Is Glutathione Safe During Pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant and looking at a supplement label wondering is glutathione safe during pregnancy, you’re smart for this. 

Glutathione gets praise for detox support and skin-brightening, but you must raise the bar on safety during pregnancy and take a measured look before adding it to your prenatal routine. 

But with all the mixed information online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even a bit anxious about making the right call.

Therefore, today I’ll discuss a big question: is I-glutathione safe during pregnancy or not. If you want to use only the right supplements while growing a life inside you, keep reading! 

What is Glutathione and Why Do People Take It?

Glutathione is a protein that is made inside every cell in your body. It is made from three amino acids (glutamine, cysteine, and glycine) and works as an antioxidant. Glutathione neutralizes free radicals, helps the liver break down toxins, and keeps other vitamins (like C and E) working longer. But because our bodies constantly use it up, some people consider supplements or IV infusions to bump up their levels.

Here are some reasons people take glutathione:

• It gives the cells extra help for the liver when dealing with pollutants or medication.
• Lowers everyday oxidative stress that can age cells faster.
• Many users report a brighter, more even complexion with glutathione.
• It’s said to have the potential to protect cells and support energy as we get older.

Is Glutathione Safe During Pregnancy?

Since glutathione is natural, some people assume more is always better and wonder if glutathione and pregnancy go along. However, no large, well-controlled trials have tracked supplemental glutathione in pregnant women so far to prove if it is safe or not. 

Most data come from small case reports or lab studies, which do not prove long-term safety for the fetus. Also, IV doses used for skin lightening are even more unknown because they reach high blood levels fast. So if your concern is can a pregnant woman take glutathione injection, know that it’s better to avoid them during pregnancy.

Notably, most obstetricians stick to proven prenatal vitamins and skip optional antioxidants to control medicinal exposure. But if a patient has a specific condition like preeclampsia risk or chronic liver disease, some doctors consider N-acetylcysteine (a glutathione booster) under close watch. Still, routine use just for skin or detox rarely gets a green light when you’re pregnant. 

Can Glutathione Help With Pregnancy-Related Pigmentation Like Melasma?

Melasma, which we also call the pregnancy mask, shows up as brown or gray patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. It happens because of the hormone shifts that come with pregnancy. But sun exposure, heat, and even genetics can make it worse.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that reduces the activity of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin production, i.e., the pigment that darkens skin. In theory this means that it can slow down or reduce the excess pigmentation causing those stubborn patches.

However, just like the safety levels of glutathione during pregnancy, there is not enough research on whether it impacts melasma in pregnant women. Small studies on non-pregnant people have shown that both oral and IV glutathione can give you lighter skin over a few weeks, but these trials are not conclusive. So you better not experiment when you’re expecting. 

Are there any Foods that Naturally Boost Glutathione Levels?

If you want the impressive benefits of glutathione without possibly risking your and the baby’s health, I have good news. You can boost glutathione (antioxidant properties, to be specific) in your body with multiple foods. 

For example, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage have sulfur compounds that feed cysteine, which is a key amino acid the body turns into glutathione. Similarly, high-quality protein foods like eggs, chicken, yogurt, and lentils give you three amino acids, cysteine, glutamine, and glycine that build glutathione from scratch. 

Should You Stop Taking Glutathione if You Find Out You’re Pregnant?

Yes, it’s a good idea to stop taking glutathione if you find out you’re pregnant, as there are no well-controlled studies on glutathione supplements in pregnant women. Moreover, supplements aren’t as tightly regulated as medicines, so the glutathione doses you use can vary, and some products may contain unwanted additives or contaminants. That’s the reason most doctors prefer a cautious approach because if a supplement isn’t proven necessary during pregnancy, it’s usually better to pause it until after delivery.

Is Glutathione Safe to Use in Creams and Lotions During Pregnancy?

Glutathione in skin creams and lotions is generally safe during pregnancy as topical products work on the surface and have minimal absorption into the bloodstream. It means that there is no possible risk for the baby and topical glutathione products are a better choice for moms looking to manage melasma or dull skin during pregnancy.

Prioritize Safety for You and Baby

Growing a baby already asks a lot of your body, so don’t hand it extra unknowns and stress with questions like ‘can I take glutathione during pregnancy’. Glutathione promises nice things, but the science just isn’t there yet for pregnancy or nursing. You should stick with proven prenatal vitamins, colorful whole foods, plenty of water, and SPF that really works. If a new product tempts you, run the label past your OB first and wait for a thumbs-up before trying it. 

Suggested Reads:

• Pregnancy Capsule Wardrobe Pieces
• How to Turn Prodromal Labor Into Real Labor
• 9 Weird Signs Labor is Near

FAQs

Disclaimer:

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information shared here is based on general research and personal experience and is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with your doctor, OB-GYN, or a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, especially during pregnancy.