From the blog
Glutathione IV Drips: What They Do in the Body and Who They Suit
In short: Glutathione is the body's main built-in antioxidant, made inside almost every cell from three amino acids. A glutathione IV drip raises blood levels within minutes; the body then breaks it down and uses the building blocks to support its own supply. At SOMA, glutathione is one possible part of a physician-led IV nutrient plan, chosen after a clinical assessment, not a stand-alone beauty drip.
What is glutathione?
Glutathione is a small molecule made of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate and glycine. Your cells make it themselves, and the liver makes the most.
It has three main jobs:
Neutralising oxidative stress. It disarms reactive oxygen molecules, the "sparks" thrown off by normal energy production, before they damage cell membranes, proteins and DNA.
Clearing toxins. In the liver, it attaches to many drugs, pollutants and waste products so the body can flush them out in bile and urine.
Recycling other antioxidants. It helps restore vitamins C and E to their active forms after they have been used.
Glutathione levels fall with age, illness, heavy alcohol use, smoking and long periods of stress.
What does a glutathione IV drip do in the body?
It raises blood levels fast. An infusion lifts the amount of glutathione in the blood many times above normal within minutes.
It is processed quickly. In a study of IV glutathione, the level in the blood halved on average every 14 minutes. Enzymes on the surface of cells, especially in the kidneys, break it into its amino acid building blocks.
It feeds the body's own supply. Cells take up these building blocks, particularly cysteine, which is usually in shortest supply, and use them to make glutathione inside the cell where it does its work.
It works with other nutrients. Glutathione depends on partners such as vitamin C, selenium and B vitamins. That is why doctors usually look at the whole nutrient picture rather than one ingredient.
Who is glutathione IV used for?
A doctor assesses your diagnosis, medicines, nutrition, absorption and blood results before considering glutathione as part of a wider plan. Blood results alone do not establish a need for a glutathione drip.
In India, glutathione injection is also an approved medicine for some liver conditions, under a doctor's care.
Does glutathione IV lighten skin?
Glutathione is often marketed for skin lightening. A review in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology found no good evidence that IV glutathione lightens skin. In 2026, a task force of the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India found that no professional dermatology guideline endorses IV vitamin or glutathione drips for cosmetic use.
At SOMA, every IV formulation is chosen after a clinical assessment, and a drip is declined when it is not clinically appropriate.
Who needs extra assessment before glutathione IV?
These are screening points for a doctor to consider, not a complete list:
pregnancy or breastfeeding
an allergy to any ingredient in the drip, which rules that formulation out
asthma: breathing problems have been reported with inhaled glutathione, although this does not show the same risk with a drip
serious kidney disease
current cancer treatment, unless your oncologist agrees, because antioxidants can interact with some treatments
Possible side effects include discomfort, bruising or vein irritation where the drip goes in, infection at the site, and allergic reactions, which can be severe. Risks depend on the ingredients, dose, preparation and the person. Tell staff straight away about any breathing difficulty, swelling or faintness.
What happens during a glutathione IV session at SOMA?
Before: your formulation is confirmed against your latest blood tests, and your vital signs are checked.
During: you rest in a chair while the drip runs, usually for 45 to 90 minutes depending on the formulation, with clinical staff present.
After: most people return to their day straight away.
Drips are given in the centre by clinical staff under a doctor's oversight. See IV nutrient therapy for the full range of ingredients your doctor can choose from.
How a SOMA doctor decides if it is right for you
Your doctor starts with your history, detailed blood work and your goals. Glutathione is one option. Your doctor discusses the options that fit your diagnosis, including nutrition changes or oral supplements where they are indicated. SOMA also offers other therapies, such as NAD+ IV therapy and EBOO therapy, each chosen on its own merits. You get a clear plan with what to measure and when, as one part of a plan built around you.
SOMA centres in Mumbai and New Delhi
IV nutrient therapy, including glutathione where your doctor prescribes it, is given at both SOMA centres:
Mumbai: A-507, Kohinoor Square, N.C. Kelkar Marg, Shivaji Park, Dadar West, Mumbai 400028. Phone +91 98671 94033.
New Delhi: E-354, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi 110048, serving Delhi NCR and Gurugram. Phone +91 87969 92001. More about the New Delhi centre.
The New Delhi centre is independently operated under licence from SOMA Longevity Sciences, and its own doctors lead care there. Both centres follow the same SOMA assessment and diagnostic standards. Online consultations are also available. Contact either centre.
Questions people ask
What does glutathione do in the body?
Glutathione is the body's main built-in antioxidant. It neutralises reactive oxygen molecules, helps the liver clear toxins, and recycles vitamins C and E. Every cell makes its own, and the liver makes the most.
Is IV glutathione better than tablets?
An IV drip raises blood levels within minutes, while ordinary tablets are partly broken down in the gut. A small study of 12 people found an oral liposomal form raised body levels too. Your doctor chooses the route based on your tests and needs.
How long does a glutathione drip take?
Most IV nutrient sessions at SOMA take 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the formulation, seated, with clinical staff present. Most people return to their day straight after.
Is glutathione IV safe?
It is given by trained staff after a doctor's screening. Possible side effects include bruising or irritation where the drip went in and allergic reactions, which can be severe. People who are pregnant, have asthma or serious kidney disease, or are on cancer treatment need a doctor's assessment first.
Where can I get a glutathione IV drip in Mumbai or Delhi?
SOMA gives physician-led IV nutrient therapy, which can include glutathione, at its centres in Dadar West, Mumbai and Greater Kailash II, New Delhi. Every drip starts with a doctor's assessment and blood tests.
Sources
Pizzorno J. Glutathione! Integrative Medicine 2014;13(1):8–12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4684116/
Aebi S, Assereto R, Lauterburg BH. High-dose intravenous glutathione in man: pharmacokinetics and effects on cyst(e)ine in plasma and urine. European Journal of Clinical Investigation 1991;21(1):103–110. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1907548/
Sonthalia S, Daulatabad D, Sarkar R. Glutathione as a skin whitening agent: facts, myths, evidence and controversies. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology 2016;82(3):262–272. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27088927/
Mysore VN et al. Consensus position statement on emerging treatments in dermatology by the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India Task Force. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2026;19:223–241. https://jcasonline.com/consensus-position-statement-on-emerging-treatments-in-dermatology-by-the-association-of-cutaneous-surgeons-of-india-task-force/
Sinha R et al. Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2018;72(1):105–111. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28853742/
Vašková J, Kočan L, Vaško L, Perjési P. Glutathione-related enzymes and proteins: a review. Molecules 2023;28(3):1447. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9919958/
CDSCO approval list including glutathione injection. https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/resources/UploadCDSCOWeb/2018/UploadApprovalNewDrugs/approvalsnd211.pdf
This article is for education and general information. It is not a substitute for a medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary by individual biology.
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