What Are Risks of Glutathione?
In the age of nutritional supplements, who wouldn't like an end-all to cure all? Glutathione is a small protein that acts as a potent antioxidant that may have the potential to increase immune system activity and repair damage from free radicals, stress and sun exposure. However, this natural substance may have side effects.
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Identification
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Glutathione, or gamma-Glutamylcysteineglycine, is a natural protein produced in the liver by the combination of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid and glyceine.
Sources
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Glutathione is found in various fruits, vegetables and meats. However, dietary glutathione has a low absorption rate. It can also be extracted for supplemental use as a pure white powder.
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Benefits
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According to Dr. Jeremy Appleton, "Theoretically, there are many very strong arguments in favor of a therapeutic use of glutathione." Diseases that are age-related seem to have the most potential from glutathione because many of these diseases are free radical-related. A study involving women undergoing chemotherapy showed the most promise. Women who received intravenous glutathione in conjunction with chemotherapy reported fewer chemo-related side effects and had higher survival rates.
Side Effects
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Glutathione is considered safe as a supplement, but people who received an organ transplant or who have a milk protein allergy should avoid supplementation.
Warning
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Consult your physician before supplementing with glutathione.
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