Glutathione Therapy in Edmonton

Skin Brightening & Lightening IV Therapy in Edmonton

At our Edmonton-based naturopathic clinic, we provide a comprehensive range of both oral and intravenous (IV) skin therapies designed to enhance skin tone, promote radiance, and support overall dermatologic health.

Our skin-focused IV protocols are primarily centered around glutathione, a potent endogenous antioxidant integral to cellular detoxification and oxidative balance. Recognized for its skin-brightening effects, glutathione has become a cornerstone ingredient in our aesthetic IV formulations.

Clinical Use of Glutathione in Cosmetic IV Therapy

Glutathione is administered in conjunction with high-dose intravenous vitamin C, which serves to support antioxidant demands and amplify the effects of glutathione. This synergistic combination is administered in two stages: an initial infusion of vitamin C followed by a dedicated IV bag containing glutathione.

Our naturopathic team often employs a more assertive dosing strategy tailored to individual patient needs, especially when targeting aesthetic concerns such as skin brightening and lightening. Treatment sessions typically last approximately 40 minutes and may be initiated on a patient’s first visit, pending consultation.

Glutathione: Biochemistry and Mechanisms of Action

Glutathione is a water-soluble tripeptide composed of the amino acids glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. Among these, cysteine is the rate-limiting precursor in glutathione synthesis. To support endogenous production between treatments, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is frequently recommended as a supplemental adjunct.

Biochemically, glutathione exists in two interconvertible forms:

• Reduced glutathione (GSH) – the active, intracellular antioxidant form

• Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) – formed during oxidative stress and subsequently recycled by the selenium-dependent enzyme glutathione reductase.

GSH plays a vital role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), processing xenobiotics, and regulating immune and inflammatory responses. This is the biologically active form delivered during our IV infusions.

Skin Lightening Mechanism

The dermatological effects of glutathione were initially observed as a secondary outcome of high-dose administration for systemic detoxification. Glutathione exerts its skin lightening effects through the inhibition of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin biosynthesis. This results in a shift from eumelanin (dark pigment) to pheomelanin (lighter pigment) production.

Evidence-Based Benefits: Glutathione Clinical Studies

A growing body of clinical evidence supports the role of glutathione in cosmetic dermatology:

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• 2012 Randomized Controlled Trial:
  A study involving 60 participants administered oral glutathione or placebo over a 4-week period. Those receiving glutathione demonstrated consistent reductions in melanin index across six anatomical sites, indicative of visible skin lightening.

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• 2017 Double-Blind Study:
  Subjects were divided into three groups receiving either two forms of glutathione or placebo over 12 weeks. The glutathione groups showed decreased skin pigmentation, reduced wrinkles, and improved elasticity, supporting both aesthetic and anti-aging benefits.

Cosmetic IV Therapy Protocol

Our naturopathic clinic offers cosmetically-focused IV therapy protocols typically administered 1–2 times per week for 4–6 weeks, depending on the individual’s goals and skin type. These IVs are rich in glutathione and are often paired with targeted oral supplementation to enhance clinical outcomes.

Topical agents such as niacinamide—a well-documented depigmenting and anti-acne agent—can also be custom-compounded upon request for complementary topical care.

Nutrient Support for Glutathione Synthesis

To optimize glutathione function and biosynthesis, we may incorporate a pre-infusion formula containing key cofactors and precursors:

• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Essential for glutathione reductase activity

• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): Supports CoA formation and glutathione synthesis

• Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12): Deficiency associated with impaired glutathione metabolism

• Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Enhances intracellular glutathione levels

• Selenium: Critical cofactor for both glutathione peroxidase and reductase

Additionally, oral alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is occasionally recommended as a lipophilic antioxidant that can help regenerate glutathione and support mitochondrial health.

Book Your Complimentary IV Glutathione Consultation

To learn more about how IV glutathione therapy can support your cosmetic and wellness goals, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Naturopathic Doctors.

Call (780) 757-8378 to book your appointment.
Same-day treatments are often available following your initial consultation

 NAD+ Injections and IV Therapy in Edmonton

Aside from IV Glutathione, Our Naturopaths offer NAD Injection treatments in Edmonton in IV infusion format as well as we also offer subcutaneous NAD injections that patients can take home and administer to themselves in between NAD IVs given at our office.

Common side effects of NAD infusions include: nausea, rapid heart rate and lightheadedness.

A 2017 human study showed that intravenous NAD+ is rapidly and completely removed from the plasma (taken up by cells) for the first two hours of NAD IV administration.

Glutathione IV Therapy in Edmonton - Gluta Drips

Cosmetics - Glutathione does appear to have cosmetic benefit with repeated IV treatment. 

IV Glutathione can be used for a wide range of conditions. Our Naturopaths have been administering Glutathione IV Therapy in Edmonton since 2010.

The skin brightening and lightening properties of Glutathione injections are thought to be primarily from stimulation of  pheomelanin (lighter) pigment production. 

Our Naturopaths have administered thousands of IV Glutathione treatments at our Edmonton clinic and the incidence of side effects is exceedingly low.

Administration time for a Glutathione drip is short. Our Naturopaths often administer a Glutathione drip over 5-15 minutes with minimal IV dilution.

Glutathione injections or Gluta Drips can be added to many other IVs including IV drips with Vitamins as well as NAD infusions.

Frequency of IV Glutathione injections depends on what we're using the Glutathione IVs for.

For inflammation our Naturopaths often suggest frequent glutathione injections (eg. every other day). Some of the original Glutathione injection literature in Parkinson's has daily IV Glutathione administration.

For skin lightening and brightening our Naturopaths usually suggest 1-2 Glutathione IV Therapy treatments weekly for 4-8 weeks - all done by our nurses in our IV Therapy suite in Edmonton.

Our Naturopaths will give IV NAD+ and IV Glutathione Injections back to back for longevity. 

Doses of IV Glutathione injections can range anywhere from 2-4 grams for most patients.

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About Naturopaths

Naturopaths have a ton of training - four years of post-graduate work to get the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine designation and in order to practice in Edmonton & Alberta, your Naturopath also had to pass the NPLEX licensing exams - specifically for Naturopathic Doctors.

Your TruMed Naturopaths have done extra training in: Cancer Care, IV Therapy, Fertility, Prolotherapy and Electrodermal Analysis - we're always taking courses to enhance our skills.

There is an inherent self-healing process in the body and Naturopaths try and facilitate this process. Even though Naturopaths also have suppressive treatments part of our training is looking for the cause of your concerns and use methods and treatments which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, like herbs and supplements. Naturopaths take substantial time their patients and treat the Whole Person. Looking at all aspects of your health. Lastly, Naturopaths will help you prevent further disease.