L-Glutathione (600mg)

What is the L-Glutathione peptide?

L-Glutathione, or low molecular-weight tripeptide, is composed of sequential additions of cysteine to glutamate.^[1] It is followed by glycine insertion. In addition, L-Glutathione is a thiol, a component of the sulfhydryl group, which plays a vital role in maintaining the redox cell state and protecting it from endogenous and external chemicals. In normal cells, the reduced glutathione level is greater than 1:100; in cells under oxidative pressure, this ratio decreases to 1:10. L-Glutathione levels appear to be lowered with age due to the body’s internal production decreasing. A decrease in glutathione levels appears to be a dangerous factor, leading to poor health. For example, low levels may contribute to many conditions that appear to develop in older adults. Other health conditions can also reduce L-Glutathione levels, such as:
⦁ Cancer
⦁ HIV / AIDS
⦁ Type 2 diabetes
⦁ Hepatitis^[2]
⦁ Parkinson’s disease^[3]
L-Glutathione has been studied for its potential antioxidant power and anti-toxic effect; possibly protecting against the harmful effects of radiotherapy and cancer chemotherapy. Glutathione may reduce melanin’s formation, making it a potential option for  melasma treatment and pigmentation. Oral L-Glutathione administration does not appear to be an effective way to incorporate it into your system. Research suggests that oral glutathione gets metabolized by gut enzymes. This metabolism causes a significant reduction in glutathione levels.

Specifications

Molecular Formula: C10H17N3O6S

Molecular Weight: 307.323 g/mol

PubChem: CID 124886

Synonyms: L-gamma-Glutamyl-L-cysteinyl glycine, Glutathione, Glutathion, Isethion

Reconstitution: Required

How does L-Glutathione Work?

Researchers posit that L-Glutathione (GSH) is a component of leukotriene synthesis, and is an element of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. It appears to play a crucial role in the hepatic biotransformation and detoxification process, is a hydrophilic molecule added to other lipophilic toxins or waste products before entering the biliary tract. It may also play a role in removing methylglyoxal, a toxic product of metabolism. Glyoxalase appears to promote the conversion of S-D-Lactoyl Glutathione to Reduced Glutathione and D-lactate.

Research

L-Glutathione and Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress increases when there is an imbalance between radical production and the body’s ability to fight back. More understandably, oxidative stress exhibits itself as a build-up of toxins inside the body. When the toxic build-up is high enough, it can damage the body at the cellular level. A high level of oxidative stress can damage the DNA and cause permanent cellular death. Increased levels of oxidative stress may be a precursor to many diseases, including diabetes, serious illness, and autoimmune diseases. An article quoted in the Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy has suggested that low L-Glutathione levels may cause an increase in oxidative stress, which can lead to serious health problems.

L-Glutathione and Diabetes Control
Organisms produce less L-Glutathione with age. Researchers at the Baylor School of Medicine used a clinical trial to examine the role of glutathione in weight management and insulin resistance in adults.^[4] The study reported that a lower L-Glutathione level was associated with lower lipolysis and enhanced body fat storage. The researchers noted that “Compared to non-diabetic controls, patients with T2DM have glutathione deficiency, especially if they have microvascular complications. This is probably due to reduced synthesis and increased irreversible utilization by non-glycemic mechanisms.”

L-Glutathione and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD occurs when the tissues around the arteries are affected due to plaque rupture. Studies suggest that L-Glutathione may improve blood circulation, thereby increasing the ability to walk without pain over long distances.^[5]

L-Glutathione and Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease affects the central nervous system, and currently has no treatment. Current treatment strategies focus on managing the symptoms and do not address the root of the problem. Some studies have documented apparent positive effects of IV Glutathione on symptoms such as tremors and restlessness.^[6] Scientists involved in one such study noted that “The present study demonstrated that GSH may mildly improve motor scores in PD, but not at the expense of increased adverse events.” Extensive research is still needed, but this case suggests that L-Glutathione may help reduce symptoms.

L-Glutathione and Anti-aging
L-Glutathione finds extensive potential in the cosmetic industry. Skin mainly consists of proteins such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Aging and exposure to environmental factors (ultraviolet rays) may cause an accelerated decline in the levels of these proteins. This process gives rise to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, blemishes, uneven skin tone, etc.^[7] L-Glutathione may protect the skin against the damage done by oxidative damage. It appears to have the potential to reverse visible signs of aging and improve overall skin health. Glutathione is currently being extensively researched in the development of various skincare products and procedures, with the intent to reduce visible signs of aging.

Conclusion

L-Glutathione appears to be a powerful antioxidant produced in cells. Its naturally occurring levels may decline with increasing age, stress, and exposure to toxins. Supplementing a body’s natural Glutathione levels may provide many health benefits, one prominently being the potential reduction in an organism’s oxidative stress. L-Glutathione appears to play a vital role in maintaining the functioning of the human body, with influence in the brain, eye, joints, skin, immune and cardiovascular systems, and almost all human body areas.

References