Glutatione information
This antioxidant, made from the combination of three amino acids cysteine,
glutamate, and glycine, forms part of the powerful natural antioxidant
glutathione peroxidase which is found in our cells. Glutathione peroxidase plays
a variety of roles in cells, including DNA synthesis and repair, metabolism of
toxins and carcinogens, enhancement of the immune system, and prevention of fat
oxidation. However, glutathione is predominantly known as an antioxidant
protecting our cells from damage caused by the free radical hydrogen peroxide.
Glutathione also helps the other antioxidants in cells stay in their active
form. Brain glutathione levels have been found to be lower in patients with
Parkinson’s disease.
Glutathione supplements are available over the counter. I am not
aware of any human research with there products and do not know how well they
work. If you do wish to purchase a glutathione product, here is one option.
Glutathione supplement by Source
Naturals
Source
Naturals Reduced Glutathione Sublingual Complex, 50 mg, 100 Tablets
* Orange Flavored Sublingual
* Dietary Supplement
Reduced Glutathione Sublingual Complex contains glutathione (GSH), a key element
of the liver's detoxifying process, and also the precursor for glutathione
peroxidase, a major free radical scavenging enzyme. Molybdenum, a trace mineral
that activates the enzymes aldehyde oxidase and sulfite oxidase, may provide
necessary nutritional support for chemically sensitive individuals. Coenzymated
vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) is the precursor for FAD, a coenzyme that recycles used
GSH. The sublingual form is absorbed directly into the blood stream, via the
blood vessels under the tongue and in the cheeks, allowing for quick entry into
the system.
Buy Glutathione supplement pills
Suggested Use: 1 Glutathione tablet a few times a week. Place the glutathione tablet under
the tongue and allow to dissolve slowly, altering its position to avoid
prolonged contact with the same area.
Reduced Glutathione Supplement Facts:
Serving Size 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving %DV
Total Carbohydrates 1 g <2%
Riboflavin (as 2.25 mg flavin mononucleotide (Coenzymated) 1.6 mg 90%
Molybdenum (as molybdenum chelate) 120 mcg 160%
L-Glutathione (reduced) 50 mg †
* Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established
Glutathione in our diet
Glutathione is found in foods, particularly fruits, vegetables and meats.
Cyanohydroxybutene, a chemical found in broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
and cabbage, is also thought to increase glutathione levels. Various herbs --
for instance cinnamon and
cardomom -- have
compounds that can restore healthy levels of glutathione. Brazil nuts contain a
high amount of selenium which can increase glutathione levels. Although
glutathione is available in pill form over the counter, its utilization by the
body is questionable since we don’t know if it can easily enter cells, even
after it is absorbed in the bloodstream.
Brazil nuts: an effective way to improve selenium status.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Feb.
Thomson CD, Chisholm A, McLachlan SK, Campbell JM.
Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
We investigated the efficacy of Brazil
nuts in increasing
selenium status in comparison with selenomethionine. Participants
consumed 2 Brazil nuts thought to provide approximately 100 mug Selenium, 100
mug Selenium as selenomethionine, or placebo daily for 12 wk. Actual intake from
nuts averaged 53 mug Selenium /d (possible range: 20-84 mug Se). Plasma
selenium and plasma and whole blood glutathione peroxidase activities were
measured at baseline and at 2, 4, 8, and 12 wk, and effects of treatments were
compared. Plasma selenium increased by 64%, 61%, and
7%; plasma glutathione peroxidase by 8%, 3%, and -1%; and whole blood
glutathione peroxidase by 13%,
5%, and 1.9% in the Brazil nut, selenomethionine, and placebo groups,
respectively. Consumption of
2 Brazil nuts daily is as effective for increasing selenium status and
enhancing glutathione peroxidase activity as 100 mug Se as selenomethionine. Inclusion of
this high-selenium food in the diet could avoid the need for fortification
or supplements to improve the selenium status of New Zealanders.
