Glutathione

~~$100.00~~ $65.00

Glutathione (GSH), often called the “Master Antioxidant,” is a powerful tripeptide composed of the three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It is produced naturally in every cell of the body, with the highest concentrations found in the liver. Its primary role is to act as a major cellular antioxidant, directly neutralizing free radicals, detoxifying xenobiotics (foreign compounds), and regenerating other important antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, making it crucial for detoxification and immune function.

Glutathione is the most abundant non-protein thiol compound in animal cells and is central to maintaining cellular health and survival. It exists in two forms: Reduced Glutathione (⁴ $\text{GSH}$ ), the active antioxidant form, and Oxidized Glutathione (⁵ $\text{GSSG}$ ). The ratio of $\text{GSH}$ to $\text{GSSG}$ is a key indicator of a cell’s overall oxidative stress level.

Core Functions:

Direct Antioxidant Action: ¹⁰ $\text{GSH}$ ‘s sulfur-containing thiol group acts as a reducing agent, sacrificing itself to neutralize highly reactive free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage DNA, proteins, and cell membranes.
Detoxification (Glutathione S-Transferase): It is a cofactor for the Glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes.¹² In this process, ¹³ $\text{GSH}$ binds to toxins, heavy metals, and harmful drug metabolites (like those from acetaminophen overdose), making them more water-soluble for easier excretion by the kidneys and liver.
Immune and Redox Regulation: It is essential for the function of immune cells (T-cells, NK cells) and helps maintain the reduced state of proteins, which is necessary for enzymatic function and ¹⁵ $\text{DNA}$ repair.

Supplementation and Health Claims:

$\text{GSH}$ levels decline with age, poor diet, chronic stress, and various diseases.

Supplementation (oral, liposomal, or intravenous) is marketed to:

Support Liver Health (especially in fatty liver disease).
Reduce Oxidative Stress and slow aging processes.
Improve Insulin Sensitivity.
Skin Lightening/Brightening (due to its potential to shift melanin production from darker eumelanin to lighter pheomelanin).

However, oral bioavailability has traditionally been a challenge due to breakdown in the digestive tract, leading to the development of better-absorbed forms like Liposomal Glutathione and precursors like N-Acetylcysteine (NAC).

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