Shefali Jariwala, famed for the song ‘Kaanta Laga’ and her appearance on a TV show like Big Boss 13, Nach Baliye 5, and more, breathed her last at the age of 42. Her sudden news of death left the fans in disbelief and sparked conversations all over the internet. The potential causes may be low blood pressure, gastric issues, and cardiac arrest (not confirmed yet).
In the wake of this news, the investigating officials found intravenous (IV) glutathione, vitamin C injections, and acidity pills at her residence. Since both vitamin C and glutathione are known to be used in skin-whitening and anti-ageing treatments, this has raised concerns about the associated risks.
In this blog, let’s unfold the reality of glutathione injection, who should consider taking it, who should not, when to take, its benefits and glutathione injection side effects that may often go unnoticed.
What are Glutathione Injections?
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant, and the human body produces it naturally. It helps repair and build skin tissues, boost immunity, and slow down the ageing process. With ageing, glutathione levels decrease, and to combat this, many people rely on glutathione injections.
When taken in high doses, it is used for skin whitening due to its melanin-reducing effects.
Over the years, glutathione injection for skin whitening has become extremely popular in many countries, including India. Celebrities and influencers have flaunted their glutathione injection before and after pictures to show visibly lighter and clearer skin.
So, are glutathione injections safe? Can these cost someone their life?
Why People Use Glutathione Injections
The obsession with younger-looking skin is not new, and this has surged the demand for advanced beauty treatments like glutathione injections. Here is why people prefer these:
- Skin Brightening and Whitening: The most common reason. It helps reduce melanin production in the skin
- Anti-Ageing: Glutathione injections can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines
- Detoxification: It helps cleanse the liver and remove toxins from your body
- Improved Skin Texture: Smoother, softer, and healthier-looking skin
- Immunity Boost: Glutathione supports a stronger immune response
These glutathione injection benefits can make people more attractive, especially those in constant public presence, such as actors, models, and influencers.
Risks Associated with Glutathione
While the benefits of glutathione injection seem promising, the glutathione injection side effects are real and often ignored.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea and stomach upset
- Skin rashes or allergic reactions
- Breathing issues or chest tightness
- Kidney or liver dysfunction
- Disruption of natural melanin production
- Hormonal imbalance
Taking glutathione for an extended period or not monitoring its use can suppress the body’s natural antioxidant systems. If injected in high doses, it can put stress on the kidneys or lead to toxic buildup in the body, leading to serious health concerns and even death.
In fact in one of the interviews with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sai Lahari Rachumallu, associate consultant, dermatology, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar explained “The naturally-occurring antioxidant glutathione, which our bodies produce, works against oxidative stress. But in high doses, particularly via injections, it can have side effects. Some people say they experience abdominal cramps, bloating or allergic reactions such as rashes and itching. Occasionally, increased levels of glutathione can lead to a reduction in zinc, influencing the immune system and wound healing”.
Safe Dosage for Glutathione Injections
There’s no universally fixed glutathione injection dosage, as it varies based on body type, existing medical conditions, and purpose. However, for skin whitening, some sources suggest:
The recommended glutathione injection dosage per week is 600mg to 1200mg, administered once or twice a week. No one should exceed the recommended limits, and it must be taken under professional supervision. Again, even within the safe dosage range, the injectable forms are not worth the risk.
The demand for glutathione injection before and after transformations is growing rapidly, with salons and unlicensed clinics offering shady treatments without proper knowledge of the side effects. If you want to know ‘how many glutathione injections should I take’, don’t just rely on any random suggestion; always visit a certified dermatologist.
They help you:
- Get a complete health screening
- Understand your skin type
- Understand the procedure thoroughly
Summing Up
Whether or not glutathione played a role in Shefali’s untimely death, her loss has become a wake-up call. Before making any decisions about beauty or other health treatments, it is essential to understand the complete procedure and associated risks.
If you are considering glutathione injections or even glutathione tablets for skin whitening, make sure to consult a dermatologist before starting either method so as to ensure safe and suitable usage based on your individual health needs. Because if you exceed the glutathione injection dosage for whitening, it can trigger a drop in your blood pressure levels, allergic reactions, chest tightness, and may lead to serious complications or even sudden death. Your health and well-being are far more important than chasing a temporary glow.
