Why can supplementing with glutathione cause anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and other related symptoms?Updated 3 months ago

Side effects may occur from glutathione supplementation for numerous reasons. 

Glutathione is reusable by your body because it can be recycled. This recycling process requires the GPX and GSR enzymes. Glutathione recycling produces sulfite as a byproduct which is converted into less problematic sulfate by the SUOX enzyme. If you have a SNP, or mutation, on any of these enzymes, your body may have difficulty recycling glutathione and breaking down its byproducts. 

If you have nutrient deficiencies, you may also experience side effects. Key nutrients that are used by the previously mentioned enzymes include riboflavin (vitamin B2), selenium, and molybdenum. 

If you are experiencing these side effects, it is also possible that you are simply taking too much glutathione. Anytime you increase your glutathione stores, the demand for enzymes and nutrients that recycle and use it also increases. This can lead to deficiencies, and side effects, you did not have prior to supplementation.

We are not medical professionals and do not know your unique genetics or medical history, so we cannot advise as to why you may experience these side effects. If you believe that you are experiencing any adverse reactions, please see your healthcare professional immediately. We always recommend that you consult with your healthcare professional prior to considering the use of methylfolate or any supplement.