Glutathione

Glutathione is a tiny molecule which the body produces and is found in every cell of the body. Glutathione is a tri-peptide made up of the amino acids gamma-glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine.  It is also known as gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine, or GSH. It is found in the largest concentrations in the liver. 

It is actually a powerful antioxidant that detoxifies the harmful compounds in the liver. It may be the most important antioxidant, since it is found inside every cell.  It prevents oxidative stress on the cells and captures free radicals.  Glutathione is not an essential nutrient, because it can be synthesized from the amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamate and glycine.

Antioxidants are important for good health.  They neutralize free radicals which build up in cells and cause damage, early aging or cancer. Glutathione lives inside the cells, so it is key to neutralizing free radicals.

Glutathione occurs naturally in many foods.  So if you eat a balanced diet. you probably have enough in your diet. People with diets high in fresh fruits and vegetables and freshly prepared meats should get enough glutathione.

Glutathione keeps cells running smoothly and helps the liver remove toxins.  The liver also excretes glutathione directly into the bloodstream where it is used to help maintain the integrity of red blood cells and to protect white blood cells.  Glutathione is found in the lungs and intestinal tract where it assists in matabolising carbohydrates and breaking down oxidized fats.  Glutathione also used to prevent oxidative stress in most cells and helps capture free radicals that can damage DNA and RNA. GSH also plays major roles in drug metabolism, calcium metabolism, the gamma-glutamyl cycle, blood platelet and membrane functions.

Studies have shown that people with serious conditions, such as cancer or elderly patients, have lower glutathione levels.  It appears that glutathione is key to cellular health.

Glutathione does not appear to be absorbed correctly into the body by the mouth except when eaten in foods.  So, you need to eat a well-balanced diet.  Research on glutathione as a supplement has been limited so far.  Herbs, such as cinnamon and cardamom, have compounds that can help restore healthy levels of glutathione.

The frequent use of acetaminophen can deplete glutathione levels.

Glutathione deficiency plays a key role in aging and the worsening of many diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, HIV, AIDS, cancer, heart attack, and diabetes.