Glutathione Injection NZ: Unlocking the Power of Cellular Detoxification and Skin Brightening
What is glutathione?
Glutathione is an incredibly important molecule in our bodies. Its main purpose is to protect us against harmful oxidative stress. Oxidative stress happens when our bodies form free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. Because it is so important, most cells in the human body contain ten times more glutathione than Vitamin C.
On top of that, glutathione can also whiten our skin. This is because it can inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment that is responsible for the colour of our skin. The actual glutathione molecule consists of a chain of amino acids; it is not a vitamin, and our body can make it.
How do glutathione injections work for skin whitening in NZ?
When it comes to skin whitening, glutathione injections have some potential benefits. Please remember that, so far, the scientific evidence is only limited and not conclusive. But we do know that glutathione is an antioxidant and has the ability to reduce the amount of melanin we have in our skin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for our skin colour.
Here’s how we think glutathione works for skin whitening:
- Antioxidant activity: Glutathione acts as an antioxidant in the body. This means it helps neutralize free radicals and prevents oxidative damage to cells. As a result, it may help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
- Inhibition of melanin synthesis: Glutathione can likely inhibit the activity of tyrosinase. This is an enzyme involved in the production of melanin. Melanin determines the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes. Glutathione may reduce melanin production in our skin. It does that by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme. This results in a lighter skin tone.
How much glutathione can you inject?
This is still controversial and experimental. In most studies on how glutathione injections work for cancer, people receive between 3 to 4 grams of glutathione twice weekly. But very high doses may not be more beneficial. This is because glutathione has to be transported into the cell by a receptor. Once these receptors are fully occupied, the cells will not take more glutathione on board.
For skin whitening, most healthcare professionals will administer between 500 mg to 1 g once or twice per week over 6 to 12 weeks.
Why are some doctors so reluctant to give intravenous glutathione for skin whitening?
The main reason is the lack of scientific evidence at this current stage. Intravenous glutathione for skin whitening is considered an off-label use, meaning it is not an approved or established medical treatment. While glutathione is an essential antioxidant in the body and has various functions, its effectiveness in skin whitening is still under debate. No robust scientific evidence supports its efficacy and safety for this specific use.
Let’s Look at one main study investigating intravenous glutathione for skin whitening.
So far, there is one significant study out there. In this study, doctors gave intravenous glutathione to women and checked how they tolerated it and if it whitened their skin. Unfortunately, it showed significant problems with intravenous glutathione. BUT! If we look closer at this study, it had quite a few flaws.
What was the study about
The study was done in India in 2018. All women in this study had dark skin and wanted to lighten their skin tone. They were given 12 injections of glutathione. The study showed that 37.5% of the women noticed skin brightening after they had completed 12 infusions over six weeks. But there is one very unusual aspect of this study. For some reason, many of these women had severe side effects during their treatment. Several women developed liver function problems, and one had a severe allergic reaction. This makes us wonder if there was a problem with the product given to these poor women or if there was a problem with how the drug was given.
Why did so many women have reactions to the glutathione injections?
So let’s look at what product they used in this study. The doctors used a product called GSH Detox Forte®. This product does not contain glutathione only. Instead, it also contains other ingredients, such as hydrolysed collagen, Vitamin C and distilled water. Many other studies out there use glutathione for the treatment of other medical conditions. None of these reported the same side effects.
On top of that, we do not know how this product was manufactured. If manufacturers do not follow strict safety and hygiene standards, problems can occur.
They used 5 ml of this product and only diluted it with another 5 ml of water. This means that a very highly concentrated solution was injected into the bloodstream. This can easily cause side effects such as nausea and dizziness.
Did the women have whiter skin?
Yes, 37.5% of the women had whiter skin. But it is essential to note that the skin became darker over the next six months.
In summary
A lot of the bad reputation of intravenous glutathione is based on this study. But we can see that the study was flawed. This is likely because the product used for the injections was flawed.
What for have glutathione injections been approved?
Glutathione injections have been approved in India to treat certain liver conditions. On top of that, it was approved in the Philippines for cancer patients with side effects from chemotherapy.
At the same time, it is essential to note that the FDA in the Philippines issued a warning against the use of intravenous glutathione for skin whitening.
Are glutathione injections approved in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, glutathione injections are not Medsafe-approved. This means that when you get glutathione injections in NZ, the doctor or nurse will have to notify the Ministry of Health that it was given. The New Zealand government regulates this under the law of Section 29.
How can I make sure I get safe glutathione injections in NZ?
In New Zealand, all medications and their distribution are quite strictly regulated. Most clinics require relatively high safety and hygiene standards to be open. But here are a few recommendations on how you can make sure that you are safe:
Make sure the preparation you get is safe.
In Australia, seven people became quite sick after they received a glutathione injection. This happened because the glutathione product was compounded in a pharmacy and not produced to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. These are rigorous standards the World Health Organization (WHO) sets. There are no such cases in New Zealand.
