A deficiency can be the result of diseases that increase the need for glutathione, deficiencies of the amino acids needed for synthesis, or diseases that inhibit glutathione formation.² Examples of some health conditions that are associated with glutathione deficiency include diabetes, low sperm counts, liver disease, cataracts, and HIV infection, respiratory distress syndrome, cancer, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cigarette smoking is also associated with low glutathione levels because it increases the rate of utilization of glutathione.