Comments by Dr. Sahelian: Eating one Brazil nut a few times a week
is an acceptable way to increase selenium levels. Brazil nuts are high in
calories.
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Supplements that help make glutathione
Certain nutrients help raise tissue levels of glutathione including
acetylcysteine
antioxidant,
methyl donors such as
choline, DMG and TMG,
alpha lipoic acid, polyphenols such as
Pycnogenol, and vitamin B12. The
mineral
Selenium can increase glutathione levels.
An excellent review article in the
April 1998 issue of Alternative Medicine Reviews summarizes the known effects of acetylcysteine. The author writes, “N-acetylcysteine is an
excellent source of sulfhydryl groups, and is converted in the body into
metabolites capable of stimulating glutathione synthesis, promoting
detoxification, and acting directly as a free radical scavenger.
Administration of acetylcysteine has historically been as a mucolytic
[mucus dissolving] agent in a variety of respiratory illnesses; however,
it appears to also have beneficial effects in conditions characterized by
decreased glutathione or oxidative stress, such as HIV infection, cancer,
heart disease, and cigarette smoking.”
Glutathione busters
The frequent use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) depletes glutathione peroxidase levels.
Recommendations
There appears to be a feedback inhibition in glutathione synthesis.
This means that if glutathione levels are excessively increased with the help of
nutrients, the body may decrease its natural production.
Glutathione is sold in pills with dosages ranging from
50 to 250 mg. Glutathione is a promising antioxidant. However, due to the
inconsistencies in the medical literature on the ability of glutathione to enter
tissues and cells when ingested orally, and the possibility of feedback
inhibition, I can’t recommend supplementation with this nutrient until more
information is published. I do think Acetylcysteine is a good alternative since it can help make more glutathione.
Side effects
No significant side effects have been reported in medical journals with
supplementation of these pills.
What happens if Glutathione levels are low?
Glutathione deficiency contributes to oxidative stress, which 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.
Glutathione and Aging
The concentration of glutathione declines with age and in some age-related
diseases.
Glutathione and HIV
AIDS: Several recent scientific papers have found a correlation between
glutathione levels and viral activity for hepatitis B and C. When viral load
increases, glutathione decreases. Researchers from Germany report that adding
NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) to HBV producing cells lines can reduce hepatitis viral
load 50 fold. Glutathione is used by the liver to help break down toxins.
Patients who have chronic infection for more than 90 days should ask their
physicians to check their Glutathione levels. An amino acid, L-Glutamine,
can be used with Alpha Lipoic Acid and NAC to increase Glutathione levels.
Chlorophyll also offers benefits to people with hepatitis and other infections.
Curcumin, glutathione, and Parkinson's
disease
Q. Will glutathione supplements help those
with Parkinson's disease?
A. I have not seen research testing glutathione supplements for
Parkinson's disease, but curcumin is an interesting option in terms of restoring
glutathione levels.
Curcumin treatment alleviates the effects of
glutathione depletion in vitro and in vivo: therapeutic implications for
Parkinson's disease explained via in silico studies.
Free Radic Biol Med. 2008 Mar 1. Jagatha B, Mythri RB, Vali S, Bharath
MM. Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Mental Health and
Neurosciences, 2900 Hosur Road, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
An important biochemical feature of presymptomatic
Parkinson's disease
is a significant depletion of the thiol antioxidant glutathione in these
neurons resulting in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ultimately
cell death. We have earlier demonstrated that curcumin, a natural polyphenol
obtained from turmeric, protects against peroxynitrite-mediated mitochondrial
dysfunction both in vitro and in vivo. Here we report that treatment of
dopaminergic neuronal cells and mice with curcumin restores depletion of
glutathione levels, protects against protein oxidation, and preserves
mitochondrial complex I activity which normally is impaired due to glutathione
loss. Using systems biology and dynamic modeling we have explained the mechanism
of curcumin action in a model of mitochondrial dysfunction linked to glutathione
metabolism that corroborates the major findings of our experimental work. These
data suggest that curcumin has potential therapeutic value for neurodegenerative
diseases involving glutathione depletion-mediated oxidative stress.
