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Glutathione

Glutathione is tri peptide amino acid, mainly understood for its role in immunity, inflammation and reducing oxidative stress. Glutathione is mostly known for its ability to eliminate toxic electrophilic molecules and peroxides in the body1 , also known as reactive oxidative species, which promote stress and oxidation in the body, and whose proper regulation is vital for ensuring longevity and proper functioning of the organism2.

Often called the body’s master antioxidant due to its metabolic role in eliminating reactive oxidative species and maintaining the antioxidative environment, glutathione is thought to act as a tonic to the immune system. We find that glutathione supports the immune system against viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. In clinical trials, It has also been helpful in the treatment of HIV patients3 and helps fight against immunosuppressive illnesses such as chronic and autoimmune diseases.

By regulating the oxidative environment, glutathione not only boosts immunity, but is also crucial for regulating excessive inflammation. Since chronic illness of any kind is often associated with higher levels of inflammation, glutathione supplementation is an essential component of how we support many chronic illnesses, including age related chronic disease and cancer4.

Lastly, glutathione’s regulation of oxidative stress is a key player in longevity and the fight against aging. Glutathione enhances the detoxification mechanism of the liver, which helps to protect the body the disease causing and age associated accumulation of pollutants and toxins.5 Also, by controlling free radicals, glutathione assists in our body’s DNA repair mechanism and help to keep the body’s DNA is safe from damage, optimizing epigenetic gene expression. According the David Sinc;air’s information theory of again, protecting the expression of the genetic code is the most important key to enhancing the optimal human lifespan.6

Not surprisingly, given its effects on the body’s core systems, glutathione is a super nutrient that can affect virtually all physiologic processes and can assist in restoring balance to almost any physiologic state. Its is being studied to help neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.7 It is slo beneficial for mitochondrial function as well which can increase the body’s metabolism. Therefore glutathione is often a vital ally for people interested in performance, from top athletes to business executives, with reported benefits of increased energy, stamina, and mental clarity. Glutathione can be taken orally but may cause digestive distress such as bloating and abdominal cramps and may not pass intact into the bloodstream after oral administration. Therefore, for optimal effect the IV route is recommended so that more benefits are readily available.

References

  1. Anderson, M.E., Glutathione Injections: an overview of biosynthesis and modulation. Chem Biol Interact, 1998. 111-112: p. 1-14.
  2. Cascella R, Evangelisti E, Zampagni M, Becatti M, D’Adamio G, Goti A, Liguri G, Fiorillo C, Cecchi C. S-linolenoyl glutathione intake extends life-span and stress resistance via Sir-2.1 upregulation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Free Radic Biol Med. 2014 Aug;73:127-35. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.05.004. Epub 2014 May 15.
  3. Dröge W, Breitkreutz R. Glutathione and immune function. Proc Nutr Soc. 2000 Nov;59(4):595-600.
  4. Chinery, R., et al., Antioxidants reduce cyclooxygenase-2 expression, prostaglandin production, and proliferation in colorectal cancer cells. Cancer Res, 1998. 58(11): p. 2323-7.
  5. Downey, J.S., et al., The LEC rat possesses reduced hepatic selenium, contributing to the severity of spontaneous hepatitis and sensitivity to carcinogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1998. 244(2): p. 463-7.
  6. P., M. and C. G.P., Glutathione reductase: regulation and role in oxidative stress, in Oxidative stress and the molecular biology of antioxidant defenses. 1997, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
  7. Hauser, R.A., et al., Randomized, double-blind, pilot evaluation of intravenous glutathione in Parkinson’s disease. Mov Disord, 2009. 24(7): p. 979-83.
  8. Sinclar, David.  Lifespan. Atria Books (US); 2019