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.

High Quality products formulated by a medical doctor
Consider these highly popular all natural products: Mind Power Rx for better mental focus, concentration, and mood; Diet Rx which helps you eat less. It really does curb appetite; Eyesight Rx for better vision, often within days; MultiVit Rx a daily comprehensive multivitamin for more energy and vitality; Prostate Power Rx for a healthy prostate gland; and Passion Rx for sexual enhancement, better libido, and improved performance and stamina in men and women.

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.