GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of the
three amino acids &emdash; glycine, glutamic acid (glutamate), and cysteine. Dietary glutathione can be
found in fruit and vegetables, especially asparagus,
avocado, and walnuts, fish, and meat.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Glutathione has been called the “master antioxidant,” in
addition to its own potent antioxidant powers glutathione
helps to recycle other antioxidants such as vitamins C and
E. Thus, glutathione can help to protect against cancer and other diseases caused
by oxidative damage. Glutathione
also plays an important role in the regulation of immune cells, and is a potent detoxifying agent. Low levels
of glutathione have been associated with hepatic
dysfunction, immune dysfunction, cardiac disease, and
premature aging. It is also important in DNA synthesis and
repair, protein and prostaglandin synthesis, and
amino acid transport. Several studies have shown that glutathione has antiviral properties. Research has shown that glutathione inhibits
activation of the HIV virus, therefore it may be beneficial
to people with HIV and AIDS.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
There are no known symptoms of glutathione
deficiency, however some medical conditions are associated with glutathione deficiency, for
example diabetes, low sperm count, and liver disease. Heavy
smokers may have low levels as certain chemicals in tobacco
smoke increase the rate at which the body utilizes
glutathione.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Refer to dosage instructions on packaging.
People with a proven glutathione deficiency should be treated by a doctor, and may require intravenous or intramuscular injections. Some
research suggests that taking oral glutathione may not be
the best way of raising blood glutathione levels. One study
showed that healthy people could raise their blood
glutathione levels by nearly 50% by taking 500mg of vitamin C each day for 2-weeks. Other
nutritional compounds that may help to boost glutathione
levels include: alpha lipoic acid, glutamine, methionine,
S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), and whey
protein.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
established
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with kidney or liver disease should
consult their doctor before taking supplementary
glutathione.
