Glutathione - Description and Uses

Glutathione, otherwise referred to as GSH, is a powerful antioxidant containing three amino acids in its molecular structure: glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. Because of the three resident amino acids, experts often refer to the antioxidant as a tripeptide. The tripeptide produced by the body cells usually exists in high concentration levels in the liver. A medical article estimates the number to be about five millimolar, the same as cholesterol and glucose concentration level in the body cells.

As an antioxidant, GSH helps the body fight free radicals. Free radicals refer to unstable molecules that the body cells produce due to an individual’s eating habits or environmental factors, including radiation and pollution. In a situation where there is an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals in an individual’s body system, a condition called oxidative stress ensues. When oxidative stress persists, it might contribute to developing a wide array of chronic health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Emphasis is placed on just how essential antioxidants like GSH are to the body system. Not only does GSH aid in the direct chemical neutralization of radicals, but it also helps the body regenerate vitamins E and C and expel mercury from the cells and the brain. It aids in the activation of enzymes. GSH is also responsible for naturally creating and maintaining the mitochondrial DNA and adds to its job description the role of producing prostaglandin and protein.

A study conducted among elderly people revealed a direct link between a higher GSH level and a higher vitality level and reduced sickness rate. Experts believe that glutathione helps preserve an individual’s memory and improve longevity. The antioxidant may also help protect the body from Alzheimer’s, asthma, cataracts, high cholesterol, hepatitis, Parkinson’s, and other health problems. But a drop in the level of GSH concentration in the body may cause the individual to be more susceptible to immune diseases like HIV and AIDS or neurodegenerative disorders like Friedreich’s ataxia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A low GSH level may also cause the individual to become vulnerable to cystic fibrosis, liver disease, and macular degeneration (a type of eye disease).

A 2011-study published in Medical Science Monitor revealed a connexion between autism spectrum disorders and low levels of GSH. To conduct the study, the researchers selected 26 children between the ages of three to 13. These children were given oral GSH supplements and transdermal alternatives (body lotions containing the antioxidant) for eight weeks. At the end of the observation period, the researchers discovered that the supplements increased GSH levels in the children’s body systems, albeit at different degrees. However, more research is needed to fully understand if the intake of GSH supplements may spell negative consequences for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Because of the relatively low amount of research literature, not much is known about the adverse effects of consuming GSH supplements. Some experts reckon that intake of GSH supplements may cause some to feel bloated or experience bloating. Some users of the supplements may also experience a rash.

However, experts suggest that reducing one’s alcohol intake may improve the production of glutathione in the body system. This measure may not directly increase the amount of GSH, but that may aid in reducing the level of toxins the antioxidant has to manage hence preserving some more GSH in the body. Another indirect method is to ensure that one’s diet contains as few POPs (persistent organic pollutants present in most conventionally grown foods ) as possible. Also, medical articles show that consuming approximately 17 ounces of alcohol-free beer may increase GSH by 29 percent. And, consuming about 3 ounces of almonds per day may increase a smoker’s GSH level by 16 percent.

Other foods high in sulfur may aid the body in its glutathione production include vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, onions, or selenium-rich foods like eggs, fish, chicken, cottage cheese, and nuts. Whey, gusô seaweed, and flaxseed may also help.