What is glutathione?
Glutathione is a small molecule made up of three amino acids (glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine) that every cell in the body produces naturally. It has a central role in the body's defence against oxidative stress — a process in which free radicals damage cells, and which is linked to ageing and many chronic conditions.
Because of its importance, glutathione is often called the “master antioxidant”, since it not only neutralises free radicals itself but also helps other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, stay active. In addition, it is key to the work of the liver and to the detoxification processes by which the body removes harmful substances.
The level of glutathione in the body declines with age, and with chronic stress, an unhealthy diet, smoking, exposure to pollution and during illness. Intravenous administration is one way to replenish this important molecule for the body, as glutathione is poorly absorbed by mouth.
At Medical Time we view a glutathione infusion as a form of metabolic and antioxidant support, not as a medicine for a specific disease. That is why it is administered only after a consultation with a doctor, who assesses whether it is suitable for you and in what dose.
Who a glutathione infusion is for and its indications
A glutathione infusion is most often considered by people exposed to increased oxidative stress — through lifestyle, exertion or recovery — and those who want support for the body's detoxification functions. It is not a substitute for diagnostics, but in carefully selected individuals it can be a useful complement.
The situations in which this infusion is most often considered are:
As with any infusion, persistent symptoms deserve a medical assessment too, as conditions that are treated specifically may lie behind fatigue, weakness or skin problems.
- exposure to increased oxidative stress — smoking, pollution, chronic stress
- a sense of fatigue, exhaustion and being “worn out”
- a wish to support the liver's detoxification functions
- recovery after demanding periods, illness or increased physical strain
- immune support in people prone to frequent infections
- an interest in antioxidant support for the skin and overall appearance
Composition and how it works
The main ingredient of the infusion is reduced glutathione, diluted in saline for safe intravenous administration. At the doctor's assessment, glutathione is sometimes combined with vitamin C, which supports its action and is itself a powerful antioxidant.
When it reaches the bloodstream, glutathione acts in several ways:
- neutralises free radicals and thus protects cells from oxidative damage
- supports the work of the liver and the processes by which the body removes harmful substances
- helps regenerate other antioxidants, thereby strengthening the overall protection of cells
- takes part in the work of the immune system and the body's defence
- is linked to the protection of skin cells from oxidative stress
Why an infusion and not tablets
Glutathione taken by mouth is largely broken down during digestion, so its absorption from tablets is limited. With intravenous administration the molecule is delivered directly into the bloodstream, which bypasses this problem and achieves concentrations that are hard to reach by the oral route.
This does not mean an infusion is always necessary. In most people a healthy lifestyle, a diet rich in antioxidants and quitting smoking contribute most to glutathione levels. An infusion makes sense where there is an increased requirement or a wish for a faster effect — which the doctor assesses.
What the procedure looks like — course, duration and medical supervision
Before the infusion there is a short consultation with a doctor, who checks your health status, existing conditions, therapy and allergies, and on that basis determines the dose and any combination with vitamin C. If needed, basic laboratory tests are recommended.
The infusion is received comfortably, in a seated or lying position. A nurse places a thin venous cannula into a vein in the arm, and the prepared solution is slowly delivered into the bloodstream. Slow administration makes the procedure more comfortable and safer.
The infusion itself usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the dose. Throughout, the staff monitor how you are tolerating the administration, and when it is finished the cannula is removed. Most people resume their usual activities right away.
At Medical Time a glutathione infusion is always given in controlled, medical conditions, with trained staff and a doctor available throughout the procedure.
Safety and side effects
Glutathione, when properly indicated and administered in medical conditions, is generally well tolerated. Still, like any intravenous administration, it carries certain risks that we discuss in advance.
Possible side effects are most often mild and transient:
- mild discomfort, stinging or a bruise at the puncture site
- transient nausea or a feeling of bloating
- rarely dizziness or a feeling of weakness during administration
- very rarely: an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, which is why administration is carried out under supervision
- in people with asthma particular caution and a medical assessment are needed
Why a medical assessment matters
Although glutathione is a natural component of the body, intravenous administration of high doses is not equally suitable for everyone. In some chronic conditions and in asthma additional caution is needed, so before the infusion the doctor assesses whether it is safe and in what dose.
We are guided by the principle that an infusion should help, not harm. If the assessment shows it is not suitable for you, we will tell you honestly and suggest a better alternative.
Contraindications — when the infusion is not recommended
There are conditions in which a glutathione infusion is not given, or is given only with particular caution and an adjusted dose. That is why a consultation with a doctor before administration is mandatory.
Particular caution, or refraining from the infusion, applies especially to:
- known hypersensitivity or allergy to glutathione or other infusion ingredients
- asthma and a tendency to bronchospasm — only with a medical assessment and caution
- more serious kidney and liver disease requiring special management
- pregnancy and breastfeeding — administration only with the explicit assessment and consent of a doctor
- an active, undiagnosed condition that primarily requires targeted treatment
Why receive a glutathione infusion at Medical Time
At Medical Time we approach a glutathione infusion as a medical procedure. This means a medical assessment before administration, an adjusted dose and supervision during administration, in the controlled conditions of a hospital in Belgrade.
Alongside the infusion, everything that goes with it is available in one place — laboratory tests, a medical examination and further consultations if it turns out that a condition requiring targeted treatment lies behind the symptoms.
- a medical assessment before every infusion and an adjusted dose
- preparation and administration in medical, controlled conditions
- trained staff and supervision throughout the procedure
- the option of a combination with vitamin C at the doctor's assessment
- laboratory and medical examination available in the same place
- fast booking and a quiet, pleasant setting
Price — glutathione infusion
The price of a glutathione infusion depends on the chosen dose, on whether it is administered on its own or in combination with vitamin C, and on whether it is received once or in a series. Any additional tests and medical examination before administration also affect the price. You receive the exact price and an appointment quickly, by phone or through the contact form.
- Glutathione infusion — basic dose
- Glutathione infusion — higher dose at the doctor's assessment
- Series of infusions (package) with a consultation
For the current price and an appointment call 062-399-888 or contact us.
Frequently asked questions about the glutathione infusion
Glutathione is a natural antioxidant that the body produces itself. It protects cells from oxidative stress and has an important role in the work of the liver and in detoxification. This is why it is often called the master antioxidant, and an infusion replenishes it when there is a need for it.
The infusion itself usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the dose. The solution is given slowly, as this makes the administration more comfortable and safer.
Glutathione taken by mouth is largely broken down during digestion, so it is poorly absorbed. With intravenous administration it is delivered directly into the bloodstream and achieves concentrations that are hard to reach by the oral route.
When properly indicated and administered in medical conditions, it is generally well tolerated. Still, a medical assessment is needed, especially in asthma and chronic conditions, and administration is carried out under the supervision of staff.
That depends on your condition and the doctor's assessment. Some receive it once, while others are recommended a series of infusions at certain intervals. The dynamics are always determined by the doctor.
Glutathione protects cells, including skin cells, from oxidative stress, so it is linked to a better skin appearance. The effect is individual, and the infusion is not administered as a medical procedure for skin whitening, but as antioxidant support.
It is not always mandatory, but is often recommended, as it helps the doctor assess whether the infusion is suitable for you. In existing conditions, tests are particularly important.