by Crystal A. Frost, PhD

Sign the STOP THE BOP petition.

Glutathione (GSH) is the body’s master antioxidant, produced primarily in our liver. It’s our greatest defender against oxidative stress, aiding in detoxification and repairing damaged cells.

I’m sure I am preaching to the choir when I state that many Lyme patients (including myself) depend on glutathione therapy.

Besides Lyme disease though, numerous illnesses can cause glutathione depletion, leading to toxic overload, brain inflammation and more. Thankfully it can be replenished!

Yet, the California State Board of Pharmacy (BOP) is trying to restrict access to compounded glutathione and dozens of other treatments, endangering lives.

In this blog, we explain the top three most commonly used forms of glutathione, ten reasons why this vital treatment is worth fighting for, and how you can help us protect access for Californians.

Forms of glutathione

Glutathione comes in various forms. Intravenous, nebulized, topical, and even intranasal glutathione are used by patients and doctors around the world for various conditions. Here are the three most common forms:

1. Intravenous (IV) glutathione: Arguably the most effective, IV glutathione delivers rapid results. This form is vital for people under oxidative stress and depleted of natural GSH stores, whether due to illness (liver disease, Crohn’s, ME/CFS, Lyme, etc.) or toxic exposure (mold, environmental toxins, heavy metals, chemo, etc.)
2. Nebulized (inhalable) glutathione: Used primarily for respiratory issues, such as lung damage in firefighters and asthma/COPD sufferers. It provides direct delivery to the lungs for detox and respiratory support.
3. Liposomal glutathione pills: This form of oral glutathione is encapsulated in fats to protect it from digestion. Bioavailability is still low, but it is useful for long-term management as this form is over-the-counter.

Who benefits from glutathione therapy?

A large number of chronic health conditions and diseases have been linked to depleted glutathione levels, and numerous studies have demonstrated that replenishing glutathione improves these conditions. Here are ten of the top benefits of glutathione. (Scroll to the end for some of the sources and studies we’re talking about.)

Benefit 1: Liver Health & Detoxification

Glutathione plays a leading role in supporting liver health, helping it filter toxins and regenerate after damage. In studies involving patients with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, increasing glutathione levels was shown to reduce fat accumulation and significantly improve liver function.

The liver is the body’s main detox organ, and glutathione is essential for breaking down harmful substances such as heavy metals, pollutants, and even the damage caused by acetaminophen overdoses.

Did you know? Glutathione is produced inside our cells where it’s created from three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. These amino acids are most plentiful in the liver, which is why most glutathione is produced there.

Benefit 2: Immune System Support

Glutathione is vital for maintaining a strong immune system, regulating cytokines and protecting cells from self-damage in autoimmune conditions.

For example, patients with lupus often have glutathione deficiency, and studies have shown that replenishing it significantly reduces their symptoms. Moreover, by protecting immune cells like T-cells, glutathione also boosts their function, reducing the risk of infection.

Did you know? Low glutathione levels are often found in individuals suffering from chronic viral infections like Epstein-Barr.

Benefit 3: Reduces Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Glutathione neutralizes free radicals, preventing cellular damage and inflammation that can lead to these diseases. This is especially important for:

1. People with inflammatory conditions like Lyme disease, ME/CFS, and those recovering from chemotherapy, where oxidative stress levels are particularly high.

2. First responders and other members of the community who are exposed to excessive toxins on the job.

Did you know? Glutathione levels in the body can be depleted by air pollution, which increases the need for antioxidants to neutralize inhaled toxins.

Benefit 4: Insulin Sensitivity

Emerging research shows that even oral glutathione (which has much lower bioavailability than sterile forms) improves insulin sensitivity in people with metabolic disorders. Just three weeks into one study, glutathione supplementation was found to increase insulin sensitivity significantly, suggesting glutathione therapy could help prevent and even help treat diabetes and related conditions.

Did you know? Insulin resistance is one of the leading causes of aging, and improving insulin sensitivity may help slow down the aging process.

Benefit 5: Neurological Protection

Progressive neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s have been repeatedly linked to depleted glutathione levels. Low GSH is also associated with faster progression of symptoms.

Replenishing GSH levels has been shown to protect the brain, slow neurodegeneration, and even repair damage. Intravenous and even intranasal glutathione have both shown promising results in restoring cognitive function in neurodegenerative diseases.

