Many years ago, Actor and Parkinson’s patient, Micheal J. Fox, opened up The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research in hopes to find a cure for disease.
One of the many articles of their investigations focused on the connection between glutathione and patients with Parkinson’s disease. Turns out, glutathione levels are lower in the brain (something we already know from past studies), and this level of glutathione reduction has been associated with the severity of Parkinson's disease. The lower the glutathione level is, the more advanced the disease. The article continues to report that an investigation conducted on intranasal glutathione demonstrated that it is safe, well-tolerated and increases glutathione levels in the brain.
Glutathione supplementation has been studied and is currently being studied to determine if it could provide symptomatic benefit to people with Parkinson's. With respect to the different forms or presentations of glutathione, the article states that glutathione can be taken through several routes: oral, intravenous (IV) and intranasal (through the nose). Each method has advantages and limitations.
Although a pill would be ideal, oral glutathione is not absorbed well in the digestive system and does not reach the brain very well.
Intravenous administration prevents these absorption problems but raises blood glutathione levels. A clinical trial reported in 1996 studied nine subjects with Parkinson's which knew that they had been given glutathione intravenously. The motor symptoms of the participants improved, but this benefit lasted two or four months after the suspension of glutathione. A second study, published in 2009, was a randomized controlled trial of 20 people with Parkinson's disease: half received placebo and the other half received glutathione intravenously. The therapy proved to be safe, well-tolerated and possibly beneficial for symptoms.
There are also other ways to administer glutathione (intranasally) that are less invasive and may be more effective.
What is the current status of glutathione?
Well, since glutathione is classified as a supplement, it does not require the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration. UU. (FDA)
Many brands offer oral glutathione, although it is not very effective. Some intranasal sprays are also sold (formulas different from those used in the studies). And although there is no official dosing obligation and insurance often does not cover the cost of glutathione, many doctors and clinics administer it intravenously.
The article ends by recommending discussing all therapies with a doctor before taking them. Consider the pros and cons, and always verify the background and credentials of the doctor and pharmacy that provides the therapy.
Remember, any treatment, whether it is a supplement, over-the-counter medication or even if it is described as "completely natural," can cause side effects and could interact with prescription medications.
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Always remember to take about 300-500 mg of glutathione daily, preferably in liquid form for the best absorption for cellular health.
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