Thursday, May 28, 2009

Information about Glutathione

Glutathione is actually a tri-peptide made up the amino acids gamma-glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine and is also known as gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine or GSH. It is as such not an amino acid, but because of its close relationship to amino acids, is dealt with here. It is found in the largest concentrations in the liver.

Glutathione is required for

It is a powerful antioxidant and detoxifies the harmful compounds in the liver, where it is then excreted through the bile.

The liver also excretes glutathione directly into the bloodstream where it is used to help maintain the integrity of red blood cells, as well as protecting white blood cells.

Glutathione is also found in the lungs and intestinal tract where it assists in carbohydrate metabolism as well as breaking down oxidized fats.

It is also used to prevent oxidative stress in most cells and helps to trap free radicals that can damage DNA and RNA. GSH also plays major roles in drug metabolism, calcium metabolism, the gamma-glutamyl cycle, blood platelet and membrane functions.


Glutathione has been shown to slow down the aging process, detoxify and improve liver function, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the chances of developing cancer. Glutathione also works to help improve mental functions, increase energy, improve concentration, permit increased exercise, and improve heart and lung function - just to name a few.

Glutathione is produced within the body, which means glutathione supplementation simply will not increase the body's levels of this powerful antioxidant. Purchasing glutathione supplements is worthless due to the digestive process which breaks down the glutathione BEFORE it can be absorbed into the body's system.

There is NO effect on blood levels of this vital super antioxidant when taking glutathione supplements. However, if your body can be stimulated to naturally increase the level of glutathione production, a natural increase in energy levels and well being will be the immediate result. Also the body will naturally detoxify itself whilst strengthening the immune system.

Supplements Containing Glutathione Alone Will NOT Increase The Body’s GSH Levels. It's pointless to purchase supplements that merely contain glutathione, because the digestive system breaks down ingested glutathione and the ingested glutathione simply will not be absorbed into your system. On the other hand, if the body is provided with the proper nutrients needed to promote the body's own ability to manufacture and utilise glutathione, then blood levels of this vital antioxidant can be increased markedly. Glutathione manufactured within the body, also aids in liver support by destroying environmental poisons thereby helping the liver to function as the main production site and storehouse for glutathione.