You may have recently heard of glutathione. Given in IV drip form, glutathione has fast been increasing in popularity due to its antioxidant properties and beneficial side effects for the skin. Great news for individuals who want to look more youthful, but is this the full picture?
Worryingly, hundreds of beauty salons in the UK are now offering glutathione IV drips without any medical supervision. It is so important to do your research and attend a doctor-led clinic for any type of medical treatment or form of IV drip. Why? To ensure that you are protected should any side effects or allergic reactions occur. You should never undergo any medical treatment outside of a regulated medical clinic.
Although the risks associated with IV drips and vitamin therapy are generally considered to be quite low, it is entirely possible to have an allergic reaction and go into anaphylactic shock, even if you have not shown any signs of allergies before. This is where your choice of clinic becomes vital for your own peace of mind. A doctor-led clinic will ensure good hygiene and safety standards. They will also be medically trained so you know that they can safely and effectively deal with any potential reactions.
Glutathione: What it is
Many vitamins have antioxidant properties – the most common ones you’ve probably heard of include C, E, and A. Glutathione is made up of three amino acids – glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. This tripeptide is known as the ‘master antioxidant’ because it serves so many different functions and biochemical processes in the body, including DNA repair, the regulation of vitamins and the detoxification of toxins.
When consumed nutritionally, whether through supplements or foods (such as broccoli, oranges, banana, carrots, and spinach) its effectiveness is very limited. This is due to the fact that the enzymes are broken down in the stomach and poorly absorbed through the intestines. This is where IV drips come in – by bypassing the gut entirely, the full dosage of glutathione is delivered directly into the bloodstream to be used by the cells.
What does a glutathione IV drip do? Claims and potential benefits
Improves overall appearance of skin: Patients often report more youthful looking skin, a brighter, glowier complexion, more even skin tone, and reduced hyperpigmentation.
Antioxidant protection: Glutathione plays a protective role in mitochondrial metabolism, scavenging and neutralising free-radicals which cause oxidative damage. This helps to keep oxidative damage under control. Why is this important? Oxidative damage has been linked to ageing and many different diseases. Glutathione also regenerates other antioxidants like vitamin C and E.
Cognitive function: Glutathione has been shown to be considerably depleted in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease compared to healthy individuals (Mandal et al. 2019). Many patients report improved cognitive function with glutathione.
Detoxification: Glutathione is vitally important for detoxification, breaking down toxins that contribute to cell damage.
Immune system support: The master antioxidant is also known to support the activity of immune cells which help the body fight off infection.
Contributes to cellular energy: Glutathione is involved in many metabolic processes – the chemical processes required to turn food into energy – most notably, the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). This molecule is the main form of energy for the body’s cells and it fuels a wide range of other cellular processes. Although it doesn’t directly give you energy, when you have enough ATP, it helps the cells produce energy which can contribute in part to how energetic you feel.
Low glutathione levels are associated with a higher risk of other health conditions
Low glutathione levels have been associated with many chronic inflammatory diseases (metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and even neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Indeed, research by Perricone et al. 2009, showed that chronically ill patients with inflammatory illnesses such as autoimmune diseases were severely lacking in glutathione.
Research also suggests that low glutathione levels are a risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease (Matuz-Mares et al., 2021).
Symptoms associated with low glutathione
People with low glutathione levels may report brain fog, changes to the skin, trouble sleeping, feeling tired, and even a lack of coordination. If you have concerns about your glutathione levels, it is a good idea to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
What depletes glutathione levels?
Unfortunately, the body’s production of glutathione decreases as we get older. In addition to this, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to a faster decline in glutathione levels. These include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Chronic stress
- Poor diet and nutrient intake
- Poor sleep
- Being exposed to high levels of environmental toxins such as pesticides on foods, microplastics, recirculated air, and pollution
- Being exposed to a high level of lifestyle-related toxins such as alcohol and tobacco
Is a glutathione IV drip worth it?
This very much all depends on your own individual situation and what you want to achieve. If you have any concerns about whether glutathione IV drip is a good option for you, we suggest speaking with the healthcare professional at your chosen IV drip clinic for their advice. They will not only consider your goals, but also your medical history and your lifestyle to ascertain the best way to achieve the desired effects. If required they may even recommend laboratory testing to get a good understanding of your current levels
In conclusion
Glutathione IV drips offer promising potential benefits, from improved skin appearance and enhanced detoxification to better cognitive function and immune support. Continued research is needed, but early insights suggest the important role this master antioxidant plays in our overall health.
That being said, as mentioned at the start of this article, the key to safely making the most of glutathione lies in making informed, responsible choices. While glutathione IV therapy may be beneficial for many individuals, it should always be administered in a regulated medical setting under qualified supervision. The convenience and lower costs offered by unregulated beauty salons just cannot justify the serious health risks involved.
Before considering glutathione IV therapy, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional. They’ll be able to determine whether this treatment can help you achieve your health goals in a safe manner. Remember, when it comes to any medical treatment, your safety should always be the top priority. Peace of mind is worth far more than any potential cost savings.
