Glutathione, also known as Gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine and GSH, is an amino that acts as an antioxidant to help remove free radicals and toxins from the body. It has been studied since 1935 when researchers from the University of Iowa College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology looked into the relation of glutathione and the oxygenation of blood.
Formation
Glutathione, the most abundant antioxidant in the body, is a tripeptide made up of cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. All three amino acids are necessary to form glutathione, but the body makes very little cysteine, which therefore limits glutathione production. However, glutathione, as well as the other amino acids involved in its production, can be taken as a dietary supplement.
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Uses
As an antioxidant, glutathione rids the body of various toxins and eliminates free radicals, which are destructive cells produced in the process of normal metabolism. Free radicals, which contribute to disease and aging, are normally regulated by the body's own antioxidants. A glutathione deficiency can allow free radicals to damage healthy cells, thus causing diseases and disabling ailments.
Drugs.com says that glutathione detoxifies carcinogens and other foreign compounds and is essential in regulating the immune system. It helps with a number of chemical reactions in the body. A lack of the amino acid can affect the lungs, digestive system, nervous system and the immune system.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America shows glutathione supplementation can be useful in HIV/AIDS. The International Journal of Oncology reports that glutathione is beneficial in treating prostate and other cancers. Glutathione has also been proven to be effective in treating chemical and infectious hepatitis, cataracts, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, COPD, asthma, radiation poisoning, low immune response and aging.
Dosage
Because glutathione is a dietary supplement and not a drug, there are no clear guidelines as to the recommended dosage. Consult a doctor for recommended supplementation consistent with the illness being treated.
While many supplements come in dosages between 50 to 600 mg, pharmacist Kristi Monson at eMedTV.com says that glutathione is not readily absorbed when taken orally. To be absorbed, glutathione must be inhaled or injected. She recommends following the instruction on the product or the advice of a physician.
Side Effects
The Physician's Desktop Reference says that taking glutathione supplements may cause adverse reactions such as difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat or chest, chest pain, rash, hives or itchy or swollen skin. There have also been cases of zinc deficiency in people supplementing with glutathione.
Warnings
As with most supplements and over-the-counter medications, consult with your doctor before taking glutathione if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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