- Antioxidant activity
Free radicals may cause aging and certain diseases. Antioxidants help fight free radicals and protect the body from their damaging effects.
Glutathione is a very powerful antioxidant, in part because it is found in high concentrations in every cell in the body.
- Prevent cancer progression
Some studies suggest that glutathione has a role in preventing cancer progression.
However, the same study suggests that glutathione may make tumors insensitive to chemotherapy, a common cancer treatment.
More research is needed to determine the effect of glutathione on cancer.
- Reduce cell damage in liver disease
Hepatitis, alcoholism and fatty liver disease all damage liver cells.
A small clinical trial in 2017 concluded that glutathione can help treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease due to its antioxidant properties and detoxification potential.
Larger studies are needed to confirm the effect, the researchers note.
- Improve insulin sensitivity
Insulin resistance can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. Insulin production causes the body to transfer glucose (sugar) from the blood to cells, where it can be used for energy.
A small 2018 study showed that people with insulin resistance tend to have lower glutathione levels, especially if they experience complications like neuropathy or retinopathy. A 2013 study came to similar conclusions.
- Reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
According to several credible sources of research, there is evidence that maintaining glutathione levels may help alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
These findings seem to support injection of glutathione as a potential treatment, but there is little evidence for oral supplements. Further research is needed to support its use.
- Reduce ulcerative colitis damage
Like other inflammatory diseases, ulcerative colitis is associated with oxidative damage and stress.
A 2003 animal study showed that glutathione supplementation ameliorated some lesions in the colon in rats.
Determining the effect of glutathione on ulcerative colitis requires more studies in humans.
- Treat autism spectrum disorders
There is some evidence that children with autism have lower glutathione levels than children with neuropathy or without autism.
In 2011, researchers found that oral glutathione supplements or injections may reduce some of the effects of autism. However, the team did not specifically study the children’s symptoms to see if there was any improvement, so further research is needed to determine the effect.