Glutathione and Radon Exposure
Gene variants that result in decreased amounts of
glutathione -S- transferase M1 (GSTM1), may raise the risk of lung cancer related
to radon exposure. Such variants also seem to increase the cancer-causing effect of secondhand
smoke.
Both radon and secondhand smoke are thought to promote carcinogenesis through
the formation of reactive oxygen species. GSTM1 is an enzyme that detoxifies
these species and their derivatives.
Glutathione Research
studies
The effect of polyphenolic extract from pine bark, Pycnogenol on the level
of glutathione in children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD).
Redox Rep. 2006;11(4):163-72. Department of Medical Chemistry,
Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius
University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) belongs to the
neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impulsivity, distractibility
and hyperactivity. In the pathogenesis of ADHD genetic and non-genetic
factors play an important role. It is assumed that one of non-genetic
factors should be oxidative stress. Pycnogenol, an extract from the pine
bark, consists of bioflavonoids, catechins, procyanidins and phenolic
acids. Pycnogenol acts as powerful antioxidant, chelating agent; it
stimulates the activities of some enzymes, like SOD, eNOS, and exhibits
other biological activities. AIM: The aim of this randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to investigate the influence of
administered Pycnogenol or placebo on the level of reduced glutathione and
oxidized glutathione in children suffering from ADHD and on total
antioxidant status (TAS). This is the first investigation of the redox
glutathione state in relation to ADHD. One month of Pycnogenol
administration (1 mg/kg body weight/day) caused a significant decrease in
oxidized glutathione and a highly significant increase in glutathione
levels as well as improvement of glutathione / oxidized
glutathione ratio in comparison to a group of patients taking a placebo.
TAS in children with ADHD was decreased in comparison with reference
values. Pycnogenol administration normalizes TAS of ADHD children.
Polyphenols and glutathione synthesis regulation.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jan;81(1 Suppl):277S-283S.
Polyphenols in food plants are a versatile group of phytochemicals with
many potentially beneficial activities in terms of disease prevention. In
vitro cell culture experiments have shown that polyphenols possess
antioxidant properties, and it is thought that these activities account
for disease-preventing effects of diets high in polyphenols. However,
polyphenols may be regarded as xenobiotics by animal cells and are to some
extent treated as such, ie, they interact with phase I and phase II enzyme
systems. We recently showed that dietary plant polyphenols, namely, the
flavonoids, modulate expression of an important enzyme in both cellular
antioxidant defenses and detoxification of xenobiotics, ie, gamma-glutamylcysteine
synthetase. This enzyme is rate limiting in the synthesis of the most
important endogenous antioxidant in cells, glutathione. We showed in vitro
that flavonoids increase expression of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase
and, by using a unique transgenic reporter mouse strain, we showed
increased expression in vivo, with a concomitant increase in the
intracellular glutathione concentrations in muscles. Because glutathione
is important in redox regulation of transcription factors and enzymes for
signal transduction, our results suggest that polyphenol-mediated
regulation of glutathione alters cellular processes. Evidently,
glutathione is important in many diseases, and regulation of intracellular
glutathione concentrations may be one mechanism by which diet influences
disease development. The aim of this review is to discuss some of the
mechanisms involved in the glutathione-mediated, endogenous, cellular
antioxidant defense system, how its possible modulation by dietary
polyphenols such as flavonoids may influence disease development, and how
it can be studied with in vivo imaging.
(R)-alpha-lipoic acid reverses the age-related
loss in glutathione redox status in post-mitotic tissues: evidence for
increased cysteine requirement for glutathione synthesis.
Arch Biochem Biophys. 2004 Mar 1;423(1):126-35.
