Glutathione study for autism fizzles out early
NCT ID NCT05954052
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study aimed to see if taking glutathione by mouth is safe and practical for children and teens with autism. Researchers planned to enroll 24 participants but stopped early with only 6. The goal was to measure changes in behavior and social skills over 12 weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- glutathione
- What this could lead to
- If it worked, this could point toward a safe supplement to ease some behavioral symptoms in children with autism.
- What could go wrong
- The study was terminated early with only 6 participants, so results are very limited. It is too small to draw any firm conclusions.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
-
6 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jul 2019
- Finished
-
Aug 2023
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
4 to 17 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Boys and girls ages 4-17 * Current diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder as determined by criteria in DSM-5 * Parents of Children ages 4-17 with a current diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder as determined by criteria in DSM-5 Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable medical illness or clinically significant abnormalities on physical examination; * History of seizures; * History of Hematological disorders; * Myocardial infarction within 6 months; * Current pregnancy or lactation, or inadequate contraception in girls of childbearing potential; * Current or recent (past 3 months) DSM-5 substance abuse or dependence; * Illegal substance use within 2 weeks of study initiation; * Previous treatment with Glutathione; * Current treatment with N-acetylcysteine, milk thistle, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Grape Seed Extract, Amino Acids, or Zinc * Current treatment with Dextromethorphan, D-cycloserine, Amantadine, Memantine, Lamotrigine or Riluzole * Asthma
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
The University of Chicago Medicine
Chicago, Illinois, 60637, United States
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