Glutathione is our body’s main antioxidant, protecting our cells and making our energy metabolism run well. Glutathione is the most important molecule in the human body that is essential for staying healthy, slowing down the aging process and preventing disease. It is critical in helping our immune system do its job of fighting infections and controlling inflammation.

Glutathione is also essential for the maintenance of cell membrane integrity in red blood cells. Intracellular glutathione concentrations are principally derived by intracellular synthesis, as few cells directly uptake glutathione from the surrounding extracellular fluid. The high concentration of glutathione in virtually all cells clearly indicates its importance in metabolic and oxidative detoxification processes. It enables the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract to help with detoxification processes by intercepting, neutralizing, and eliminating toxins and ingested chemicals.

Glutathione helps us reach peak mental and physical function. Raised glutathione levels decrease muscle damage, reduce recovery time, increase strength and endurance and shift metabolism from fat production to muscle development.

Glutathione can help prevent aging, cancer, heart disease, dementia and other chronic diseases. By neutralizing free radicals, it addresses Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, autism, heavy metal exposure (mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, etc.) and numerous other chronic health disorders that arise from toxic overload.

Symptoms Linked to Glutathione Deficiency:

Having reduced levels of glutathione is associated with many diseases and health conditions, including cancer, cystic fibrosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, emphysema, asthma, ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, autism, bipolar disorder* *, and multiple sclerosis.* *

Psychiatric disorders* (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)*

Psychiatric syndromes characterized by impulsive/compulsive symptoms (e.g., trichotillomania*, pathological nail biting, gambling, substance misuse)* 

The top British medical journal, the Lancet, found the highest glutathione levels in healthy young people, lower levels in healthy elderly, lower still in sick elderly and the lowest of all in the hospitalized elderly.*

Health Problems Associated to Glutathione Deficiency: 

  • ADHD – Oxidative imbalance is prevalent in ADHD patients & likely plays a causative role. Deficiency of glutathione common in ADHD.
  • Autism – Commonly deficient in autistic patients. Lack of glutathione impairs detoxification and methylation processes. Low levels linked to neurological symptoms in autism which is often considered an oxidative stress disorder.* * *
  • Depression – Oxidative stress in the brain alters neurotransmitter function. Antioxidants protect our brain which is very sensitive to oxidation. Several antioxidants – Vitamins A, C and E, Lipoic Acid, CoQ10, Glutathione and Cysteine – play a key role in prevention and treatment of depression.
  • Fatigue – Several studies confirm that oxidative stress exacerbates clinical symptoms of fatigue. Mitochondrial dysfunction (inefficient energy metabolism) can be treated therapeutically with antioxidants such as Selenium, Cysteine, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Glutathione of which unusually low levels are seen in chronic fatigue patients.
  • Fibromyalgia – Low antioxidant status (glutathione, cysteine, CoQ10, selenium, alpha lipoic acid, and vitamin c) increases pain in fibromyalgia, which is often considered an oxidative stress disorder.
  • Gastrointestinal Health – Counteracts oxidative stress in the intestinal mucosa (gut wall). Recycles antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
  • Female Fertility – Protects eggs (fertilized or not) from damage by reactive oxygen species. Protective action of follicle stimulating hormone on embryonic development is due largely to glutathione synthesis.
  • Headaches – Low levels of glutathione peroxidase implicated in migraine etiology.
  • Hypothyroidism – Hypothyroidism decreases efficacy of some antioxidants, such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase.
  • Hypertension – Oxidative stress, which often manifests as glutathione deficiency, can induce hypertension.
  • Inflammation – Repairs damage to cells caused by inflammation. Regulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Recycles vitamins C and E.
  • Methylation – Deficiency impairs methylation reactions and hinders synthesis of the methyl donor SAMe.
  • Sleep Apnea – Low levels linked to sleep apnea. This powerful antioxidant helps repair liver damage caused by sleep apnea.
  • Sports Nutrition – Powerful antioxidant. Detoxifies cellular by-products after workouts. Reduced blood levels of glutathione are counterproductive to an athlete in training.
  • Telomeres – Interference of glutathione dependent antioxidant defenses accelerates telomere erosion.

How to Acquire Glutathione:

  • N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) * *
  • Methylation Nutrients (folate in the active form of 5 methyltetrahydrofolate and vitamins B6 in active form of P5P and B-12 in the active form of methylcobalamin). Methylation and the production and recycling of glutathione are the two most important biochemical functions in your body.
  • Selenium – helps the body recycle and produce more glutathione
  • Vitamins C and E (in the form of mixed tocopherols) work together to recycle glutathione
  • Milk thistle (silymarin) helps boost glutathione levels
  • Undenatured (bioactive) whey protein such as Immunocal™ which is listed in the Physician’s Desk Reference
  • Consuming sulfur-rich foods such as garlic, onions, and the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, etc.)
  • Exercising helps to boost glutathione levels

Clinical Updates on Glutathione