Are Glutathione Injections A Fad?

In the opening episode of Made In Heaven 2, we meet Sarina, an architect (played by Zayn Marie Khan) preparing for her wedding to her London-based fiancé Aman. A few minutes into the episode, Aman's parents seem to have a colonial hangover including an unhealthy obsession with fair skin. They pass not-so-subtle remarks on Sarina's wheatish complexion and bluntly have a say in the choice of bridal outfit especially the colour so that it complements her skin tone.

The episode further highlighted the dangers of getting skin-lightening treatments at salons that may not have trained clinical dermatologists to administer the right dosage. Sarina later breaks out into rashes and hives after a botched-up treatment at one such beauty clinic because of an excess dosage of glutathione. With many young girls obsessed with a fairer complexion in an appearance-conscious world, what do we need to know about this treatment?

Are Glutathione Injections A Fad?

The use of glutathione injections as a means to increase glutathione levels in the body has gained popularity in recent years, particularly for purposes such as skin lightening or as an antioxidant therapy. However, it's important to note that the safety, efficacy, and long-term effects of glutathione injections are still subjects of debate and ongoing research.

In an interview with Gytree, Dr Jaishree Sharad explained how dangerous glutathione injection can be if overdosed, "Glutathione is a very potent antioxidant. It is actually very good when taken in normal doses. Anything in excess is going to have certain side effects. People are overdosing with 5000 milligrams and 10000 milligrams and taking it every week, just to become fair because glutathione reduces melanin content in the body. It is appalling because we don't know if 10 ten years from now it's going to have an effect on the kidneys as there are certain studies which do say, that it can cause renal failure if you overdose."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ask Gytree (@askgytree)

Here are some key points to consider

Limited scientific evidence: The scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of glutathione injections is currently limited. Many of the claims surrounding the benefits of these injections are based on anecdotal reports and testimonials rather than rigorous scientific studies.

Absorption and bioavailability: Glutathione is a peptide molecule that is broken down in the digestive system when taken orally. This makes it challenging for oral supplementation to significantly increase blood or tissue levels of glutathione. The rationale behind glutathione injections is to bypass the digestive system and deliver it directly into the bloodstream. However, the extent of absorption and the persistence of increased glutathione levels due to injections are still under investigation.

Potential risks and side effects: While glutathione injections are generally considered safe when administered by a healthcare professional, there are potential risks and side effects associated with their use. These may include allergic reactions, skin rashes, gastrointestinal disturbances, kidney damage, and disruption of natural glutathione production.

Ethical concerns: In some cases, glutathione injections have been used for off-label purposes, such as skin lightening. This has raised ethical concerns regarding the promotion of certain beauty standards and potential health risks associated with such practices.

Health conditions and individual circumstances: It's essential to consider individual health conditions and consult with a healthcare professional before considering any form of glutathione supplementation. Certain medical conditions, such as asthma and certain types of cancers, may be negatively affected by high levels of glutathione.

Ultimately, more research is needed to fully understand the effects, safety, and long-term consequences of glutathione injections. If you are considering glutathione supplementation, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs and circumstances.

Articles are based on internet sources and should be used for widening knowledge. The platform does not prescribe anything written or suggested by the article. Please log in to Gytree.com and book an expert for specific health issues.

Suggested reading: Women Lack Protein: Science-Backed Facts Call To Prioritise Intake