Glutathione: The Mighty Molecule with a Significant Role
Glutathione, often referred to as the master antioxidant, is a crucial and highly potent endogenous antioxidant present in nearly all human cells. Its reduced form, GSH, serves as a potent redox buffer, shielding our DNA, cell lipids, and proteins from the damaging effects of free radicals and peroxides, which can harm cell structures and disrupt metabolic processes.
Detoxification
Glutathione also plays a pivotal role in biotransformation, binding non-excretable substances and rendering them water-soluble for elimination through the kidneys. This detoxification process includes the removal of xenobiotics (synthetic compounds foreign to the body, like pesticides and pharmaceuticals) and heavy metals [2]. Despite the body's natural production of glutathione, maintaining healthy levels can be challenging due to adverse environmental factors.
A Radical Scavenger as a Health Indicator
Assessing the body's oxidative stress level can be achieved by analyzing the ratio of reduced (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG). This ratio is considered a clinical marker to better understand the progression of various diseases. Typically, a 9:1 ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione exists in the human body [3]. However, external toxic influences often tip the balance toward oxidation. Oxidized glutathione must be regenerated by glutathione reductase to function as reduced glutathione. Chronic diseases, such as excretory, digestive, or cardiovascular conditions, are often associated with significantly reduced glutathione levels [4].
Impact on the Aging Process
Age significantly impacts glutathione levels in the body. With age-related declines in self-synthesis, glutathione levels start deteriorating around the age of 45 and drop more rapidly after 60 [5][6]. This decrease in glutathione's protective function can lead to increased oxidative stress, potentially negatively affecting the aging process. Research suggests that glutathione levels in the body have a substantial influence on aging [7].
A study from Denmark underscores this point. Comparing the glutathione levels of individuals aged 60-79 with those aged 100-106, it was discovered that centenarians with better health had higher glutathione levels [8]. While it's unclear whether genetics or environmental factors played the primary role, this highlights the importance of glutathione for health.
Glutathione for Radiant Skin
Early evidence suggests positive effects of glutathione on human skin. A 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study found that even a daily dosage of 250 mg of glutathione led to improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles compared to a placebo group [9]. Consequently, experts consider this nutrient a potential anti-aging agent.
Boosting the Immune System
The reduced form of glutathione (GSH) plays a significant role in supporting the immune system. It aids in T-lymphocyte activation and assists white blood cells, which are key in defense against pathogens. Glutathione also contributes to the production of cytokines, facilitating efficient communication among immune cells and strengthening the body's defense system.
Glutathione and its Impact on the Lungs
Glutathione is highly regarded in lung research. The endogenous glutathione system serves as a vital intracellular and extracellular antioxidant that guards against oxidative and nitrosative stress while regulating inflammatory processes in the lungs [10]. Glutathione concentrations in lung mucosal fluid are 50 to 60 times higher than in blood plasma [11]. Inflammatory lung diseases are often characterized by chronic inflammation and an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, a primary cause of cellular damage [12].
Cigarette smoke, for example, elevates oxidative stress, prompting the lungs to produce more glutathione initially. However, if the body already faces increased glutathione demand due to environmental factors, the lungs may struggle to maintain this heightened need. Other factors, like bacteria that inhibit glutathione recycling in the lungs, can influence lung function. This bacterium may be a contributing factor to why only around 20 percent of smokers develop COPD [13].
Liposomal Glutathione
A single daily dose of 400 mg of BIOBERX liposomal glutathione is equivalent to the amount naturally found in 10 medium-sized avocados!
Glutathione in Food
While the body produces its own glutathione, it is also obtained through food. Dietary sources of glutathione include meat, poultry, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Comparing asparagus, a food rich in glutathione (approximately 28 mg per 100 g), with conventional whole wheat bread (about 1.2 mg per 100 g) illustrates these differences [15]. However, the actual absorption of glutathione from food by the human body remains uncertain, with experts suspecting poor bioavailability, meaning only a small portion is absorbed and active.
Enhancing Glutathione's Effects
Maintaining an adequate protein intake supports new glutathione production in the body. Additionally, consuming cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid can assist in boosting the body's own synthesis of glutathione. Adequate selenium intake further supports enzymatic processes involved in glutathione synthesis.
Glutathione Study
Elderly individuals typically have lower glutathione levels. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [16] explored the effect of glutathione building blocks (cysteine and glycine) in the 60 to 75 age group. The study aimed to determine if dietary supplementation with cysteine and glycine could compensate for the increased oxidative stress and decreased glutathione synthesis in older individuals. The result: a 14-day supplementation increased cellular glutathione concentration and reduced oxidative stress!
Effective Intake to Prevent Glutathione Deficiency
Supportive supplementation makes sense only if enough glutathione reaches the body. Traditional supplements, such as capsules and powders, often result in limited absorption and utilization by the body due to glutathione's low bioavailability. To address this, BIOBERX encapsulates the nutrient in liposomes, offering liposomal glutathione with pleasant flavor!
In a clinical study, subjects consumed 500 mg of glutathione daily for seven days. The study demonstrated that blood serum levels increased 64-fold compared to standard products, showcasing liposomal technology's ability to unlock glutathione's full potential without the need for injections!
Glutathione: A Vital Antioxidant
Glutathione, a crucial antioxidant, is naturally produced by the human body. However, studies have revealed that in situations of heightened oxidative stress due to natural aging or external factors like pollution and stress, supplementing with glutathione can be beneficial for maintaining health and vitality. With its promising antioxidant properties, nutritionists often recommend the proactive use of liposomal glutathione to prevent potential glutathione deficiency.
References:
- Jones DP. 2008; in press. 2 – Jones DP et al. Nutr Cancer. 1992;17:57-75. 3 – Flagg EW et al. Am J Epidemiol.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684116/
- https://www.imd-berlin.de/spezielle-kompetenzen/mikronaehrstoffe/glutathion.html
- Lang CA, Mills BJ, Mastropaolo W, Liu MC. Blood glutathione decreases in chronic diseases. J Lab Clin Med 2000;135:402–5.
- Lang CA et al. J Lab Clin Med. 1992;120(5):720-25.
- Van Lieshout EM, Peters WH. Carcinogenesis. 1998 Oct;19(10):1873-5.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756154/
- https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/27/5/643/36539?login=true
- https://www.dovepress.com/glutathione-and-its-antiaging-and-antimelanogenic-effects-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID
- https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/16/3/534.short
- https://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/inhalt-49-1996/titel-49-1996/
- https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-3-642-79748-4_10.pdf
- https://www.lungenaerzte-im-netz.de/news-archiv/meldung/article/bakterium-blockiert-recyclingmechanismus-in-der-lunge/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01635589209514173
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01635589209514173
- McCarty, Mark F, and James J DiNicolantonio. “An increased need for dietary cysteine in support of glutathione synthesis may underlie the increased risk for mortality associated with low protein intake in the elderly.” Age (Dordrecht, Netherlands) vol. 37,5 (2015): 96. doi:10.1007/s11357-015-9823-8