Not FDA-approved.

Compounded medications are prepared for one patient from a prescription, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are dispensed. Your physician decides which form, if any, fits your history and gives you instructions for use.

Common side effects

Side effects reported with glutathione include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling where an injection was given
• Rash or itching
• Stomach upset, bloating, or cramping with oral forms
• Skin irritation with creams

Allergic reactions can happen. Get medical care right away for swelling of the face or throat, hives, wheezing, or trouble breathing. Tell your physician about any side effect that does not go away.

Who glutathione is not for

Glutathione may not be appropriate if you:

• Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Safety data is limited.
• Are receiving chemotherapy or radiation. Talk with your oncologist first, since antioxidants may affect how some cancer therapies work.
• Have asthma, which your physician will want to know about before prescribing
• Have had an allergic reaction to glutathione or any ingredient in the preparation
• Are under 18

How ordering works at NUVARA

Start online from home. A U.S.-licensed physician reviews your intake, usually within 24 hours. Your first visit includes a brief live telehealth call to establish care, and refills are usually reviewed online.

If your physician prescribes glutathione, the prescription is prepared by one of our US-based partner pharmacies, a state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacy, and shipped to you. NUVARA is not a pharmacy and does not prepare medications. A prescription is required and approval is not guaranteed. Your card is authorized when you order and charged only if the physician approves. If not, the hold is released.

See the Glutathione Injection page. Compounded medication. Not FDA-approved.

Frequently asked questions

What is glutathione?

Glutathione is an antioxidant your cells make from three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It is the most abundant antioxidant inside cells.

What are glutathione benefits?

Glutathione is being studied for its role in redox balance and immune function. Small trials found that oral forms can raise glutathione levels in the blood. Large trials have not shown that injections improve health outcomes. Individual results vary.

What are glutathione side effects?

Reported side effects include injection-site pain or redness, rash, stomach upset with oral forms, and skin irritation with creams. Allergic reactions are possible.

Do glutathione injections lighten skin?

A 2016 review found no good evidence that glutathione injections work for skin lightening, and regulators in the Philippines have warned against intravenous use for that purpose. NUVARA does not offer glutathione for skin lightening.

Is a glutathione cream an option?

NUVARA offers a prescription Glutathione Topical cream after physician review. Compounded medication. Not FDA-approved. Consult with your MyNuvara Health physician about which form, if any, fits you.

References

1. Richie JP Jr, et al. Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. Eur J Nutr. 2015;54(2):251-263. PubMed 24791752 · doi:10.1007/s00394-014-0706-z
2. Sinha R, et al. Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018;72(1):105-111. PubMed 28853742 · doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.132
3. Sonthalia S, Daulatabad D, Sarkar R. Glutathione as a skin whitening agent: facts, myths, evidence and controversies. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2016;82(3):262-272. PubMed 27088927 · doi:10.4103/0378-6323.179088

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Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an evaluation by a licensed clinician. Talk with your MyNuvara Health physician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911.