Introduction

Skin Lightening has a controversial background, ideas equating skin lightness with desirability, beauty and even class. The marketing of skin lightening products is wide spread, as is their use worldwide. This is a billion dollar industry once with a lot of critics.

As a health professional I see my role as encouraging & supporting patients autonomy & decision making by providing credible, unbiased evidence based scientific information to support treatment decision. Our roles are built on a common foundation: Science.

Glutathione – formed from the amino acids, cysteine, glutamate & glucine.

Why is Glutathione critical for health?

–          Herbert T Nagasawa, Ph.D.

Executive research scientist research shows –

Glutathione molecule –

1)      The most important antioxidants that is naturally synthesized in the body so called as “the superhero of antioxidants” mother of all antioxidants.

2)      The only antioxidant that recycles itself.

3)      Maintains cellular redox homeostesis.

4)      Maintains oxidational level of cells.

5)      Reduces hemoglobin, enabling it to accept oxygen & carry it to the cells.

6)      Protects against oxidative stress of the immune system.

7)      Allows newly formed immune cells to proliferate to attract germs & viruses.

8)      Is the master of sequestering free radicals.

9)      Is important to protect the nucleus of the cell & the DNA of the cell.

10)  Most important in protecting the mitochondrial DNA of the cell.

11)  Important in protein biosynthesis process.

12)   Transports amino acids into the cell where protein biosynthesis tates place.

13)  First line of protection against environmental chemicals of toxins.

Function

Glutathione is primarily responsible for reducing the level of cystine on the surface of proteins & helps protect your body from free radical damage. Glutathione also helps synthesize & repair DNA. It helps in recycling of vit C & E. impairs platinum build up in purging your body of toxic compounds such as heavy metals by helping your body detoxify. It helps reduce your risk of developing cancer, slows body’s aging process.

The evidence

Glutathione is an oxidant that is naturally synthesized in the body. Glutathione seems to be darling of alternative medicine industry so called as the superhero of antioxidants, mother of all antioxidants. There have been preliminary studies of its molecule for a number of uses such as Parkinson disease along with chemotherapy to reduced cancer therapy side effects etc.

When it comes to skin whitening Glutathione may have anti-melanogenic effect there have been some studies conducted on oral & topical lotion. The trails have been small but generally positive.

I could located no published evidence that demonstrates that I.V. Glutathione is an effective skin lightening agent. I could locate no clinical traits that have studied the injection or established its efficacy.

Safety

Its supported Glutathione injection are not only safe they are beneficial for your health. Glutathione helps eliminate toxins from the body, supports the central nervous system. Aids in-fertility & supports a healthy & strong immune system.

Are there negative long term effects? There are no known side effects or interaction with I.V. administration of Glutathione

What are the side effects? No known side effects with respect to the skin brightening I.V.

Looked to the medical literature for safety studies and statement. There is very little published safety information on iv Glutathione. The natural medicines comprehensive database says the tablets & injections are “possibly safe”.

There are some clinical traits of i.v. Glutathione published for other purposes and no serious safety signals have been identified.

The most authoritative safety statement seems to be from the “Phillipines food & drug administration” which notes: the alarming increase in the unapproved use of Glutathione administered i.v. as a skin whitening agent at very high doses is unsafe & may result in serious consequences to the health users. There is inadequate safety documentation on the use of high doses of Glutathione administered at 600mg to 1.2 gms. Once weekly or even up to twice likely. The only approved indication of iv Glutathione is as an adjunctive treatment of reduce neurotoxicity associated with cisplatin chemotherapy.

Adverse drug reaction resulting from the use of iv Glutathione for skin whitening have been reported and includes the following –

1)      Adverse drug reaction ranging from skin rashes to the serious sys & TEN

2)      Derangements in thyroid function

3)      Suspected kidney dysfunction potential resulting in kidney failure.

4)      Severe abdominal pain in a patient receiving twice daily IV regimen.

5)      Incorrect techniques by untrained persons can result in following –

Introduction of harmful micro – organism that can result in serious infection including potential fetel sepsis.

Counterfeiting of glutathione has been reported & may lead to infections.

Conclusion

There is very little evidence that establishes either the safety or efficacy of glutathione injection for skin lightening based on the limited information that exists, glutathione’s effects on skin tone are plausible but haven’t been well established the same can be said for safety.

There’s a lack of good safety information when used for this purpose and same international reports of serious harms given this product appears to be prepared by naturopaths directly. Ensuring the final product as sterile of high quality is essential but may be difficult for consumers to confirm. Given the nuclear benefits, risks of harm and the overall lack of medical need in going to recommend consumers think carefully before undertaking skin lightening with glutathione injections.