Glutathione and Its Whitening Effects

Glutathione has been making a buzz lately in terms of skin whitening. Different brands have been coming out, convincing consumers that their glutathione is more effective than the rest. Even celebrities swear by this product. So, what really is Glutathione and how does it help in skin whitening?

GLUTATHIONE

Glutathione is a protein consisting of three amino acids namedly cysteine, glutamic acid (glutamate) and glycine. It is known as the body's master anti-oxidant since it is found to be effective in preserving good health and achieving longer life. Exposing to toxins will lessen your body's supply of glutathione. Without the protection of glutathione acting as an anti-oxidant, the cells will die at a faster rate, leading to aging and toxin-induced diseases (e.g. carcinoma). This makes glutathione dfferent from any other skin whitening pills. It does not only whiten the skin but it also has anti-oxidant and healing effects.

Glutathione is found to detoxify the liver of toxins, heavy metals and alcohol. It is primarily formulated as an anti-oxidant and anti-aging. Dematologists usually recommend this since its other major "side-effect" is the whitening of the skin especially when taken with Vitamin C.

HOW DOES IT WHITENS THE SKIN?

Taking L-Glutathione in high dose inhibits tyrosinase activity. This inhibition of the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase will reverse melanin's metabolism turning dark pigmentations (eumelanin) into light pigmentations (phaeomelanin).


WHAT ARE THE OTHER BENEFITS IN TAKING GLUTATHIONE?

• improves immune system
• lessens the chances of having heart diseases, premature aging and chronic illness
• increases sperm count for males
• prevents cancer
• helps the liver in detoxifying our body
• protects our body from free radicals and reactive Oxygen molecules
• improves immune system

SIDE EFFECTS

Generally considered to be free of side effects even with prolonged use. However, the only discovered side effect especially when taken in increased doses is skin whitening. This is not a herbal supplement.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None known. However, during chemotherapy and radiation, antioxidants are contraindicated because of their inhibition of the free radical formation which is part of the therapeutic process.

TOXICITY

So far, no toxicities have been reported.

GLUTATHIONE AND SKIN WHITENING

Glutathione's recommended dosage as a skin whitening capsule should be between 20-40 mg/kg of body weight divided into 2 doses each day.

Duration of intake varies depending on your skin color:

• medium brown: ~1-3 months
• dark brown skin: ~3-6 months
• very dark skin: ~6-12 months
• black skin: at least 2 years

It's efficacy in skin whitening is improved when it is taken with Vitamin C, 2-3 times more than the dose of L glutathione.

WARNING! Not all L-glutathione preparations in the market are safe and genuine.


There are L-glutathione preparations in the market that are found to be not safe and effective. The following components are harmful and may cause advers side effects in the body when combined with L-glutathione in pills. Avoid taking L-glutathione preparations with the following ingredients:

• Goat/ Sheep placenta extract - this should not be taken orally. Usual complaints are gaining weight and pimples.

• Vitamin A and E of high dosage- these may lead to hypervitaminosis, or may cause toxicity with prolonged use. They are fat-soluble vitamins thus an excess of these will not be excreted and just simply be retained in the liver.

• Tyrostat (L Tyrosine)- meant for topical consumption and not to be taken orally. Some users complained that their hair turned white and tenderness of the breasts.