Experts Warn Against Unsafe Glutathione Use After Shefali Jariwala’s Sudden Death

The sudden demise of television personality and actress Shefali Jariwala at the age of 42 has cast a spotlight on the growing, and often unregulated, trend of glutathione injections for cosmetic purposes. Known for her appearance in Bigg Boss 13 and the early 2000s music hit Kaanta Laga, Shefali reportedly underwent glutathione-based anti-ageing treatment shortly before her death on June 27.

While the official cause of her death remains under investigation, early reports suggest a link between low blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and gastric issues—allegedly triggered by an injection taken on an empty stomach. The incident has raised public concern about the safety of glutathione treatments, particularly when used without proper medical oversight.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, health experts urged the public to be cautious. “Glutathione has become known for its skin-brightening properties and has been hailed as the 'master antioxidant' that is particularly beneficial in boosting immunity. Just about every form of GSH (glutathione) can be found to swallow, drink or inject, and it is all the rage for people who are pursuing glowing skin or purported detox benefits,” said Dr Sai Lahari Rachumallu, Associate Consultant in Dermatology at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar.

“Glutathione has the potential to help cells from getting damaged. It also detoxes the liver and promotes healthy skin. Although it is naturally produced by the body, many people have resorted to oral supplements and taking it intravenously, which has raised legitimate health issues,” added Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant and Head of Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru.

Despite being promoted widely on social media for its whitening and anti-ageing effects, experts caution that glutathione is not without its risks. “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,” explained Dr Rachumallu.

“Even though a lot of people swear by glutathione for fairness, there's still not enough scientific basis for the skin whitening claim. So, before jumping on the glutathione bandwagon, see a doctor — after all, even the ‘master antioxidant’ isn’t without its faults,” she added.

Aside from pain and discomfort, improper administration of glutathione injections may cause infections or vein inflammation. “Glutathione injections, much sought after for their skin-lightening promise, are not without risk. In addition to the pain associated with injecting, improper injection technique may also cause infection or inflammation of the vein. Long-term use without regulation has prompted concerns over strain on the kidneys and liver, particularly in those with existing conditions,” Dr Rachumallu warned.

Dr Rajamanya echoed these concerns, noting that the oral form of glutathione has low bioavailability, prompting many to turn to injections. However, she emphasized, “Very little of the oral form of glutathione enters the system because it has relatively low bioavailability. This is why, particularly for cosmetic uses such as whitening of the skin, glutathione injections have become popular. But at this juncture, if not employed judiciously or under proper medical care, the risks begin to outweigh the benefits.”

The potential for harm is significant. “Some of them are bloating, allergic reactions, cramping in the abdomen, and in rare instances, more serious problems like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. When it is used for a long period of time, it can cause kidney failure by causing renal toxicity or dysfunction, especially in uncontrolled dosage. Also, if the procedure is performed outside of approved clinics, then it can lead to infection and contamination at the injection site,” she said.

Dr Rajamanya further warned against the unsupervised use of glutathione alongside other compounds. “As per long-term safety data, high doses of these injections for cosmetic purposes are not at all recommended. To make matters worse, many people use it along with high dosages of steroids or vitamin C to lighten their skin tone faster, but little do they know that this is even more dangerous for their health.”

She emphasized the importance of consulting licensed healthcare professionals. “A doctor can prescribe glutathione to a patient with oxidative stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, liver dysfunction, or immune dysfunction — but only with strict oversight.”

“It is crucial to increase awareness of the possible risks associated with injections in a nation like India where they are likely to be obtained without a prescription. Patients should be urged to consult qualified experts rather than just wellness influencers or rumours,” Dr Rajamanya concluded.

Note to Readers: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any medical or cosmetic treatment.