Glutathione

Key points

• Glutathione is a tripeptide (three amino acids) that the body produces naturally to protect cells from oxidative stress.
• It is taken as a supplement, and given as an IV drip or injection at some private clinics.
• It is marketed for detox, immune support and skin brightening, though the evidence for these is limited.
• It is not a licensed medicine in the UK for these wellness uses.

Quick facts

What it is

Antioxidant tripeptide the body makes naturally

Marketed for

Detox, immune support, skin brightening

Forms

Oral supplement; IV drip and injection

UK status

Not a licensed medicine for these wellness uses

Evidence

Limited for the marketed benefits

How it works

Glutathione helps neutralise the reactive molecules produced as a by product of normal metabolism, protecting cells from what is called oxidative stress. The body makes its own, and it is also involved in processing certain substances in the liver. The argument for drips is that glutathione taken by mouth is poorly absorbed, so an infusion is used to raise levels more directly. Whether that translates into the marketed benefits is far less certain.

What the evidence shows

Glutathione's role inside the body is well established, but the evidence for the marketed treatments is thin. The skin brightening and detox claims in particular are not backed by strong trials, and there is little good evidence that IV glutathione improves health outcomes over a normal diet. Most of the support for the drips rests on reasoning about absorption rather than on clinical results.

What it does not settle

• There is little controlled evidence that IV glutathione delivers the benefits it is marketed for.
• Skin lightening claims are not supported by strong trials, and any effect and its safety are unclear.
• The right dose, and the long term safety of repeated infusions, are not established.

Side effects

Common

• Infusions are generally reported to be well tolerated, though a drip can cause reactions at the site or, rarely, a more general reaction.
• Skin lightening treatments carry their own concerns, including uneven results.

Less common but serious

• A drip is a medical procedure with its own risks, so it should be given by a suitable health professional at a registered clinic.
• Products or injections of unverified quality bought online carry the usual risks of an unknown dose and contamination.

Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

UK legal status and access

Glutathione is sold as a food supplement, and given as an IV drip or injection at some private clinics as a wellness treatment. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK for these uses. If you are considering a drip, it is worth checking that the clinic is registered and the person giving it is suitably qualified.

Common questions