Glutathione
> back to About Micronutrients

A general, the rate of synthesis of gamma-glutamylcysteine determines the rate of synthesis of glutathione; cellular glutathione has a significant effect on antioxidant function and nutrient limitations, exercise and oxidative stress; under oxidative conditions, glutathione function can be depleted considerably through conjugation to xenobiotics and by secretion of the glutathione conjugates and glutathione disulfide from affected cells; and is required for the synthesis of some prostaglandins from omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids which are important in the inflammatory response.

A glutathione deficiency could be a contributing cause of a wide range of human conditions that may be produced or worsened by free radicals including aging, AIDS, arthritis, atherosclerosis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, pulmonary diseases and viral infections. Their treatment often include antioxidants.

In addition, cellular glutathione functions by decreasing the formation of oxidized LDL (low density lipoproteins) which is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis, and T-lymphocyte cells become deficient in glutathione in the progression of AIDS which impairs immune function.

It is generally recognized that deficiencies in the glutathione system lead to significant apoptosis (cellular aging) and ultimately, morbidity.

Dietary sources richest in N-acetyl-l-cysteine* (per serving) include eggs, meats and meat products, milk, nutritional supplements, wheat germ, whey protein and yogurt.

* Glutathione is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, foods rich in glutathione do not contribute to the repletion of intracellular glutathione. Cysteine is the limiting amino acid in the intracellular synthesis of glutathione and is not recommended for supplementation, as it is not well tolerated by many individuals and may also be rapidly oxidized to cystine which is a less useable form for the synthesis of glutathione. Therefore, supplementation with N-acetyl-l-cysteine is the recommended form of supplementation to correct a glutathione deficiency.