Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant the body makes on its own; in supplements and IV drips it's marketed for "liver protection." Taken from outside, it hasn't shown clear benefit for the liver – there's no solid evidence for this use. The substance itself is harmless in this role. When the liver really is at risk, the approaches with actual data help: removing the cause of damage (alcohol, liver-toxic drugs), treating viral hepatitis, and managing weight and metabolism in fatty liver disease. Don't use glutathione in place of that treatment, or you may lose valuable time.

IV glutathione has been proposed as a neuroprotective agent in Parkinson disease: postmortem brainstem samples in PD patients show reduced GSH levels. Randomised trials (Mischley 2017) showed inconsistent effects on UPDRS-III motor scores only, without impact on non-motor symptoms or progression. AAN and MDS do not recommend the drug for PD. Evidence-based PD therapy uses levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors and physical activity. If a glutathione course is being offered out-of-pocket, the standard regimen should be reviewed with the treating neurologist.

ICD-10: G20 · ICD-11: 8A00.0

The biohacker community frames glutathione as the «main longevity antioxidant» and a «super-stack with NAC, ALA and vitamin C». No long-term randomised trials in healthy people with mortality or age-related disease endpoints exist. NIH ODS 2023: anti-ageing data are insufficient. AEMPS and EMA have not registered the drug as a geroprotector. Evidence-based slowing of ageing rests on physical activity, smoking cessation, blood-pressure control, the Mediterranean diet and adequate sleep.

Glutathione is a key marketing word for «detox»: «removes toxins», «binds heavy metals», «cleans lymph». Evidence-based medicine does not use the lay concept of toxins; healthy liver and kidneys clear the blood without supplements. AESAN and EFSA classify «detox» claims as unsubstantiated health claims. NIH ODS 2023 does not support routine GSH use. Specific symptoms (weakness, oedema, right upper quadrant discomfort) require in-person clinical assessment, not a supplement course.

IV glutathione drips and injections are heavily marketed for «skin whitening». FDA Philippines issued an official warning in 2019: IV glutathione for skin lightening is not approved by any regulator; fatal cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, renal and hepatic failure have been reported. AEMPS confirmed in 2022 that such products are not registered in Spain and are treated as adulterated. AEDV recommends retinoids, azelaic acid, hydroquinone and picosecond laser treatment for hyperpigmentation, with confirmed efficacy and controlled safety. Before any «whitening» course, consider seeking a dermatologist's second opinion.