Glutathione: The Master of Antioxidants

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally produced in the body; however there are a number of factors such as poor nutrition, environmental toxins, stress and age that can cause levels to decline. It is largely made up of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine and cysteine, and is considered the “Master” antioxidant as it can help to protect the body from an array of health conditions, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease, as well as improving energy, skin and brain function.

The antioxidant is found in many fruits and vegetables, and has the ability to recycle other antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. There are two different forms glutathione; L-Glutathione, which is the active form that repairs oxidative damage and oxidises into Oxidised Glutathione which it’s inactive form that can be recycled back into active L-Glutathione.

Benefits of Glutathione:

Combats free radicals

When the body isn’t able to fight off free radicals effectively, oxidative stress occurs which could then lead to multiple different diseases such as diabetes, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis if levels are allowed to get too high. As a powerful antioxidant, glutathione helps to keep free radicals at bay, suggesting that it could reduce the risk of these diseases.

Reduces cell damage in fatty liver disease

A deficiency in antioxidants such as glutathione can increase cell death in the liver, which can lead to fatty liver disease. It has been found that glutathione can improve protein, enzyme and bilirubin levels in the blood of those with alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. One study reported that orally administrating glutathione had positive effects on people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, whilst another found glutathione to be effective when given intravenously in high doses.

May support brain health

Studies suggest there is a clear link between low glutathione levels and decreased brain health. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease show high levels of oxidative stress damage to the brain, as well as low L-Glutathione levels. L-Glutathione may ease and decrease the rate of damage to brain tissue.

Where to get Glutathione:

There are a variety of foods that contain glutathione, or precursors to the antioxidant. Foods such as garlic, onions and leeks are rich in sulphur, which is a precursor to glutathione synthesis. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and kale are full of glucosinolates which will increase the body’s glutathione levels.

Alternatively, try our L-Glutathione Reduced – Super Antioxidant supplements with 425mg per capsule.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7569285/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28789631/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30776003/