Age-related depletion of glutathione levels and perturbations in its
redox state may be especially deleterious to metabolically active tissues,
such as the heart and brain. We examined the extent and the mechanisms
underlying the potential age-related changes in cerebral and myocardial
glutathione status in young and old F344 rats and whether administration
of (R)-alpha-lipoic acid (LA) can reverse these changes. Our results show
that glutathione /GSSG ratios in the aging heart and the brain declined by
58 and 66% relative to young controls, respectively. Despite a consistent
loss in glutathione redox status in both tissues, only cerebral
glutathione levels declined with age. Treating old rats with LA (40 mg/kg
body wt; by i.p.) markedly increased tissue cysteine levels by 54% 12 h
following treatment and subsequently restored the cerebral glutathione
levels. Moreover, alpha lipoic acid improved the age-related changes in
the tissue glutathione /GSSG ratios in both heart and the brain. These
results demonstrate that LA is an effective agent to restore both the
age-associated decline in thiol redox ratio as well as increase cerebral
glutathione levels that otherwise decline with age.
Low blood glutathione levels in acute myocardial infarction.
Indian J Med Sci. 2003 Aug;57(8):335-7.
Although experimental studies have demonstrated that reduced
glutathione (glutathione) is involved in cellular protection from
deleterious effects of oxygen free radicals in ischaemia and reperfusion,
there are controversial data on the correlation between levels of
glutathione and the ischaemic process. AIM: The present study was planned
to evaluate erythrocyte glutathione levels in patients with acute
myocardial infarction (AMI). Erythrocyte glutathione
levels were determined in 22 patients with AMI and 15 age matched healthy
volunteers served as control. Erythrocyte glutathione
levels were measured by using Bentler in AMI and control patients. Also
lipid profile was analyzed enzymatically in these subject. Glutathione levels were significantly decreased in AMI as
compared to control (p<0.001). Also, total cholesterol and triglycerides
were higher is AMI subjects.
Improved glutathione status in young adult patients with
cystic
fibrosis supplemented with
whey protein.
J Cystic Fibrosis. 2003 Dec;2(4):195-8.
The lung disease of cystic fibrosis is associated with a chronic
inflammatory reaction and an over abundance of oxidants relative to
antioxidants. Glutathione functions as a major frontline defense against
the build-up of oxidants in the lung. This increased demand for
glutathione in cystic fibrosis may be limiting if nutritional status is
compromised. We sought to increase glutathione levels in stable patients
with cystic fibrosis by supplementation with a whey-based protein.
Twenty-one patients who were in stable condition were randomly
assigned to take a whey protein isolate (Immunocal, 10 g twice a day) or
casein placebo for 3 months. Peripheral lymphocyte Glutathione was
used as a marker of lung Glutathione . Values were compared with
nutritional status and lung parameters. At baseline there were no
significant differences in age, height, weight, percent ideal body weight
or percent body fat. Lymphocyte Glutathione was similar in the two
groups. After supplementation, we observed a 46.6% increase from baseline in the lymphocyte Glutathione levels in the supplemented
group. No other changes were observed. The results show that
dietary supplementation with a whey-based product can increase glutathione
levels in cystic fibrosis. This nutritional approach may be useful in
maintaining optimal levels of Glutathione and counteract the
deleterious effects of oxidative stress in the lung in cystic fibrosis.
