Glutathione Side Effects

Glutathione is a protein that is made up of amino acids. It is essential for the detoxification process of the body. It binds the heavy metals and other toxins in the body and excretes them from urine. It is helpful in protecting the body from various diseases and disorders. There are certain common conditions that are treated with glutathione, like inability to conceive, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cataracts and cancers. It is produced by the human body and is also a dietary supplement. It has many beneficial medicinal values, and is an antioxidant that helps to protect the human body cells from free radicals. The dietary glutathione is found in fresh vegetables and fruits like avocado, walnuts and asparagus.

Importance of Glutathione

Glutathione is an essential component for proper functioning of cells in the human body. It is an antioxidant that is produced by the body itself. It is responsible for the Vitamin C or Vitamin E produced in the human body. A steady and consistent supply of glutathione is necessary to strengthen the immune system, and it is a major detoxification agent of the body. Its deficiency can lead to various diseases and disorders. Some of the health disorders that are caused by its deficiency are diabetes, liver diseases, low sperm count, respiratory diseases and cataracts.

Side Effects of Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant and does not have any severe side effects. However, an overdose of glutathione can have side effects. It is very important that you consult a doctor before you consume its supplements. Especially, pregnant women and breastfeeding women should not consume this supplement without consulting a doctor. Diabetic patients are also advised to consult the physician before taking these pills or injections. Like many other supplements, glutathione must also be checked for allergic reactions on the body. If anyone is allergic to it, he/she must stop the medication at once and confer with the doctor about the allergy that has developed. Some of the side effects are hives, breathing problems, chest pain, tightness in throat and chest, while breathing. Many people taking it for a longer period, suffer from zinc deficiency. However, no severe side effects are observed. It is an essential antioxidant of the human body that acts as a scavenger for the free radicals in the body.

The natural sources are safer than the supplements. There are many other factors that are responsible for the increase in the production of glutathione. The vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining its levels in the body, are vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, folic acid, selenium, magnesium and zinc. Out of these, many are antioxidants and are responsible for utilizing the glutathione in the body properly. Whey protein isolate is responsible for maintaining and increasing its levels in the body. Many researches show that glutathione that is consumed is not utilized by the human body. There are certain pre-cursors that will help utilize it from foods consumed. Two of the precursors are cysteine and glycine. These precursors are present in food items like eggs, walnut, garlic, broccoli, fish and beans.

There are no severe side effects that are observed. It is recommended to consult the doctor before you plan to take any of the glutathione supplements.