Did you know? Glutathione has been referred to as the brain’s “housekeeper” because it helps clear out toxins that accumulate over time.

Benefit 6: Reduces Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation underlies many illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, vector-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and co-infections, IBD, and lung conditions like asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis.

Glutathione helps control and balance the body’s inflammatory response, instructing immune cells to reduce inflammation once it’s no longer needed. This is especially helpful for people with inflammatory conditions, aiding in quicker recovery from illnesses and injuries.

Did you know? A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis found that COPD patients—whose antioxidant defenses are low—improved with glutathione therapy.

Benefit 7: Skin Health & Cancer Prevention

Pollutants, UV radiation and other environmental factors induce oxidative stress which leads to the breakdown of collagen and, in some cases, lead to skin cancer. Glutathione reduces oxidative stress on skin cells, with a 2014 study in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity noting its photoprotective agent in skin cells, suggesting its importance in skin cancer prevention.

Fun Fact: In Aug 2024, Vogue Magazine touted the many benefits of glutathione, citing celebrities like Kim Kardashian as major proponents of IV glutathione.

Benefit 8: Enhanced Energy Production

Fatigue is a major symptom for patients with chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease or ME/CFS. Glutathione helps protect the mitochondria, the energy-producing components of cells, from oxidative damage, leading to increased energy levels.

Many patients report feeling more energized after glutathione therapy, making it a critical part of treatment for chronic fatigue (ME/CFS) and other energy-related conditions.

Did you know? Glutathione is crucial for maintaining the health of red blood cells, which are essential for oxygen transport and energy production.

Benefit 9: Cardiovascular Protection

Glutathione plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease. It reduces oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system by neutralizing free radicals and supporting healthy blood vessels.

One study found that higher levels of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme dependent on glutathione, were associated with a lower risk of heart attacks. By supporting arterial health, glutathione lowers the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Did you know? Glutathione also helps reduce the oxidation of “bad” LDL cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease.

Benefit 10: Recovery from Surgery and General Anesthesia

Patients recovering from surgery or anesthesia often face high oxidative stress in the brain and the body. Glutathione aids in detoxifying anesthesia, speeding up recovery time, and reducing fatigue and brain fog.

According to renowned Kendal Stewart, MD, increasing glutathione levels pre- and post-surgery can help the body heal faster and reduce these complications.

Did you know? General anesthesia can cause postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) which can look and feel similar to dementia.

Access to glutathione threatened in California

The California State Board of Pharmacy (BOP) has introduced regulations that threaten to severely restrict access to glutathione and other Category 1 sterile compounds like methyl B12 shots, ALA infusions, and NAD+.

In fact, the Board of Pharmacy has been illegally enforcing these regulations before they even exist, which is why many patients have already lost access to custom dosages of these compounds.

These regulations threaten the livelihoods of chronic illness patients, compounding pharmacists, naturopathic doctors, and integrative doctors whose businesses are centered around offering holistic treatment options like these.

Help us fight back!

The movement seeking to fight back is called Stop The BOP. I launched this movement with my fellow Lyme Warriors in mind, knowing that I am not the only patient who would suffer if these regulations are pushed through.

So far, we have made significant progress in alerting the good people on the board of how harmful these regulations really are. But there are still bad actors at the board determined to end our access.

Here are the top three ways you can support this fight:

Sign and share the petition at https://petition.stopthebop.com

Speak up at the board meeting: On Nov 6-7, the Board of Pharmacy will meet once again to vote on this matter. It’s up to us to provide our testimonies at the board meeting to continue to appeal to the empathetic board members. Anyone can join us on Webex or in San Diego to exercise your First Amendment right. (You do not need to live in California.) Update: the next meeting is March 6 in Sacramento. You can speak in person or via Webex.

Visit https://stopthebop.com/actnow for everything you need to participate in the board meeting, including how to request a reasonable accommodation five business days in advance so that you can speak first!

Donate to the movement: Stop the BOP is entirely a volunteer effort that still doesn’t have any funding. 100% of donations will go directly towards this grassroots effort to STOP the board and protect patients.

See also:

Why patients fight to protect access to B12 shots as methylcobalamin

Fighting to save our lifeline of glutathione, B12, and more.

Future of IV glutathione and B-12 shots still unsettled in California

Why compounding pharmacies matter and why you should care

Crystal A. Frost, PhD, is Southern California leader of Stop The BOP. Questions? She can be reached at crystal@stopthebop.com.