Some researchers refer to glutathione as “the master antioxidant” due to its potential health advantages. Its supporters hail it as a powerful anti-aging agent, immune system enhancer, and cancer prevention, which may explain why glutathione [1] supplements and injections are gaining popularity.
But does the hype match the reality? What you need to know about glutathione, its potential health benefits, and whether you require injections or supplements to increase your levels is mentioned below.
What is Glutathione?
A common water-soluble molecule called glutathione (GSH) is present in many tissues and cells at millimolar concentrations [3]. It is the most prevalent thiol-containing low molecular weight peptide found inside cells. GSH’s biological activity depends on this thiol function.
Cysteine, glycine, and glutamine are the amino acids that make up the antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione is a substance that is produced in the liver and by nerve cells in the central nervous system. Its vital roles include:
- Building and mending tissues
- Supporting your immune system
- Producing proteins like sex hormone-binding globulin and healthy elements like magnesium.
Glutathione is a potent antioxidant [2] produced naturally by your body and found in foods like asparagus, avocado, and cucumber. As an antioxidant, glutathione aids in the fight against free radicals, unstable molecules, which get linked with inflammation, and a variety of age-related diseases, such as high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and cancer. Free radicals can cause cell damage. Glutathione levels can drop due to oxidative stress – the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body, and low vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid intake. Why should you be concerned? According to some studies, glutathione levels that are out of balance contribute to aging.
Importance of Glutathione in the Body
You cannot overstate the significance of glutathione; we have listed some of its essential functions below. Protecting cellular macromolecules from endogenous and exogenous reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is one of its vital functions. While some free radicals get quenched directly, dealing with the root causes of oxidative stress – like mercury and POPs is perhaps more significant. Low levels of glutathione and transferase activity [3] also get linked to long-term alcohol and chemical toxin exposure, cadmium exposure, AIDS/HIV, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, and other neurodegenerative ailments.
The following are some of the glutathione’s crucial functions:
- Singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals get chemically neutralized.
- Several antioxidant enzymes’ cofactors.
- Vitamin C and E regeneration.
- Inhibiting the development of free radicals produced in Phase I of chemical toxin metabolism in the liver.
- One of roughly seven liver Phase II reactions conjugate the activated intermediates created while in Phase I, so they are water soluble for kidney excretion.
- Removal of mercury from the brain and cells.
- Control over cellular growth and apoptosis.
- Essential for mitochondrial DNA maintenance and mitochondrial function (mtDNA).
What is Glutathione Injection?
There are many ways to take glutathione supplements, including oral supplements, topical creams, IV infusions, and injections. Since some benefits of oral supplements can get lost during digestion, it has been discovered that glutathione injections [4] are more effective at raising levels of this antioxidant.
If your doctor prescribes injections, you can administer them to yourself at home; IV infusions, however, must be administered in a clinic. Injections of glutathione are given directly into a muscle, usually the buttocks or upper arm, or subcutaneously, where the substance gets absorbed and transported into the bloodstream.
How does Glutathione Injection work?
Multiple actions of glutathione make it an efficient remedy. For instance, it aids in tissue growth and repair. For those who have liver damage from hepatitis, alcoholism, or fatty liver disease, this may be advantageous. It also aids in producing proteins and chemicals that your body needs for several processes. As a result, people with diabetes and insulin resistance can benefit [5] from it. Additionally, it strengthens the immune system so that you can fight off various diseases. Because glutathione is an antioxidant, it can help fight off the free radicals that cause disease.
Your body already has cells that have glutathione in them. However, your glutathione levels can drop due to specific medical conditions or lifestyle choices. Glutathione injections are a quick and efficient way to ensure you get all the nutrients and vitamins. You might experience euphoria, energy, and renewed vigor following this nutrient therapy. Restoring your body’s glutathione levels aids in cell growth and repair, which is essential for a robust immune system.
