Overview:

Glutathione is widely regarded as the most crucial intracellular antioxidant that the human body naturally produces. Nevertheless, various factors frequently disrupt its biosynthesis, including:

 Persistent oxidative stress,

 Infections,

 Inadequate nutrition and other factors significantly reduce glutathione levels.

By encapsulating glutathione in liposomes, its cellular-level bioavailability is optimized, and degradation during transit through the stomach due to gastric enzymes is circumvented.

Multiple studies indicate that the reduced form of glutathione known as [S-acetyl L-glutathione] is the most suitable form for the body to employ in intracellular antioxidant processes, combatting free radicals generated by oxidative stress (e.g., pollution, UV exposure, smoking, poor diet, chronic stress, intense physical activity).

What is glutathione?

 Reduced glutathione

 Oxidized glutathione.

Primarily composed of three amino acids (glutamine, glycine, and cysteine), glutathione is hailed as the most potent endogenous antioxidant. It directly counteracts oxidative stress and combats various xenobiotics (external toxins such as benzene, metals, pesticides) responsible for cellular degradation and enzymes in the human body [1].

What is the interplay between free radicals and glutathione?

Free radicals are unstable molecules stemming from byproducts of ATP combustion within mitochondria, which are cellular energy converters. These unpaired electrons, in constant search of stability, interact with mitochondrial electrons, leading to damage, inflammation, and degeneration. Reduced glutathione's role is to shield mitochondria, supplying electrons to neutralize free radicals [2]. This process converts reduced glutathione into oxidized glutathione, itself a free radical with advantageous qualities. Oxidized glutathione naturally bonds with available cellular glutathione, reverting to its reduced state, ready for renewed protection. Glutathione reductase enzyme maintains oxidized glutathione's reduced form, aided by other metabolites, enzyme systems, and direct reactions with oxidants [3]. An antioxidant enzyme network safeguards cells against oxidative stress.

A significant study establishes a direct link between cellular aging and low intracellular glutathione levels. Sustaining optimal glutathione levels is vital to support immunity, extend cell life, and minimize chronic disease risk [4].

Ultimately, glutathione serves as an immune cell regulator and rejuvenator and stands as the human body's most valuable and effective detoxifying agent [5].

The advantages of glutathione for the body encompass:

 Stimulating cell regeneration

 Supporting intracellular and mitochondrial antioxidant processes

 Detoxifying intestinal harmful substances before bloodstream entry

 Enhancing liver function, pivotal for detoxification

 Playing a central role in immune cell function

 Recycling other antioxidants like vitamin C and E

 Inhibiting inflammatory substance production, controlling inflammation

 Essential for improved energy metabolism

 Promoting optimal cellular health

References

[1] : Joseph Pizzorno, Glutathione, 2014 Feb; 13(1): 8–12.

[2] : V. Lobo, A. Patil, A. Phatak, and N. Chandra; Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health; 2010 Jul-Dec; 4(8): 118–126.

[3] : Meister A. Glutathione metabolism and its selective modification. J Biol Chem. 1988;263: 17205–8.

[4] : Julius M, Lang CA, Gleiberman L, Harburg E, Di Franceisco W, Schork A. Glutathione and morbidity in a community-based sample of elderly. J Clin Epidemiol. 1994;47(9):1021–1026

[5] : The Immune System Cure, Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe & Patrick J.D. Bouic, Ph.D.