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Glutathione Side Effects

Glutathione is a dietary supplement that is naturally produced by the human body in the liver. It is known for its antioxidant benefits. Glutathione is believed to help protect the body from a large variety of diseases, disorders and conditions. Some common conditions treated by glutathione include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), inability to become pregnant, cataracts and cancer. As with anything of medicinal value, there are possible side effects associated with taking glutathione.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • Some common side effects associated with glutathione usage include chest pain, shortness of breath and other breathing issues, tightness in the throat and chest and allergic reaction-type symptoms like breaking out into hives, rashes, swelling up, or having excessive itchiness.

    Other Side Effects

    • Zinc deficiency is another possible side effect of taking glutathione, particularly for people taking it long term. Most people do not experience this side effect as a result of glutathione, but there have been reports of zinc deficiency from combination medications containing glutathione. If you experience this side effect, you should seek medical attention.

    Considerations

    • Before considering using glutathione, you should speak with a medical health professional if certain situations apply to you, such as you are currently breastfeeding or nursing, you have high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease, or you have any allergies to any medications or dietary supplements.

    Skin Whitening

    • Another potential side effect from glutathione use is whitening of the skin. This side effect is rare, but it is caused by taking it in increased doses resulting from modifying conversion of eumelanin (brown/yellow/dark pigment) into phaeomelanin (red/white pigment). This is why, when taken in larger doses, some slight skin whitening could occur.

    Benefits

    • Despite some of the usually harmless results associated with glutathione, it is generally considered to be free of side effects. It is safe and considered to be more of a food supplement rather than a herbal supplement. It is known to be effective and generally safe as a cause of any really serious side effects.

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