Common Uses of Glutathione Injection
A potent antioxidant, glutathione can aid in cell damage prevention. Detoxification and supporting a strong immune system are additional benefits. Glutathione IV infusion therapy [6] is an option for your wellness, health, and recovery needs. Glutathione injections can help and be useful for the following:
- Detoxifying your body
- Supporting a healthy immune system
- Reducing inflammation
- Protecting cells from damage
- Improving your skin health
- Acting as a moderate skin-lightening agent
- Improving your cognitive function
- Increasing your energy levels
Benefits of Glutathione Injection
Increased energy, stamina, body cleansing, and – most importantly – better, whiter skin are all benefits of glutathione. Glutathione bypasses the body’s slow and frequently unsuccessful digestive process when taken intravenously. The antioxidant completely gets absorbed much more quickly when directly injected into the bloodstream [6] as opposed to when it gets administered orally. Here are some benefits of the antioxidant glutathione after injections:
1. Reduces oxidative stress
Age-related diseases get associated with low glutathione levels. That could be the case if your body isn’t producing enough glutathione to protect itself from the free radicals that lead to oxidative stress. In lab tests, scientists have discovered that glutathione reduces oxidative stress. It implies that glutathione may offer protection against age-related illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and arthritis, which have an association with significant oxidative stress.
2. Reduces cell damage caused by fatty liver disease
Lack of antioxidants, particularly glutathione, can exacerbate liver cell death and cause fatty liver disease. According to one study, intravenous administration of high doses of glutathione to patients with fatty liver disease produced the best results. Another study found that for some people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, oral daily glutathione supplementation over four months and changes in lifestyle habits positively impacted the liver.
3. Improves skin texture
According to one study, glutathione can promote skin firmness, reduce wrinkles, and brighten the skin. Some people purchase glutathione injections online or at spas to brighten their skin. However, you should only use glutathione injections if you have a prescription from your doctor and they get obtained from an authorized pharmacy.
4. Supports your immune system
Your immune system may remain robust thanks to glutathione, helping it to ward off infections. If you took glutathione supplements had higher levels of natural killer (NK) cells and lymphocytes, your body’s primary infection-fighting defenses, according to a small clinical trial.
5. Betters your brain health
The brain needs glutathione to function well, and diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s result in lower levels of this substance. In a small study, high-dose intravenous glutathione was administered twice daily for 30 days to patients with early, untreated Parkinson’s disease. The results showed symptom relief that persisted for 2-4 months after the treatment. Supplementation that raises glutathione levels can also help older adults in good health with their cognition.
Is Glutathione Injection Safe?
A safe and efficient way to ensure you’re receiving the full benefits of glutathione gets through intravenous injections [7]. Glutathione is more quickly and effectively absorbed into the bloodstream when given via IV, which avoids the GI tract.
Since these injections are secure, they have gained popularity as a method of reviving your skin and regaining your youthful glow. Though choosing glutathione injections to rejuvenate and whiten your skin sounds brilliant, there may be side effects that you will need to discuss with your healthcare provider.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Glutathione Injection?
Like any other cosmetic procedure, receiving a glutathione injection could have several harmful side effects. Unwanted effects could be mild to severe, depending on the dosage. To lessen or lessen the severity of side effects, you should have these injections administered [8] by a qualified and experienced medical specialist.
If a patient receives a dosage significantly higher than advised, serious side effects like renal failure or blood poisoning may manifest. In addition, the following side effects may manifest if a dose greater than 5 grams gets administered:
- Nausea
- Skin rashes, hives, or allergic reactions
- Diarrhea
- Toxic effects on the liver, kidney, and nervous system
Additionally, the use of Glutathione drips, which typically contain vitamin C, may result in the development of kidney stones. In actuality, Glutathione-based skin-lightening procedures may also cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Is Glutathione Injection good for Skin Lightening?
