DOH warns public of ill effects of glutathione products

MANILA, Philippines – With the growing popularity of glutathione-based products for skin whitening, the Department of Health (DOH) warned the public yesterday of the possible ill-effects if these are taken indiscriminately.

According to Dr. Robert So, program manager of the DOH’s National Drug Policy, the whitening effect of these products is “actually the side effect” and not the main usage of the glutathione component.

“It is the side effect. It changes the cell outline of the skin so the color of the skin becomes lighter. I personally do not know but there might be other side effects that can be harmful to your health,” he said in a telephone interview.

Glutathione is a small molecule made up of three amino acids that exists in almost every cell of the body. Its presence is required to maintain the normal function of the immune system and it is also known to help in the multiplication of lymphocytes that occurs in the development of an effective immune response.

But the glutathione-based products that have entered the Philippine market in the past years are mostly being sold for their whitening effects.

So said that if such products could change the color of the skin, it is possible that they could affect the “inner part” of the body.

“Our advice is for the public to be careful. If they take it not because of its therapeutic or treatment purposes, there might be some complications,” he said, adding that before using the products, the public must consult their doctors and check if these products have been certified by the DOH-run Bureau of Food and Drugs.