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Glutathione is a tripeptide produced by the liver and used by cells to neutralize toxins. It provides antioxidant activity, aids in detoxification, and promotes a healthy immune system. Supplementation is not well absorbed, but increasing cysteine levels can increase available levels in cells. Glutathione supplementation is generally safe, but there are some risks and side effects to consider.
Glutathione is a substance produced naturally by the human body through the synthesis of some amino acids in the liver. It is also used by virtually every cell in the body to neutralize toxins. Since glutathione is made up of three amino acids, namely gamma-glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine, it is classified as a tripeptide. However, unlike other tripeptides, it has a unique peptide linkage structure within the cysteine and glutamate chain. The thiol group in the former allows the molecule to provide what is known as a reducing equivalent, meaning the ability to donate an electron to other molecules made unstable and highly reactive due to a lack of balanced electron pairs. For this reason this form is called reduced glutathione (GHS).
Most of this substance found in the cells and tissues of the body is in GHS status. However, as electron donation continues, GHS molecules also become unstable due to unpaired electrons and eventually bond with a similar molecule to create an oxidized form, or glutathione disulfide (GSSG). Of the total glutathione concentration in the body, only 10% resides as GSSG.
The primary function of glutathione is to provide antioxidant activity by regulating the reduction of thiol cysteine side chains as they adhere to proteins. This action helps discourage oxidative stress and cellular damage from free radicals. This substance, in fact, is essential to protect the eyes, skin, kidneys, liver and many other organs from the toxic by-products produced by the body through normal metabolism. In the liver, it aids in detoxification and the removal of harmful toxins, including those generated by environmental pollution and the consumption of alcohol and drugs.
Glutathione also plays an important role in promoting a healthy immune system. For example, it inhibits inflammatory mediators, such as leukotrienes, which are involved in a variety of inflammatory disorders ranging from allergies to arthritis. As research has shown a link between reduced glutathione availability and age-related diseases, an investigational therapy is underway to help treat many age-related conditions, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Parkinsons. There is also evidence to suggest that people with an autoimmune disease, such as AIDS, may be deficient in this substance and may benefit from supplementation.
While several studies have demonstrated the beneficial properties of glutathione, the evidence that oral supplementation has therapeutic value is less promising. For one thing, it’s not well absorbed in supplement form. On the other hand, studies have shown that a supplemental dose does not necessarily increase circulating levels in the body, even when taken intravenously. However, increasing the intake of cysteine, a precursor to glutathione, can increase available levels in cells. Studies have shown that S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and unadulterated whey protein supplements increase cysteine levels.
While glutathione supplementation is generally considered safe, there are some risks and side effects to consider. Individuals with an allergy to milk protein (casein), for example, shouldn’t take it. Also, patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy should not take glutathione, including individuals who have received an organ transplant. There have also been reports of intestinal cramping and bloating, particularly if water intake is not increased.
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