Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Glutathione

Also known as: γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, N-acetylcysteine

Overview

Glutathione is an antioxidant used by every cell and tissue in the body. Although critical for a number of processes, it has limited use as dietary supplement due to rapid breakdown during oral ingestion. Its metabolite, L-cysteine, can increase glutathione in the body but consuming L-cysteine via glutathione is inefficient and costly. Glutathione is most often used for Cardiovascular Health. The Examine Database covers Immune Health and Metabolic Health.

Benefits

Glutathione ( γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine ) is a small amino acid containing molecule (peptide) comprised of one molecule of L-glutamic acid, L-cysteine, and Glycine each. The molecule is found in the food supply and in the human body where it acts as an antioxidant. The 'glutathione system' comprises the enzymes that synthesize glutathione within a cell as well as dedicated enzymes that use glutathione as the means to exert antioxidant effects. Supplementation of glutathione is thought to support this pool of glutathione in a cell and thus maintain the efficacy of the entire glutathione system. Despite the pervasive role of glutathione in cell biology, it currently has a limited role in nutritional supplementation due to the following pharmacokinetic properties: There may be some absorption of glutathione intact from the intestines, but it cannot enter cells intact. It must be metabolized to form L-cystine (two molecules of L-cysteine bound together) before being taken up. Provision of L-cysteine within the cell is all that is needed to increase glutathione synthesis, and N-Acetylcysteine does this efficiently at a lower financial cost than glutathione. In effect, glutathione is an indirect and expensive way to provide dietary L-cysteine. Dietary protein itself, including L-cysteine rich sources such as Whey Protein, are effective but inefficient ways to increase L-cysteine intake in the diet and N-Acetylcysteine is both more efficient and cheaper than glutathione. Although oral glutathione supplementation does not efficiently increase intracellular glutathione levels for the above reasons, it can be absorbed intact into the blood stream. Since increased glutathione levels in the blood have been shown to slow the breakdown of nitric oxide, glutathione supplementation may be useful to augment nitric oxide boosters such as L-Citrulline or L-Arginine.

How it works

Glutathione is linked to 2 conditions and outcomes. It is primarily used for its antioxidant properties, which help to protect cells from oxidative stress. Additionally, it may support cardiovascular health by slowing the breakdown of nitric oxide, which is important for blood vessel function.

Side effects

The specific dosage recommendations for glutathione supplementation are not detailed in the provided text. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dosage and administration instructions.

Dosage

The text does not provide a specific list of side effects, safety concerns, or contraindications related to glutathione supplementation. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

FAQs

Does glutathione reduce hangover symptoms?

In this randomized crossover trial, taking yeast extract containing glutathione before drinking alcohol did not improve hangover symptoms the following morning.

Glutathione supplementation for adults with type 2 diabetes

Create a free account to unlock this study summary.

Citrulline + glutathione for improving aerobic exercise performance and blood flow

Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members.

Can a nutraceutical enhance the effects of a hypocaloric diet on liver fat?

Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members.

Livogen Plus for fatty liver

Full study summary unlocked for Examine+ members.