A Doctor of Science Identified One of the Most Important Antioxidants That Slows Aging
With the rapidly advancing biotechnology sciences, it seems that surpassing time has become an achievable task.
Glutathione, an antioxidant globally renowned but just beginning to gain recognition in Lithuania, is a laboratory breakthrough in the fight against aging.
Dr. Diana Barragan-Ferrer, Associate Professor at the Department of Cosmetology in the Medical Faculty of Kaunas College and a Doctor of Science in Chemical Engineering, explains how it works and how to use it properly.
Just Gaining Recognition Among Lithuanian Consumers
According to D. Barragan-Ferrer, the glutathione supplement industry is highly developed in Japan, South Korea, and the United States, but in Lithuania, it is just beginning to gain recognition among consumers.
“In Lithuania, manufacturers do not produce glutathione as a dietary supplement, so society’s awareness of the properties and effects of this antioxidant is still insufficient. It is not as well-known as, for example, collagen, which is very familiar to us,” notes the associate professor.
Introducing this antioxidant, known worldwide for its beauty and youth-promoting properties, into the market is worthwhile. On a global scale, it is highly valued for its strong effects on improving skin condition, strengthening the immune system, and even detoxification. Additionally, glutathione is one of the most effective protective nutrients used by cells and tissues throughout the body.
What Is Glutathione?
Glutathione is naturally produced by our bodies to protect cells from oxidative damage and works by eliminating free radicals that damage cells and cause chronic diseases. It also strengthens the immune system, helps the body fight diseases and infections, neutralizes and eliminates toxins, and can protect against neurological diseases.
“Doctors may recommend additional glutathione supplementation when the immune system is weakened, in cases of liver damage such as hepatitis, or for neurodegenerative disorders to improve neurological function. Glutathione may also be prescribed after chemotherapy to reduce side effects and protect the body from oxidative stress. Dermatologists may recommend it for skin pigmentation correction,” says D. Barragan-Ferrer, listing the wide spectrum of the antioxidant’s effects.
From Creams to Vitamin Cocktails
As the doctor of science explains, the use of glutathione has become very popular due to its positive results in reducing pigmentation and giving the skin a glow. For this reason, it is highly favored by cosmetic product manufacturers.
It can be found as an ingredient in creams and serums designed to correct fine wrinkles and even out skin tone. In aesthetic medicine, glutathione is also used in mesotherapy for more intensive pigmentation correction.
Due to its strong antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system, glutathione is widely used in the production of dietary supplements and medicines.
“Currently in Lithuania, vitamin cocktails with glutathione are becoming popular. These are intended to help the body recover after stress or illnesses, increase energy levels, or even improve skin condition. Glutathione injections and intravenous infusions are popular medical procedures, especially when a quick and effective antioxidant effect is needed, or when the immune system is weakened,” explains the expert.
Although glutathione injections and infusions can benefit many people, the specialist warns that they are not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before starting this treatment, especially if you have specific health disorders.
“People with autoimmune or certain chronic diseases, allergies to glutathione or other substances in the injectable solutions should avoid these injections. Most specialists recommend avoiding intravenous glutathione during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also advisable to perform blood tests to determine glutathione levels before and after using these intravenous infusions,” recommends the specialist.
Intravenous glutathione can provide the fastest effect.
Choosing the Right Form of Glutathione
Choosing the appropriate form of glutathione supplements is also important. It can be available in capsule, powder, or liquid form. The specialist states that liquid or powder forms are better absorbed than tablets. Intravenous glutathione, bypassing the digestive system, is effective and quickly absorbed, providing a rapid effect.
Another task in achieving positive results is determining the right dose of supplements.
“Excessive amounts of glutathione can cause unwanted side effects, while insufficient amounts may not provide the desired effect. Therefore, it is recommended to perform blood tests and measure its levels in the body before and after use. This will allow an accurate assessment of whether the glutathione product effectively increases its level in the body. Once you start using it, it’s important to monitor your body’s reactions: headaches, nausea, or allergic reactions may be signs of side effects, and its use should be discontinued,” advises the expert.
Quality Confirmed by Clinical Studies
D. Barragan-Ferrer recommends choosing glutathione products only from reliable manufacturers whose products are tested by independent laboratories, meet quality standards, and are produced following GMP. Clinical studies proving the efficacy of the products signify the manufacturer’s investment in quality and safety.
It is also essential to pay attention to the bioavailability of glutathione.
“Liposomal glutathione is well absorbed in the body, while S-acetyl glutathione, a modified form, is protected from breakdown in the digestive tract and more easily absorbed. It is also important to pay attention to the product’s composition and the purity of the glutathione it contains. Choose products that are GMO-free, gluten-free, allergen-free, and free from unnecessary additives,” suggests the chemical engineering doctor on how to navigate the market.
Natural Production Decreases with Age
The body begins to produce less glutathione starting at age 40, and production decreases even more rapidly after age 60. Glutathione levels in the body can also decrease during physical stress or illnesses. Its production is influenced by excessive consumption of alcohol, tobacco products, or medications, as well as environmental factors such as high sun exposure, pollution, diseases like Type 2 diabetes, inflammation, infections, and liver diseases.
Scientific studies in 2023 by Kivanç Birsoy and his team from Rockefeller University revealed that glutathione is crucial for protecting mitochondria from oxidative stress. This research emphasized glutathione’s role in maintaining cellular energy balance and protecting against damage that could lead to various diseases.
Lee DH and Jacobs DR Jr.’s studies show that glutathione plays a key role in detoxification processes, particularly in protecting the liver from harmful substances like pesticides and heavy metals. It neutralizes toxins and promotes their elimination from the body.
Research by Saurabh Kalamkar and his colleagues on antioxidant protection for patients with diabetes found that glutathione reduced DNA damage in Type 2 diabetes patients.
Clinical trials by Dr. David Perlmutter investigated the effects of glutathione on Parkinson’s disease symptoms, particularly motor functions. One of the key findings was that intravenous glutathione injections could improve motor symptoms and slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.