Our liver naturally produces a substance called glutathione. This naturally occurring antioxidant aids in many bodily processes, including the growth and repair of tissues, squelching free radicals, boosting the immune system, fighting cancer, and slowing the aging process. As we age, our bodies produce less glutathione, which hastens to age. As a result, people frequently get glutathione injections to keep their skin white and look young. This outside substance helps to increase the body’s glutathione levels [4].
Numerous studies and research show that skin whitening outcomes from glutathione injection are generally positive. You will need booster shots at regular intervals to prevent the effects from fading, even though receiving this injection will prolong their duration. These dosages get offered as glutathione injections or capsules. The results will be better if this procedure combines with other aesthetic procedures like laser skin lightening.
Who Should Avoid Using Glutathione Injection?
If you are receiving chemotherapy, you should stay away from glutathione. If you are sensitive to or allergic to benzyl alcohol, you should also avoid it (a preservative in some GSH products). Most side effects [2] of glutathione use are mild, and it is generally safe to take it. Speak with your doctor if you experience common side effects like loose stools or cramping in your abdomen. An ice pack and over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease the symptoms of redness and swelling that may occur after glutathione injections.
FAQs about Glutathione Injection
When it concerns your health, questions will arise. And you will want appropriate answers to them. We understand these concerns, and here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding glutathione injections.
Q1. Can you inject glutathione intramuscularly?
Patients can receive supplemental glutathione through injection in controlled doses, similar to injections of vitamin B-12. Because the substance doesn’t need to be processed through your digestive system, receiving glutathione via injections is more effective than receiving it orally (via ingestion).
Q2. How many glutathione injections does one need to see the results?
It depends on the treatment sought and the patient’s metabolism, which will determine the answer to this question. Some patients report seeing results like fewer breakouts and smoother texture in as little as two or three weeks when discussing the effects of glutathione on the skin.
Others, like those aiming for a more even tone, must wait several months for the advantages to manifest. Even though it might not resolve a specific skin issue immediately, other beneficial changes are likely to manifest more quickly.
Q3. Where to inject glutathione?
Injections of glutathione are given directly into a muscle, usually the buttocks or upper arm, or subcutaneously, where the substance gets absorbed and transported into the bloodstream. Over 20 minutes, the solution intravenously gets injected using a 23- or 25-gauge butterfly infusion catheter.
Q4. Can I inject glutathione injection in my legs vein?
Before injecting glutathione supplements, it’s crucial to have a detailed understanding of its risks and potential side effects. You will get a prescription and instructions on administering glutathione injections properly if you and your doctor decide they are the best treatment option. Always heed your doctor or healthcare provider’s advice, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any doubts.
Q5. What is glutathione injections price in Dubai?
Glutathione injections can cost anywhere between AED 299 and AED 1999 in Dubai. The number of injections, the experience and expertise of the doctor, and the clinic’s reputation can all impact the cost. Final costs can only get estimated after consultation. For precise estimates, please consult one of the doctors at City Doctor.
The Bottom Line
Glutathione finds a presence in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and supplements. However, glutathione in injection form is more efficient. It is a result of the drug getting injected into the muscle. With this technique, you can get the benefits of glutathione much more quickly and in higher concentrations by avoiding the digestive system. An excellent antioxidant that can help you feel better is glutathione. But not everyone will think it’s perfect. Consult your doctor to check if glutathione is the ideal choice for your body.
The vitamin injections and shots get administered by trained and experienced medical staff at City Doctor. Glutathione injection therapy might be for you if you seek a way to enhance your health and well-being. To schedule an appointment or find out more about our services, get in touch with us right away.
Maintaining a healthy balance of fluids and electrolytes in one’s body is crucial as we age. IV therapy can ensure that we receive the nutrients required to stay hydrated and maintain healthy bodily functions. It is a successful method for enhancing our general health and well-being. You can contact City Doctor immediately if you are interested in learning more about IV therapy or think it might be a good fit for you.