Q. I came across your website while doing research on alpha lipoic acid as a precursor for glutathione. I found your research and comments to be very straightforward and well thought out, showing the pros and the cons of a particular course of action. We need more people like you out there. We also represent a product named Immunocal, which is a bonded cysteine precursor for glutathione listed in the Physician's Desk Reference. It is available with and without a prescription. From looking at your site, we think that those who would purchase your products may also be interested in purchasing Immunocal. In fact, it looks like you may be familiar with this, since you cite several of the studies done with Immunocal on your site on your whey protein and glutathione pages. Under glutathione after an oral product is offered, you state: However, due to the inconsistencies in the medical literature on the ability of glutathione to enter tissues and cells when ingested orally, and the possibility of feedback inhibition, I can't recommend supplementation with this nutrient until more information is published. I agree 100%! This would be a great place to let people know that there is already an abundance of information published about Immunocal. This includes 30 years of research, 26 published studies, some of which are on your site, coverage in certain states by Medicare and Medicaid for certain conditions, a listing in the PDR and Pharmacist's Red Book, and 65 International Method Of Use Patents. Is there already a way to buy Immunocal through you, or do you already have a linking or referral arrangement with another Immunotec consultant? If your company would like to research further whether or not this product meets your high standards, we would be happy to answer your questions. We need more doctors like Dr. Sahelian and his team.
Inhaling a compound that is normally produced in
the lungs but is lacking in people with cystic fibrosis seems to be
helpful for such patients. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition,
characterized by thick mucus build-up in the lungs as well as other organs
such as bile ducts and intestines. People with the disorder suffer from
difficulty breathing, frequent bouts of pneumonia, and numerous other
afflictions. The secretion of a peptide called glutathione by lung cells
is impaired in cystic fibrosis, and there is good evidence to suggest that
the lack of glutathione in lung fluid plays a key role in the chronic
inflammation and infection that occurs. Previous studies have investigated
inhaled glutathione as a treatment for cystic fibrosis. The current study
is different from the others in that it compared active treatment with
inactive placebo treatment, and involved a higher daily dose of
glutathione over a longer period. In the study, 19 patients with cystic
fibrosis were randomized to receive inhaled glutathione or placebo for 8
weeks. Glutathione-treated patients experienced an increase in peak
expiratory airflow whereas the comparison group experienced a drop.
When asked to rate their condition on a 5-point scale, the participants
given glutathione reported significantly more improvement than those given
the placebo. Also, inhaled glutathione therapy was well tolerated, and
the frequency and nature of side effects was similar in the two groups.
SOURCE: Chest, January 20057.
Effect of dietary restriction and acetylcysteine supplementation on
intestinal mucosa and liver mitochondrial redox status and function in
aged rats.
Exp Gerontol. 2004 Sep;39(9):1323-32.
The age-related changes of glutathione (glutathione) levels and the effect of
hypocaloric regimen and N-acetylcysteine supplementation were investigated
in intestinal mucosa and liver mitochondria of 28 months rats. Old rats
exhibited lower proteins, glutathione and protein sulphydrils (PSH)
concentrations, higher glutathione-peroxidase (glutathione-Px) activity and protein
carbonyl deposit, partial inhibition of succinate stimulated mitochondrial
state III respiration and decreased mitochondrial nitrosothiols (RSNO)
concentration. Lower electric potential and current intensity were found
in the colonic mucosa. Old rats undergone hypocaloric regimen showed
higher intestinal concentrations of glutathione, lower oxidized protein
accumulation and glutathione-Px activity and higher mitochondrial RSNO levels.
Mitochondrial state III respiration and intestinal transport were
improved. N-acetylcysteine supplementation enhanced glutathione and PSH levels in
the ileal but not in the colonic mucosa, glutathione and RSNO in liver
mitochondria, while glutathione-Px and protein carbonyls were decreased
everywhere. Mitochondrial respiration ameliorated. In conclusion, ageing
is characterized by a spread decrease of glutathione concentrations, increased
protein oxidation and decreased mitochondrial NO content. Hypocaloric diet
ameliorated intestinal transport and, as well as N-acetylcysteine, was
effective in enhancing glutathione levels but at different extent according to the
investigated districts. Both interventions reduced the age-associated
increase of glutathione-Px and protein carbonyls and improved mitochondrial
respiration.
Anti-oxidant effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) bark and greater
cardamom (Amomum subulatum) seeds in rats fed high fat diet.
Indian J Exp Biol. 1999 Mar;37(3):238-42.
