Former health secretary and House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin has warned the public against the negative side effects of infusing glutathione into one’s body.

When asked about the dangers of glutathione drip, Garin explained that overdosing on glutathione will make a person’s color fairer and whiter, however, it will put the individual at risk of skin cancer.

“You will only have a fair and whiter skin if you get it in excessive doses. Iyan po ang epekto ng overdose ng glutathione. It is beneficial? Sa iyong resistensya—yes. However, kapag ikaw ay hindi natingnan ng maayos ng doktor, at ito pala ay bawal sa’yo at wala ka namang cancer ay para kang kumuha ng bato na pinukpok mo sa ulo mo,” the lawmaker said during a press conference in the House of Representatives.

“Dahil hinaharang niya ‘yung iyong pigment cells, nagiging mas prone ka sa cancer. ‘Yung mapuputi, madami sa kanila may cancer dahil hinaharang ng gluta ang melanin na syang protection o parang bubong na nag aabsorb ng radiation,” she added.

The Iloilo lawmaker said that glutathione is being used by cancer patients as an immune booster while they are undergoing chemotherapy so they do not easily acquire diseases.

“It is actually an immune booster, habang ikaw ay nagche-chemo, babagsak ang resistensya mo… It is a very strong antioxidant para ikaw ay hindi madaling mahawa ng sakit, ikaw ay natutulungang tumaas ang iyong resistensya, subalit mayroon siyang side effect,” Garin said.

“Ang side effect niya ay nagpapaputi siya in excessive doses dahil kung ikaw ay may konting overdose na sa glutathione nasusupress niya or hinaharang niya ‘yung iyong melanin o iyong pigment cells na nagbibigay ng kulay mo,” the lady solon furthered.

Earlier, the Department of Health (DOH) opposed the use of glutathione for skin whitening, stressing that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any injectable products for skin lightening.

To boost the immune system, Garin advised the public to eat healthy food, exercise daily, and get enough sleep.