FDA issues warning over trendy longevity supplement after reports of sepsis-like hospitalizations

The quest for longevity is leaving some in worse shape than when they started.The FDA has issued a warning about a trendy supplement nicknamed the “master detoxifier” after receiving reports that it triggered scary sepsis-like symptoms in some people.At least 30 patients experienced side effects like fever, chills, pain, dizziness and signs of shock — with some requiring hospitalizing — after receiving dietary-grade glutathione via IV.This warning comes after a previous one in 2019 about the use of dietary glutathione in compounding injectables.Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules in the body.Levels can decline due to natural aging, stress, nutrition and improper rest.It’s become trendy to supplement glutathione — both orally and via IV — with fans saying that it helps combat age-related changes by stimulating the repair of damaged tissue and promoting the production of new, healthy cells.

(Gwyneth Paltrow is among the celebrities who like it).Some experts say it may even stop your hair from graying prematurely.The FDA’s warning, issued last week, specifically called out compounding pharmacies, reminding them “not to use dietary supplement grade glutathione for injectables.”Compounded drugs are customized medications consisting of combined or altered ingredients and created by a pharmacist or doctor to fit individual medical needs.The 30+ patients who were sickened got their intravenous glutathione through different compounding pharmacies — but they ingredient came from Medisca Inc.in Plattsburgh, NY.While the glutathione was labeled as dietary supplement grade, it’s not an appropriate ingredient to make injectable drugs with, as these ingredients may contain impurities and contaminants, including endotoxins, that may be harmful when administered as an injectable drug.IV-administered glutathione can come with nasty side effects like body aches, nausea, headaches, ...