In order to gain insight into the antioxidant effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum
verum; Lauraceae) and cardamom (Amomum subulatum; Zingiberaceae) hepatic and
cardiac antioxidant enzymes, glutathione content and lipid conjugated dienes were studied in rats fed high fat diet along with cinnamon or cardamom.
The antioxidant enzyme activities were found to be significantly enhanced
whereas glutathione content was markedly restored in rats fed a fat diet with spices. In
addition, these spices partially counteracted increase in lipid conjugated
dienes and hydroperoxides, the primary products of lipid peroxidation. Thus, it
appears that these spices exert antioxidant protection through their ability to
activate the antioxidant enzymes.
Glutathione Chemistry
Glutathione (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine; GSH) is the most abundant
low-molecular-weight thiol within cells. The synthesis of glutathione from
glutamate, cysteine, and glycine is catalyzed by two cytosolic enzymes,
gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and glutathione synthetase. Compelling
evidence shows that glutathione synthesis is regulated primarily by gamma-glutamylcysteine
synthetase activity, cysteine availability, and glutathione feedback
inhibition. Animal and human studies demonstrate that adequate protein
nutrition is crucial for the maintenance of glutathione homeostasis.
In aerobic cells, free radicals are constantly produced mostly as reactive oxygen species. Once produced, free radicals are removed by antioxidant defenses including the enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. Reactive oxygen species, including nitric oxide and related species, commonly exert a series of useful physiological effects. However, imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant defenses in favor of prooxidants results in oxidative stress. This results in damage to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Alone or in combination with primary factors, free radicals are involved in the cause of hundreds of diseases.
L-Glutathione Reduced
Glutathione enzyme and supplement questions
Q. What do you think of a glutathione supplement, does it provide
any benefits?
A. Glutathione, taken as a supplement, may not be able to cross
across the cell membrane, so I suspect a glutathione supplement would not
be helpful, although I am not 100 percent sure and some people claim that
they find it helpful.
Q. Have you heard about glutathione eye drops as
a treatment for cataracts? I am a huge believer in taking glutathione in
powder form orally which has helped my allergies tremendously. I just had
one cataract removed surgically and have the other eye with just the
beginnings of a cataract. I was hoping to possibly use glutathione eye
drops to prevent it from getting worse.
A. We are not familiar with glutathione eye drops and don't have
experience using this product.
Q. What oral supplement is good for skin. I
heard about glutathione that after a couple of months taking it , it can
make your skin whiter and healthy. is this true?
A. We have not come across any research that says glutathione
supplements taken orally improve skin. Fish oils are good options for
healthy skin.
Q. I wish to ask the research expert panel of a new product by a company called Max International about their product called MaxGXL that is made to boost glutathione levels. I was told that there are a lot of companies out there that come up with some sort of magic formula to boost glutathione, should this company be treated like others?
Q. I was doing some research on glutathione and
came across your article. One of your concerns was the difficulty in
getting into the cells where is matters the most. I am not sure if you are
aware of Dr. Keller’s work with MaxGXL or not. I have decided to join the
team. Here is what Dr. John C. Nelson has to say about this product and
it's inventor. “This product in my opinion, MaxGXL,
represents the single most important breakthrough in health that I will
witness in my life time. I believe it will revolutionize, change, and
transform the practice of medicine world-wide and make Dr Robert Keller
more famous than Jonas Salk who created the polio vaccine.”
A. I get turned off when I hear such marketing pitches.
Q. Have you heard of MaxGXL created by
immunologist and medical researcher Dr. Robert H. Keller, MD, MS, FACP.
He has developed a product that makes your body increase its glutathione
levels. It is in a pill form. I am a Max International Independent
Associate.
A. I did a search for MaxGXL in Medline in June 2008 and did not
find any references or any studies regarding this product.
