Glutathione is a potent natural antioxidant produced by your liver and is found in several sulfur-rich fruits and vegetables to alleviate toxins and free radicals. Unfortunately, the glutathione level in your body tends to decline with age and factors like poor nutrition, stress, anxiety, and environmental toxins. So, it is essential to supplement your body with glutathione injections to balance free radicals production and your body’s ability to combat it.
Definition of Glutathione
Glutathione is a tripeptide comprising three powerful amino acids: glycine, glutamate, and cysteine. This potent antioxidant acts as the defense line to fight against free radicals and other DNA-affecting compounds present in pollutants, overexposure to sun rays, and smoking habits.
Functions of Glutathione
Glutathione, an antioxidant naturally produced by your liver, is vital in enhancing the antioxidant defense system by removing the toxins and free radicals in your body. In addition, it aids in tissue repair and building, enhances the immune system, improves anticancer ability (1), neutralizes free radicals, and possesses anti-aging properties. However, one ages, the ability of the liver to produce glutathione deteriorates, which in turn, causes skin pigmentations, sagging, and wrinkled skin.
This powerful antioxidant has recently become a popular beauty treatment for skin whitening and treating severe skin diseases like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. These treatments use L-glutathione, the active and potent form of the antioxidant, to get effective results.
6 Benefits of Glutathione Injections
Even though glutathione (2) is available in the form of injections and tablets, the oral form doesn’t deliver excellent detoxifying results when compared to glutathione injections. On the other hand, glutathione injections are effective because it enters your bloodstream directly, surpassing the digestive system. Plus, it offers several benefits, which are listed below.
1. Cuts Down Oxidative Stress
Study (3) reveals that glutathione is an excellent choice to prevent tissue and cell damage. In addition, glutathione shots with micronutrients like magnesium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and L-glycine amino acids, along with DASH, Mediterranean diet, and vegan diet, help improve tissue deterioration when the oxidative stress levels in your body get reduced by glutathione, which lowers the risk of developing cancer.
2. May Enhance Insulin Levels
Glutathione injections can lower the accumulation of fat stored in the abdomen, which might reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Baylor School of Medicine (4) conducted research featuring humans and animals to study the role of glutathione in insulin resistance and weight gain. The findings of the research (5)stated that subjects with lower levels of Glutathione experienced low levels of fat burning and high amounts of fat accumulation. In the study it was found that the older people whose diets had the addition of glycine and cysteine saw a hike in their glutathione levels that enhanced their fat-burning and insulin resistance.
Related Article: Anti-Aging Cosmetic Procedures for Women
3. Lowers Cell Damage in Fatty Liver Conditions
Cells might get damaged in the liver when there is an incidence of low antioxidants like glutathione. Such deficiency can be fatal for both non-alcoholics and alcoholics. Glutathione shots show improved bilirubin, enzyme, and protein levels in individuals suffering from fatty liver conditions. One study (6) showed the effectiveness of glutathione on people (non-alcoholics and alcoholics) with chronic fatty liver conditions who took it intravenously.
The study results also revealed a significant reduction in malondialdehyde, the liver’s cell damage marker. In addition, a pilot study (7)concluded the positive effect of glutathione on subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver when they made a few proactive lifestyle changes. The study was performed by giving glutathione with a dosage of 300 gm each day for four months.
4. Might Keep Away Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune diseases linked with severe inflammation might increase the oxidation stress levels in the body. It might increase the risk of developing diseases like lupus, celiac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Research shows (8)that glutathione can lower oxidative stress by reducing or kindling the immunological response of your body. Autoimmune diseases target and attack mitochondria cells, which are shielded by glutathione by flushing out free radicals.
5. Increases Circulation To Enhance Mobility
The plague can clog peripheral arteries and cause peripheral artery disease, hindering an individual’s mobility. Research shows (9) that with glutathione, the participants were able to walk long distances without any pain, as the supplement improved blood circulation. The study participants were divided, and one group was given saline solution while the other was given intravenous glutathione infusions twice a day for five days before mobility analysis.
6. Helps in Skin Whitening
The melanin in your skin is divided into three types: pheomelanin, eumelanin, and neuromelanin. Of these three, eumelanin and pheomelanin have pivotal roles in developing the color of your skin, hair, and eye. Your skin gets its brown tan through eumelanin pigment by burning pheomelanin with the reddish tint. In addition, melanin pigment protects your skin from ultraviolet rays to prevent folate depletion and dermal degradation risks. Therefore, a high amount of pheomelanin must be present for a lighter skin tone, and eumelanin should be less concentrated. With glutathione injections, bringing a lighter skin tone by achieving the desired concentration levels of these pigments might be possible.
