Low GSH contributes to oxidative stress and is thus a risk factor for many chronic diseases.

Deficiency may result in:

- oxidative stress & damage,

- impaired detoxification,

- altered immunity,

- macular degeneration

- and increased risk of chronic illness.

Low levels of GSH have been reported in:

- cardiovascular disease,

- cancer,

- AIDS,

- autism,

- alcoholism

- and debilitating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzhiemer's and Parkinson's.

It has also been associated with chronic retention of potential toxic elements such as:

- mercury,

- lead,

- arsenic,

- cadmium,

- manganese

- and iron,

- as well as chemicals and some drugs.

Intracellular GSH biosynthesis and intracellular levels can be upregulated as a protective mechanism.

Glutathione levels tend to decrease naturally with age as well as due to health conditions such as liver disease, insomnia, and chronic stress. 

GSH requirement is increased with high-fat diets, cigarette smoke, cystinuria, chronic alcoholism, chronic acetaminophen use, infection, inflammation and toxic exposure.

Some factors that result in increased biosynthesis and "high normal" GSH levels include, but are not limited to, moderate alcohol consumption, smoking, regular physical exercise and acute exposure to toxic metals. Under such conditions it is essential to provide the body with the key nutrients involved in GSH synthesis in order to sustain functionally appropriate levels of GSH. Magnesium and potassium are required for both energy-dependent enzymatic steps in GSH synthesis, and cysteine is the rate limiting amino acid. Nutritional products that have been documented to increase erythrocyte GSH/GSH biosynthesis include α-lipoic acid, curcumin, oral liposomal GSH, nebulized GSH, and to a lesser extent, N-acetyl-L-cysteine.

Assessing and supporting appropriately high levels of GSH is important for protecting cells and promoting overall health and longevity, and contributes significantly to safe and effective metal detoxification.