GLUTATHIONE

Glutathione – or L Glutathione – is a powerful antioxidant found within every cell. Glutathione plays a role in nutrient metabolism, and regulation of cellular events (including gene expression, DNA and protein synthesis, cell growth, and immune response. Glutathione, taken as a supplement, may not be able to cross across the cell membrane and thus may not be effective. Consider acetylcysteine instead.

This antioxidant, made from the combination of three amino acids cysteine, glutamate, and glycine, forms part of the powerful natural antioxidant glutathione peroxidase which is found in our cells. Glutathione peroxidase plays a variety of roles in cells, including DNA synthesis and repair, metabolism of toxins and carcinogens, enhancement of the immune system, and prevention of fat oxidation. However, glutathione is predominantly known as an antioxidant protecting our cells from damage caused by the free radical hydrogen peroxide. Glutathione also helps the other antioxidants in cells stay in their active form. Brain glutathione levels have been found to be lower in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Glutathione in our diet
Glutathione is found in foods, particularly fruits, vegetables and meats. Cyanohydroxybutene, a chemical found in broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and cabbage, is also thought to increase glutathione levels. Various herbs — for instance cinnamon and cardomom — have compounds that can restore healthy levels of glutathione. Although glutathione is available in pill form over the counter, its utilization by the body is questionable since we don’t know if it can easily enter cells, even after it is absorbed in the bloodstream.

Supplements that help make glutathione
Certain nutrients help raise tissue levels of glutathione including acetylcysteine, methyl donors, alpha lipoic acid, polyphenols such as Pycnogenol, and vitamin B12.
An excellent review article in the April 1998 issue of Alternative Medicine Reviews summarizes the known effects of acetylcysteine. The author writes, “N-acetylcysteine is an excellent source of sulfhydryl groups, and is converted in the body into metabolites capable of stimulating glutathione synthesis, promoting detoxification, and acting directly as a free radical scavenger. Administration of acetylcysteine has historically been as a mucolytic [mucus dissolving] agent in a variety of respiratory illnesses; however, it appears to also have beneficial effects in conditions characterized by decreased glutathione or oxidative stress, such as HIV infection, cancer, heart disease, and cigarette smoking.”

Glutathione busters
The frequent use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) depletes glutathione peroxidase levels.

Recommendations
There appears to be a feedback inhibition in glutathione synthesis. This means that if glutathione levels are excessively increased with the help of nutrients, the body may decrease its natural production.
Glutathione is sold in pills with dosages ranging from 50 to 250 mg. Glutathione is a promising antioxidant. However, due to the inconsistencies in the medical literature on the ability of glutathione to enter tissues and cells when ingested orally, and the possibility of feedback inhibition, I can’t recommend supplementation with this nutrient until more information is published. I do think Acetylcysteine is a good alternative since it can help make more glutathione.

reference:
http://www.raysahelian.com/glutathione.html