What is the side effect of Lumi glutathione?

November 18, 2025 •

3 min read

In 2019 and 2022, the Philippines FDA issued advisories against unregistered food supplements, including a product named "Lumi 24H Glutathione Capsules," highlighting potential safety concerns for consumers. The side effect of Lumi glutathione, like many unregulated supplements, can therefore include unpredictable adverse reactions beyond those of standard glutathione.

Quick Summary

Potential risks of Lumi glutathione supplements include mild gastrointestinal discomfort and rare allergic reactions, particularly with oral forms. Regulatory concerns exist due to past FDA warnings on unregistered versions of the product. Potential side effects are largely linked to the nature of glutathione itself and the lack of oversight for some brands. Long-term use and high doses carry additional risks.

Key Points

Gastrointestinal Distress: Oral glutathione, including Lumi capsules, can cause bloating, cramps, nausea, or diarrhea, especially when new to supplementation.
Unregulated Product Warnings: The Philippines FDA has issued advisories regarding unregistered versions of "Lumi 24H Glutathione Capsules," indicating potential safety risks.
Allergic Reactions: Rare but serious allergic reactions like rashes, hives, and swelling can occur from glutathione or other supplement ingredients.
Respiratory Risk for Asthmatics: Inhaled forms of glutathione pose a risk of triggering asthma attacks in susceptible individuals, though this is not typically a concern for oral capsules.
Long-Term Concerns: Excessive, long-term use of glutathione may lead to reduced zinc levels in the body, which is important for immune function.
Prioritize Regulation: Always consult a healthcare provider and choose supplements that have been verified and registered with health authorities to ensure safety and avoid potential contamination.

Understanding the Potential Side Effects of Lumi Glutathione

While Lumi glutathione is marketed for its potential skincare and antioxidant benefits, consumers should be aware of the potential side effects, which range from mild to severe, especially given regulatory advisories surrounding the product. Most adverse effects associated with oral glutathione are related to the digestive system and are generally mild and temporary. However, the history of unregistered versions of Lumi raises further safety questions that merit consideration.

Common Side Effects of Oral Glutathione

For oral glutathione supplements, like the capsule form associated with the Lumi brand, the most frequently reported issues are related to digestive health. These side effects often appear as the body adjusts to the new supplement and typically subside over time.

Gastrointestinal Distress: Many users experience mild to moderate digestive issues such as bloating, abdominal cramping, gas, or nausea. Taking the supplement with food may help mitigate these effects.
Loose Stools: Diarrhea or loose stools are another common complaint, especially when starting a high dose.
Unpleasant Taste: Some oral formulations may have an off-putting taste.
Flushing: A temporary sensation of flushing or warmth has been reported.

Rare and Serious Side Effects

While less common, some side effects require immediate attention. This is particularly relevant when considering the potential for contamination or improper formulation in unregulated products.

Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to glutathione or other ingredients. Symptoms include skin rashes, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Respiratory Problems: Inhaling glutathione can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Individuals with respiratory sensitivities should exercise caution.
Zinc Deficiency: Long-term, high-dose use has been linked to reduced zinc levels.
Liver and Kidney Issues: Unregulated products, especially intravenous preparations, carry a higher risk of complications affecting the liver and kidneys. Given the FDA advisories on unregistered Lumi products, this risk is a significant concern.

Comparison of Glutathione Administration Risks

The table below compares the risks of oral supplements like Lumi capsules to injectable forms, which have distinct dangers.


Feature	Oral Glutathione (e.g., Lumi capsules)	Injectable Glutathione
Absorption	Low oral bioavailability; may be improved in liposomal forms.	High absorption; bypasses the digestive system.
Common Side Effects	Gastrointestinal issues, bloating, loose stools, unpleasant taste.	Injection site reactions, redness, swelling, pain.
Rare Side Effects	Allergic reactions, potential zinc deficiency with long-term use.	Allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis), organ strain, potentially serious conditions.
Regulatory Risk	Past FDA warnings regarding unregistered products like Lumi 24H in the Philippines.	Significant risk of contamination, improper dosage, and infection if from unverified clinics.

The Importance of Regulation and Consumer Awareness

The primary risk with a product like Lumi glutathione is the potential for improper formulation or contamination in an unregulated product. FDA advisories warn that such products have not been properly evaluated for safety or quality. Consumers should prioritize registered and approved supplements.

To ensure safety:

Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Check for product registration and avoid unregulated brands.
Consider obtaining glutathione from reputable sources or boosting natural production through diet and lifestyle.

Conclusion

While glutathione supplementation is generally considered safe in regulated doses, the specific side effects of Lumi glutathione are complicated by past FDA warnings about unregistered versions. Mild side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort are possible, but the greater risk stems from the lack of quality assurance in unregulated formulations. Consumers should consult a healthcare provider and choose reputable brands with proper regulatory authorization.

For further information on supplement safety and regulation, consult authoritative sources like the FDA's website [https://www.fda.gov/].

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, like many oral glutathione supplements, Lumi glutathione capsules may cause mild gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, cramping, and loose stools, especially during initial use.

Past FDA advisories in the Philippines have warned against unregistered versions of "Lumi 24H Glutathione Capsules," meaning they had not undergone the necessary safety and quality evaluations. Always verify a product's registration status with your local health authority.

Signs of an allergic reaction can include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these severe symptoms, stop taking the supplement and seek immediate medical help.

While oral forms are less likely to cause this, inhaled glutathione has been known to trigger asthma attacks in individuals with asthma. Anyone with respiratory sensitivities should consult a doctor before starting any supplement.

Long-term use of glutathione supplements, particularly in high doses, has been linked to potential side effects such as lowered zinc levels in the body.

To minimize risk, ensure you are taking a product from a reputable, regulated brand, start with a lower dose, and take it with food. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning supplementation.

Some search results mistakenly refer to "Lumi glutathione." However, Lumigan (bimatoprost) is a glaucoma medication with distinct side effects and should not be confused with glutathione supplements.