Your supply of glutathione seems to drop as you get older, possibly because your body can't create as much. Lower glutathione levels seem to go hand-in-hand with poorer health. For instance, lower levels may play a role in many conditions that are more likely to develop in older people.Your glutathione levels may also fall if you have certain conditions, such as:CancerHIV/AIDSType 2 diabetesHepatitisParkinson's diseaseGlutathione vs.N-acetyl cysteineN-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a form of cysteine, which is an amino acid. NAC may help ease the side effects of certain drugs and chemicals. It also helps break down mucus in your body. Some people take NAC as a supplement to help treat respiratory problems, heart issues, or other conditions.NAC is a byproduct of glutathione. Along with glutamine and glycine, it helps make and replenish glutathione. You can take NAC to help boost glutathione levels in your body. Some research suggests that NAC may increase glutathione more effectively than standard glutathione supplements.Low Glutathione Symptoms If you don’t have enough glutathione in your body, you might notice symptoms such as:FatigueBrain fogSleep problemsFrequent infectionsAnemia (low red blood cell count)Loss of coordinationSeizuresGlutathione BenefitsSome people take glutathione:For its antioxidant benefitAs a detoxification agentTo try to protect themselves from the harmful effects of radiation and chemotherapy for cancer (there is no evidence that glutathione works in this regard)People also take glutathione to try to boost weakened immune systems and help with infertilityand many other conditions.It may not be effective to take glutathione by mouth, as it is thought that glutathione may be broken down by enzymes in the stomach. Some studies are looking at glutathione's health effects when it's taken by injection or inhaled directly into the lungs.Certain supplements may boost your body's production of glutathione, such as:CurcuminN-acetylcysteineSeleniumSilymarinVitamin CVitamin EGlutathione for skinSome people use injectable glutathione to lighten their skin or hide dark spots. But there is very limited evidence that glutathione can change skin pigment. What’s more, the FDA in the Philippines, where the practice is popular, warns that injectable glutathione for your skin may be unsafe. The agency says it can have toxic effects on the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Glutathione for liverGlutathione is thought to flush out toxins in the liver. It may also protect your liver from damage.One small study found that people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease who took glutathione by mouth for 4 months had improved liver enzyme markers. Other research has shown people with liver disease who received high doses of glutathione via an IV had improvements in their liver function tests.Glutathione and weight lossSome research suggests that glutathione may help with weight loss. One study found people with obesity who had higher levels of glutathione lost more weight when they followed a healthy eating plan for 6 months.Glutathione in FoodsYour body doesn't seem to absorb glutathione well from foods. But certain foods high in amino acids that contain sulfur may help boost your levels. These include:Unprocessed meatGarlicBroccoliAsparagusAvocadosSpinachGlutathione Dosage per DayThere’s no standard dosage for oral glutathione. In most studies, people take daily amounts in the range of 250-1,000 milligrams. Oral glutathione is controversial in the medical community. Some research suggests your body may not effectively use the pill. But other studies have found glutathione taken by mouth may raise glutathione levels in your body. A special form of the supplement, called liposomal glutathione, may be more effective than standard glutathione.Your body might absorb sublingual glutathione better. This form dissolves under your tongue. In some studies, people take 100 milligrams of sublingual glutathione twice a day.You can also take glutathione via inhalation or injection.Glutathione Side EffectsSide effects. Taking glutathione long-term has been linked to lower zinc levels. Inhaled glutathione may trigger asthma attacks in people who have asthma. Symptoms may include wheezing.Risks. Avoid taking glutathione if you're sensitive to it. Experts don't know if taking glutathione is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Interactions. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications.Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that drugs are. The FDA does not review these supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market.What to Avoid When Taking GlutathioneSome things can affect how glutathione works in your body. It might be best to avoid:AlcoholSmokingCaffeineMedications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirinToo much dairyProcessed or fried foodsWhat Happens When You Stop Taking GlutathioneIf you stop taking glutathione, your body might not provide as much immune support or antioxidant protection.TakeawaysGlutathione is an important antioxidant that may help protect your body from a variety of diseases. You can get glutathione via foods or supplements. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement, such as glutathione.Glutathione FAQsWhat is glutathione best for?Glutathione is best known for repairing damaged cells in your body. It may help ward off a variety of diseases, such as neurological disorders, liver disease, certain heart conditions, autoimmune disorders, respiratory diseases, and other medical conditions.Is it OK to take glutathione every day?It’s best to ask your doctor if you can take glutathione every day. What food is highest in glutathione?Generally, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins contain a lot of glutathione. Processed foods tend to have low levels of glutathione.SourcesUpdate HistorySharePrintSOURCES:AltMedDex Evaluations: "Glutathione."Allen, J. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, September 2011.Rakel, D. Integrative Medicine, 3rd edition. Elsevier. 2012.DRUGDEX Evaluations: "Glutathione."AltCareDex: "Glutathione."Borges-Santos, M. Nutrition, 2012.Mayo Clinic Proceedings: "Effect of glutathione infusion on leg arterial circulation, cutaneous microcirculation, and pain-free walking distance in patients with peripheral obstructive arterial disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial."Mount Sinai: "Cysteine."Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition: "The Antioxidant Role of Glutathione and N-Acetyl-Cysteine Supplements and Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress."Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal: "Glutathione!"Core Med Science: "What are the Symptoms of Glutathione Deficiency?"NIH: Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center: "Glutathione synthetase deficiency."Dermatology Practical & Conceptual: "Glutathione for skin lightening: a regnant myth or evidence-based verity?"Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines: "FDA Advisory No. 2019-182 || Unsafe Use of Glutathione as Skin Lightening Agent."BMC Gastroenterology: "Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, pilot study."Recenti Progressi in Medicina: "[Glutathione in the treatment of chronic fatty liver diseases]."Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine: "GSH levels affect weight loss in individuals with metabolic syndrome and obesity following dietary therapy."Nutrients: "A Review of Dietary (Phyto)Nutrients for Glutathione Support."SharePrintMore on Vitamins & Supplements Recommended FEATURED Top doctors in , Find more top doctors on Search Related LinksPoliciesAboutFor Advertisers © 2005 - 2025 WebMD LLC, an company. All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. , What Is Glutathione? Your cells contain glutathione, which is a substance made from three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. Glutathione acts as an important antioxidant in your body., Boosting glutathione may provide many health benefits, including reduction of oxidative stress. Other benefits of glutathione include the potential for improving insulin resistance and.