Q. Was reading Q and A on your glutathione peroxidase website and went looking for MaxGXL. Thought you might be interested in what I found and to know the cost is $85. for a 28 day supply but if it's bought on the autoship plan one can get it for $66. Think the person that wrote that question was smart enough to know anyone reading it would check into it and he might have another customer!
Q. Diagnosed with beginning cataracts by two
different ophtomologists a few years back. Read your studies on
L-Glutathione and took a supplement. Conditions of haloes around my eyes
when viewing lights at night -- which I had for months -- disappeared
within two weeks. Conditions have not returned. I have no doubt L-Gluthathione
did the trick. I took -- and still take about twice a week now -- the GNC
50 mg vegetarian brand. I chew it to absorb it better, and wash it down
with water. The taste is not that bad. No other benefits or side effects
noted.
A. Interesting.
Q. I have just heard about the MAX GXL product that
several people asked about on your website concerning glutathione. Dr. Robert H.
Keller (who created this pill made to be taken orally) works with HIV patients.
He said on his dvd that this pill is a combination of the three amino acids that
make up glutathione. He has a composition patent on this pill. Have you heard
any more research on it, I am a skeptic, but it is of interest to me.
A. As of June 2008, I have not come across independent research
regarding Max GXL.
Q. I read some of the Q&A regarding glutathione on your
website and specifically there were a few questions about a product called
MaxGLX that is supposed to help the body produce more glutathione. In your
responses you mentioned that as as of June 2008 you had not heard of this
company or product. I’m wondering if you have subsequently had any exposure to
this product and if you can provide more info on your thoughts as to its merits.
A. As of May 2009, I have not seen any research on this product.
Q. What is the best way to increase glutathione
levels? taking r- alpha lipoic acid or n-acetylcysteine, and at what
dosage?
A. There is no easy answer to this since studies regarding ways to
increase glutathione through supplement use have not available as of
December 2007. To complicate matters, it may be possible to have a short
term effect from a supplement, but we don't know whether the glutathione
increase would persist over time. A practical option is to alternate the
use of r alpha lipoic acid with acetylcysteine every other day and to take
2 days off each week.
Q. My question is about L Glutathione. Since in the
article it says it is good for liver detoxification, would a glutathione
supplement help? I have fatty liver, but very very mild NASH Non alcoholic fatty
liver. My Cholesterol is down, my weight is down....would glutathione help the
liver?
A. I have not come across any evidence that taking a glutathione
supplement is able to enter individual cells in the body to be effective.
Q. i recently received a massage from someone who used
glutathione mixed with coconut oil. he also used a sonar device. he said that
the glutathione would penetrate into the body and work with neuro peptides to
aid in reducing inflammation and release of muscle contraction. is this
possible?
A. We find this hard to believe until research studies confirm it.
Q. I am a naturopathic doctor and was reading your
comments on glutathione. It is generally accepted that glutathione has little
effect when ingested orally. I remember seeing the result of Dr. Perlmutter when
he injected glutathione into Parkinson’s patients. At a functional medicine
conference, hundreds of doctors stood and cheered when he showed the video. I
was one of them. So I am aware of 4 methods of getting glutathione into the
body. One is intravenously. The second is a 500 mg suppository. The third is a
liposome cream. The last is a glutathione spray that is developed by a lab that
I use. I will also be using the suppository and experimenting with the others as
well. I deal with a compounding pharmacy for the intravenous, cream and
suppositories. It is exceptional to be able to get glutathione into the body in
a form it can use. It is definitely worth it.
A. I look forward to seeing research on glutathione used by
non-oral routes.
Q. I have cystic fibrosis and would like to take
glutathione supplements to improve peak expiratory airflow, could you please
tell me what to do, i am a little confused. Are there many types of glutathione
supplements and i need to take a particular one, in which case whats the name of
the one i should take? What works best oral or inhaled, i would prefer oral but
would that increase my Peak expiratory flows or not? Are there any glutathione
side effects? If glutathione will not increase my peak expiratory flow would you
know of any other supplement which will increase my peak expiratory flow?