Additionally, by ordering products according to GMP standards, doctors or nurses ensure that the glutathione administered is of the highest quality and meets stringent manufacturing guidelines. GMP standards include raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, quality control, and product testing. Adhering to these standards ensures that the glutathione used in infusions is pure, potent, and free from contaminants.
We recommend you check with your chosen clinic to see if they provide infusions based on GMP standards.
Get Your Infusion By A Trained Professional
It is essential to seek the expertise of a qualified health professional when considering a glutathione infusion for several reasons. First and foremost, these professionals possess the necessary knowledge and experience to assess your specific health needs and determine the appropriate dosage and treatment plan. Glutathione infusions should not be approached as a one-size-fits-all solution, as each person’s requirements may differ.
Furthermore, when you receive a glutathione infusion from a qualified health professional, you can be monitored and supervised during the treatment. These professionals are trained to assess potential side effects or adverse reactions. As a result, they can adjust the treatment accordingly to ensure optimal results and patient safety.
Can you mix glutathione injections with other nutrients in NZ?
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of intravenous infusions as a means to enhance overall health and well-being. One particular combination that has gained popularity is the mixture of glutathione, vitamin C, and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). All of them are powerful antioxidants, and you can give them together as an infusion.
Glutathione
Glutathione, often called the “master antioxidant,” is a natural substance in the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular health and also combats oxidative stress.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant and boosts the immune system. On top of that, it brightens the skin.
ALA
At the same time, ALA is a powerful antioxidant that can help regenerate other antioxidants in the body.
These three ingredients may offer a synergistic effect. This could maximize their benefits and provide a more comprehensive approach to wellness.
Which people do not have enough glutathione?
Generally speaking, any form of inflammation can cause glutathione levels to drop. Here are a few examples:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition that causes high fatigue and widespread pain. People with CFS often have low glutathione levels. Research suggests low glutathione levels may cause impaired cellular function and compromised energy metabolism. This can lead to the persistent fatigue that many people with CFS have.
Fibromyalgia
Similarly, individuals living with Fibromyalgia may also experience lowered glutathione levels. People with fibromyalgia have chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Studies indicate that oxidative stress can make the symptoms of fibromyalgia worse. The depletion of glutathione may further worsen symptoms and contribute to oxidative damage.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease affects movement and cognitive function. Emerging evidence suggests that glutathione is crucial in protecting neurons from oxidative damage. As a result, this helps to maintain cellular health in the brain. People with Parkinson’s disease often have reduced glutathione levels. This potentially makes them more susceptible to oxidative stress and nerve damage.
AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS weakens the immune system. On top of that, it also increases oxidative stress in the body. Often, individuals with HIV/AIDS often have reduced glutathione levels. This may contribute to the progression of the disease, impaired immune response, and heightened susceptibility to secondary infections.
Other medical conditions that can cause glutathione depletion are Cystic Fibrosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and exposure to toxins.
What other skin whitening treatments are available in NZ?
Yes, there are other skin whitening treatments available apart from glutathione injections. And if you are interested in glutathione, you may want to consider oral supplements that boost your glutathione production, such as NRF 2 Activator.
Oral Glutathione:
Glutathione as a tablet can also help whiten your skin. A few scientific studies looked into that and noticed that glutathione could whiten the skin. Please make sure that you purchase high-quality supplements from a trusted provider.
Oral Glutathione Activator NRF2:
This is a supplement that stimulates your genes to produce more glutathione.
Creams and Lotions:
Some various over-the-counter creams and lotions claim to lighten the skin tone. These products usually contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, alpha-arbutin, or vitamin C. These ingredients can inhibit melanin production (the pigment responsible for your skin colour) and promote skin lightening. It’s important to note that not all of these skin-whitening creams are effective. Please make sure that you buy products from reputable brands such as Mesoestetic.
Chemical Peels:
Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin. This removes dead skin cells on top of your skin. As a result, it can help improve skin texture and tone, including lightening dark spots or hyperpigmentation. Some chemical peels specifically target skin lightening. One of these peels is one of the most popular treatments for pigmentation because it is safe for darker skin tones. It is called the cosmelan mask.
Glutathione Injections in NZ, in summary
Based on all the scientific evidence, we can quite confidently say that glutathione infusions work for skin whitening. Still, the result may only last a few months, especially if you do not maintain the treatment result well. You must use regular and meticulous sun protection and oral glutathione supplements.
According to New Zealand guidelines, glutathione infusions rarely cause severe side effects if you get them in a clinic with high safety and hygiene standards.
The treatment is still experimental and extensive studies are lacking. Due to that, you must make a very well-informed decision and choose your clinic wisely before you embark on any treatment.
Dermatol Res Pract. 2020; 2020:. I. B. S. Sitohang
1 and S. Ninditya 2Systemic Glutathione as a Skin-Whitening Agent in Adults.
Epidemiol Infect. 2018 May; 146(7): 931–934. T. Johnstone,1 E. Quinn,1 S. Tobin,2 R. Davis,3 Z. Najjar,1 B. Battye,4 and L. Gupta1 Seven cases of probable endotoxin poisoning related to contaminated glutathione infusions.
