Gwyneth Paltrow does that.
In fact, she loves it. “I’m an early IV recruit,” she once said in an interview with a podcast. “Glutathione, I love having IV.”
Paltrow is known for supporting fringes or controversial wellness trends, but this small molecule is actually quite mainstream as people online welcome the benefits of reversing their suspected age.
Glutathione is called the “master antioxidant” and some people are drawn to it because they think it will take away their lifespan. And glutathione is harmless, but people buy it online and inject it themselves at home. This can pose a risk to the health of the consumer.
“It’s sold in a grey market,” said Dr. Peter Cohen, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. “You have to wonder what’s in there. Is it glutatiaone or something else?”
Do you need a break? Play US toDay Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Everything you need to know about glutatcione.
What is glutathione?
Glutathione is a protective antioxidant made up of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine.
They are located throughout the body and are involved in cellular function, Cohen said.
The National Cancer Institute also says it will also serve as an antidote. Research shows that it fights and prevents cell damage caused by the unstable molecules, free radicals.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the accumulation of free radicals called oxidative stress is linked to cancer and diseases affecting the heart, kidneys, brain and respiratory systems.
“Nature’s Ozempic?” This is what experts have to say about berberine supplements.
Several small studies have shown that low levels of glutathione are associated with poor health and tend to decrease with age. This is part of the reason why biohackers and longevity enthusiasts are interested in this small molecule, Cohen said.
Nayan Patel, founder of Aurowellness, a Los Angeles-based supplement company, says most glutathione supplements are available in tablet form and have been administered or administered intravenously by healthcare providers.
However, videos posted on social media show that consumers can purchase glutathione and self-control vials from their homes.
One vial costs over $200.
“If something is sold as injectable…it’s not a legal dietary supplement,” Cohen said.
Are there any health benefits to taking glutatcione?
Glutathione is fighting toxic molecules in the body, but the total amount of scientific evidence does not show that increased levels of glutathione in the body lead to longer lifespans and health outcomes, health experts say Masu.
The study failed to show a positive effect from glutathione because it is difficult for the body to absorb it, Patel said. With oral supplements, the body’s digestive tract is very disrupted and nothing remains that will benefit the body.
Intravenously administered glutathione bypasses the digestive system and allows direct access to the blood flow, but Patel said this method also showed minimal absorption.
“You can put it in your body, but you can’t get it in your cells that it should be expected,” the company researched local solutions that contain glutathione. Patel said, “I’m not going to get any more money.”
“Can I give someone to someone to improve my athletic ability or reduce aging? The answer is no,” Cohen said. “Just because something decreases with age doesn’t mean we can give it back to people, they’re back to health.”
How to make sure you get enough glutathione
Glutathione is not dangerous to the body in itself, but Cohen is interested in people injecting products into their homes without the knowledge of their healthcare providers.
He also fears that unregulated vials of glutathione sold online will be contaminated with bacteria or fungi or contain unpublished ingredients.
The best way to ensure you have enough glutathione is to eat the right foods that promote the production of garlic, broccoli, asparagus, avocados, spinach, among other things.
“Eat healthy, stay away from what your body needs and other toxic exposures,” Patel said. “You don’t need the product just for these two things.”
Adrianna Rodriguez can visit [email protected].