How Glutathione Injections Work
Glutathione injections work by converting into GSSG or glutathione disulfide blocking melanin production by attaching to the tyrosinase enzyme in melanocytes, the specialist cells producing melanin pigment that causes skin darkening. This potent antioxidant helps the body remove harmful toxins and free radicals to keep the risk of cell damage at bay.
This injectable supplement can lower age spots and reverse the signs of aging, like black spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Glutathione injection works by neutralizing the oxidative stress that happens due to a high amount of free radicals in the body. Getting glutathione injections is simple, like getting your vaccine shot. Your dermatologist will decide the dosage based on your body weight, skin type, skin tone, and other parameters.
Side Effects of Glutathione Injections
The FDA doesn’t approve glutathione injections, as they opine that skin-whitening injections might not be safe, and there isn’t much scientific research evidence to confirm their effectiveness. So, opting for glutathione injections is purely your personal choice.
As little research is available, there is no clear-cut idea about the side effects of glutathione shots. However, people opting for glutathione injections have reported no drastic side effects. Glutathione shots might cause any of the following side effects for a few people, according to several studies and FDA, Philippines. (10)
- Bloating and cramping
- When glutathione is paired with a high amount of Vitamin C, it may cause hemodialysis in patients with G6PD deficiency
- Toxic effects on the nervous system, kidneys, and liver
- A rare skin issue, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Skin rash
- Breathing issues in mild asthmatic (11) people
- Using glutathione supplements for a long time can lead to low levels of zinc (12)in your body
If you are facing any or some of the side effects mentioned above after taking a glutathione shot, inform your healthcare specialist immediately and seek medical guidance. One should not take this supplement if she is a nursing mother or pregnant, as there isn’t enough clinical evidence to support its safety.
Tips for Sun Tan by Dr. Niveditha
Excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause to skin darkening or tanning. The melanin pigment in the skin increases in response to UV radiation. This results in a darker complexion. The videos features Dr. Niveditha from Kolors Healthcare. Listen to her tips on sun tan and how to protect yourself from it.
Glutathione Injections For Skin Whitening FAQs
Are there any side effects of using glutathione injections?
Glutathione injections are considered safe, but there are side effects. Some people experience allergic reactions, abdominal pain, or light-headedness. Misuse of glutathione can lead to serious health complications. It is essential only to use these under a healthcare professional.
Can everyone use glutathione injections for skin whitening?
Not everyone can take glutathione injections. People with certain medical conditions, like asthma, kidney disease, or liver disease, should not take it. Pregnant or nursing women are also not suitable candidates for glutathione injections.
Are the effects of glutathione injections permanent?
No, the effects of glutathione injections are not permanent. The skin will gradually return to its natural color once you stop taking the injections.
Are glutathione injections for skin whitening approved by the FDA?
The FDA does not approve glutathione injection for skin whitening. The FDA has deep concerns about its safety and efficacy. Consult the healthcare professional and check the regulations before you proceed with the treatment.
Are there any alternatives to glutathione injections?
Yes, there are alternatives such as creams, lotions, pills, and other treatments that contain skin-lightening ingredients. These products include hydroquinone, kojic acid, or vitamin C. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any skin-lightening regimen.
What is the cost of Glutathione injection in India?
The cost of Glutathione injection in India varies from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 40,000. The cost of the injection varies by its brand and the amount used (3000 mg-4200 mg). In Mumbai, it ranges from Rs. 8000 to Rs. 30000.
Kindly note that the article is for informational purposes only. To have a better understanding of the anti-aging treatments by Kolors, please check out our anti-aging skin care treatment page or call us on +91 7669597923 to discuss with our experts.
References
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of General Pathology, Genoa, Italy – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673338/
- BCNH College of Nutrition and Health, 116–118 Finchley Road, London NW3 5HT, UK – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770193/
- Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, GA 30602, USA – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566166/
- Homa Shalchi – https://www.bcm.edu/
- Translational Metabolism Unit, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23534396/
- Istituto Policattedra, Università , Bari. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7569285/
- Center for Digestive and Liver Diseases, Nara City Hospital, Nara, Japan – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28789631/
- Sapienza University of Rome, Unit of Rheumatology, Rome, Italy – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19393193/
- Enrico Arosio, MD, Sergio De Marchi, MD and others – https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org
- https://www.fda.gov.ph
