What Is Glutathione? In Which Diseases Is It Being Tested?

Glutathioneis a natural, powerful molecule with critical cellular functions, an antioxidant. In plants, animals, fungi and some bacteria, it reduces harmful effects of free oxygen radicals such as peroxides, lipid peroxides and heavy metals. This prompted supplement use: some believe in antiaging properties, while others claim autism treatment, increased fat metabolism or even cancer prevention.

What Is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in every bodily cell. Amino acids are the three types of molecules composing it.

Amino acids combine in different ways to make all bodily proteins.

Unlike other antioxidants, glutathione can be made in the liver.

Glutathione participates in:

• DNAproduction, building blocks of proteins and cells,
• immune function support,
• formation of sperm cells,
• breaking down free radicals,
• helping certain enzymes function,
• E and C vitamins regeneration,
• preventing mercury accumulation in the brain,
• helping the liver and gallbladder handle fats,
• apoptosis , the programmed cell death process.

Healthy foods , consumed more abundantly, are the best way to raise glutathione naturally. Milk thistle is also a plant with high glutathione levels.

Glutathione does not act alone in antioxidant defense but within a complex system. Glutathione peroxidase uses it to convert hydrogen peroxide to water. Without sufficient glutathione peroxidase, which requires selenium for activity, glutathione does not exert antioxidant effects. Supplements therefore market glutathione together with selenium.

In Which Diseases Is Glutathione Being Tested?

Glutathione is very powerful partly because high concentrations can occur in every cell.

Based on human and rat "cell line" studies— in the laboratory —it is marketed as protecting against heavy metal damage.

The following 2 questions should immediately arise:

1. How much risk of heavy metal poisoning do we face?
2. Can laboratory findings be presented as recommendations for humans?

Both answers are simple. Heavy metal poisoning is not a public health problem and is rare outside certain industries. Laboratory findings cannot, of course, become human recommendations without confirmation in human trials. Serious risks exist.

(see the "cancer" section below)

Another marketing claim says digestion destroys normal glutathione, requiring a "liposomal glutathione" supplement passing through the stomach. We are also told to supplement N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and alpha-lipoic acid , which the body can use to produce glutathione... These recommendations themselves contain contradictions: glutathione is not obtained from food but produced by bodily cells.

Let us examine blood glutathione and supplementation in individual diseases:

Cancer

Some laboratory research suggests a role in cancer prevention, but human clinical trials have not demonstrated it.

The same research, however, suggests glutathione may make tumors less sensitive to chemotherapy and promote growth in people already diagnosed with cancer! Supplements are therefore not recommended for cancer patients, and prevention requires further research.

Reducing Cell Damage in Liver Disease

Hepatitis infection, alcohol abuse and fatty liver disease all damage liver cells.

A small 2017 clinical trial concluded glutathione may help nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through antioxidant properties and detoxification potential.

Larger studies are needed to confirm this effect.

Increasing Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin resistance may lead to type-2 diabetes . Insulin production moves glucose from blood into cells using it for energy.

A 2018 study found greater insulin resistance and more tendency toward complications such as neuropathy or retinopathy in people with particularly low glutathione.

Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders

Some evidence shows lower glutathione in children with autism, but supplementation has not treated autism.

Antiaging

No scientific evidence to date shows supplements prevent aging or extend life.

Summary

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant used daily by every cell. Researchers found low blood levels in several diseases, but supplements have not meaningfully contributed to their treatment.

With critical cellular roles and promising laboratory supplement findings, is "let’s use it, it cannot hurt, perhaps it will help" the right approach? Contrary to assumptions, antioxidant supplements may cause more harm than benefit . Research particularly since 2000 suggests supplements increase cancer development or spread risk. Glutathione, like many supplements, should not be used for disease prevention or antiaging unless deficiency is proven.

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