A. As of August 2008, I am not aware of studies with glutathione
supplements in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. See
cystic fibrosis for
more info.
Q. Firstly i would like to say your articles on your
website are very interesting and i read them regularly ever since i founded your
website. I do have a question though, regarding glutathione levels in the body,
I read your informative article on glutathione and in the article you have
written that whey protein may increase glutathione levels, i did some research
on whey products and have seen that all whey products have Amino acids in them,
does this mean that if i were to take an Amino Acid complex then i would be able
to raise my glutathione levels?
A. Whey protein supplements contain various proteins which likely
influence glutathione levels. It is possible that certain amino acids do so
also, but it is a complicated issue since there are dozens of amino acids and it
is difficult to know which ones, in what combination, and in what quantities
influence levels of glutathione. Rather than focusing on raising glutathione
levels, once should take a more comprehensive approach to improving overall
health in various ways including diet, exercise, deep sleep, etc.
Q. On your website on the glutathione page you wrote
'various herbs -- for instance cinnamon and cardomom -- have compounds that can
restore healthy levels of glutathione." Does this mean that by taking cinnamon
or cardomom you can have normal healthy levels of glutathione if you don't have
healthy levels?
A. Many herbs are helpful in restoring or helping increase levels
of natural antioxidants in the body, including levels of glutathione
antioxidant. The use of cinnamon and cardamom are likely to increase levels of
natural glutathione in the boy, but it is difficult to say how much will
increase and how much of these herbs has to be ingested for this purpose.
Q. What is the best supplement or food for restoring
natural glutathione levels in the body?
A. I am not aware of specific research with the thousands of foods
and supplements that are available to determine which is the best food or
supplement to increase glutathione levels. There are many natural antioxidants
in the body in addition to glutathione and it would be better to focus on an
overall healthy diet that helps with all aspects of health rather than one
antioxidant system in the body. Acetylcysteine has been studied as a good
supplement for raising glutathione levels but there are many more that have not
been studied but are likely to have similar benefits. Green foods, spices, and
vegetables are excellent choices to raise antioxidant levels, and berries are
excellent choices, too.
Can you please provide information on glutathione. I
read from some articles that this is natural supplement to clear your skin and
also provide whitening of skin tone. Is this true. If so how much glutathione
dosage can you take per day. Can you get toxin or overdose on this glutathione
supplement? One of the manufacturer on the website says that this problem
definitely makes your skin lighter and smoother. What are the ingredients for
this product. Also, does the claim for skin whitening is a myth or true?
I am not aware of any studies that glutathione supplements are
helpful as a treatment for a skin disease or making skin whiter.
I am aware that supplementing with oral glutathione is
not a good option since it may not enter the cells where it is needed. I have
seen two different forms of it on the market that claim to be superior than the
reduced form. They are saying it is microencapsulated and withstand the stomach
and intestinal enzymes from destroying it. The two names that I found were the
Glutathione Pleolyposome ( a Google seacrh turned up nothing on it ) and the
other was Liposome-Enclosed Glutathione. Liposome-Enclosed Glutathione and
Glutathione Pleolyposome have their own website gushing about its superiority
over the reduced form. Are you familiar with either two and what is your
opinions on it? Better / worse, waste of money?
I am not familiar with these products and have not come
across human studies regarding their use, so I remain skeptical until shown data
that support their claimed benefits.
I read with interest your info on glutathione. You
refer to a clinical study on CF patients using a whey protein to increase
intracellular glutathione. I believe that one such whey protein is known as
Immunocal and is available as a supplement and something you may want to
investigate. There are clinical studies which have been peer reviewed and
published in medical journals on Immunocal which has shown to raise
intracellular glutathione levels. Since you show a keen interest in finding a
supplement that has been scientifically documented to raise glutathione,
Immunocal is a good option. If Dr. Sahelian is interested, I can arrange for a
conference call with one of the Doctors from Immunotec Research.