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Glutathione is actually a compound classified as a tripeptide made up the amino acids gamma-glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine and is also known as gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine or GSH. the body produces it from the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Like carnitine, glutathione is not technically one of the amino acids (some consider it a sulfur-containing amino acid), but because of its close relationship to amino acids, it is usually considered together with them. Vitamins B-6 and riboflavin are critical for maintaining adequate levels of glutathione within the body.
Research suggests that a variety of minerals, including copper and selenium, have a strong influence on cellular levels of glutathione. In addition, selenium is an essential part of many different forms of glutathione that exist in the body.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that is produced in the liver. The largest stores of glutathione are found in the liver, where it detoxifies harmful compounds so that they can be excreted through the bile. Some glutathione is released from the liver directly into the bloodstream, where it helps to maintain the integrity of red blood cells and protect white blood cells.
Glutathione is also found in the lungs and the intestinal tract. It is needed for carbohydrate metabolism, and also appears to exert anti-aging effects, aiding in the breakdown of oxidized fats that may contribute to atherosclerosis.
It is also used to prevent oxidative stress in most cells and helps to trap and neutralizes free radicals that can damage DNA and RNA. Glutathione neutralizes peroxidase molecules, and recharges oxidized vitamin C so that the body may reuse it. GSH also plays major roles in drug metabolism, calcium metabolism, the gamma-glutamyl cycle, blood platelet and membrane functions. Glutathione is required for a variety of metabolic processes. In addition, glutathione bolsters the structure of body proteins and assists in the transport of amino acids across cell membranes.
Interestingly, the phytochemical limonene may boost the body's synthesis of a glutathione-containing enzyme that has antioxidant properties and helps to detoxify chemicals.
SOURCES
Limonene is found in citrus fruit peels, cherries, green foods (celery, fennel), soy products, and wheat.
Several foods contain naturally occurring glutathione, including avocado, watermelon, asparagus, grapefruit, potato, acorn squash, strawberries, orange, tomato, cantaloupe, broccoli, okra, peach, zucchini, and spinach.
Supplemental glutathione is expensive, and the effectiveness of oral formulas is questionable. To raise glutathione levels, it is better to supply the body with the raw materials it uses to make this compound: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. The N-acetyl form of cysteine (N-acetyl-cysteine) is considered particularly effective for this purpose.
MOLECULAR DESCRIPTION
Glutathione is actually a tripeptide made up the amino acids gamma-glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. The primary biological function of glutathione is to act as a non-enzymatic reducing agent to help keep cysteine thiol side chains in a reduced state on the surface of proteins. Glutathione is also used to prevent oxidative stress in most cells and helps to trap free radicals that can damage DNA and RNA. There is a direct correlation with the speed of aging and the reduction of glutathione concentrations in intracellular fluids. As individuals grow older, glutathione levels drop, and the ability to detoxify free radicals decreases.
GLUTATHIONE DEFICIENCY
A deficiency of glutathione first affects the nervous system, causing such symptoms as lack of coordination, mental disorders, tremors, and difficulty maintaining body balance. These problems are believed to be due to the development of lesions in the brain.
As we age, glutathione levels decline, although it is not known whether this is because we use it more rapidly or produce less of it to begin with. Unfortunately, if not corrected, the lack of glutathione in turn accelerates the aging process.
GLUTATHIONE HEALTH BENEFITS
Glutathione has several health benefits. Optimal amounts of glutathione are necessary for supporting the immune system, and, in particular, glutathione is required for replication of the lymphocyte immune cells.
Glutathione also helps the liver to detoxify chemicals, such as acetaminophen (active ingredient in pain relief medication), copper, and cadmium.
Scientists speculate that increasing consumption of antioxidants, such as glutathione, early in life may promote longevity and reduce chronic disease.
Research is currently exploring the potential benefits of glutathione for several conditions including cancer, heart disease, memory loss, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, cornea disorders, kidney dysfunction, eczema, liver disorders, poisoning by heavy metals, and immunodepression that occurs in diseases such as AIDS.
GLUTATHIONE DOSAGE
Although a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) has not been established for glutathione, it is critical for optimal health.
INTERACTIONS
There are no known interactions of glutathione with food.
GLUTATHIONE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
L-Glutathione, NOW Foods, 250 mg, 60 Caps
L-Glutathione is a tripeptide amino acid produced in the liver primarily from cysteine. L-Glutathione acts as a cellular antioxidant by inhibiting free radical proliferation.
Glutathione with Vitamin C (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 60 Caps
L-Glutathione and ascorbic acid, nutrients essential for maintaining antioxidant protection and liver support.
ThioDox Glutathione Complex, Hypoallergenic, Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 90 Tabs
Formulated to enhance and protect liver, brain and eye function. The nutrients contained in ThioDox support detoxification, immune system function and glutathione production.
Herbal Remedies: Glutathione / L-Glutathione Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Glutathione / L-Glutathione Information
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Amino Acids Index
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