Glutathione – Potent Antioxidant Defense

Glutathione, sometimes referred to as the most powerful antioxidant in the human body, is a tripeptide composed of amino acid residues such as cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. It's worth noting that glutathione is a naturally occurring substance in all plant and animal organisms, as it is not stable outside the body. Glutathione is present in the vast majority of food products available in stores, yet its highest concentration is found in fruits and vegetables.

Products high in glutathione content: avocado, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onion, garlic, cabbage, asparagus. The aforementioned tripeptide is primarily an antioxidant, which means its main function is to combat harmful free radicals and eliminate heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, or mercury that enter the body through food and air. Glutathione also slows down the aging process and supports the immune system, which weakens with age. Furthermore, glutathione can repair proteins that have been damaged by free radicals. Additionally, glutathione plays a crucial role in the production of coenzymes, the transport of amino acids, and the development of lymphocytes, which fight diseases. Glutathione is also involved in the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water, increasing the lifespan of red blood cells. Glutathione is recommended for individuals who lead an active lifestyle, as it aids in body detoxification, maintenance of muscle strength, and physical performance. It enhances endurance and shortens the time required for recovery after physical exertion. Glutathione also inhibits the activity of cortisol and promotes the production of testosterone. Furthermore, glutathione is significant in cancer treatment. Besides its antioxidant properties and the production of protective lymphocytes, glutathione provides natural protection against the harmful effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cancer cells cannot produce glutathione, unlike healthy cells. A low glutathione level in sick cells increases their susceptibility to cancer treatments, while a high glutathione level in healthy cells reduces the side effects of cancer drugs (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss).

Owing to the widespread availability of glutathione, precise information on human supplementation dosage is lacking. However, it is generally accepted that ingesting two 250 mg doses daily meets the daily requirement for this substance. Numerous studies corroborate that glutathione should be administered alongside other substances that augment its effects, such as the aforementioned vitamins B12, C, and E.

The risk of glutathione deficiency is genuine but infrequent due to its widespread presence in many food products. A lower level of glutathione in the blood indicates a pathological state of the body, signaling difficulties in eliminating free radicals, which can lead to digestive issues, weakened immunity, and in the long term, internal organ dysfunction. In medical literature, numerous studies confirm the efficacy of glutathione in cancer treatment. The first one was conducted on a group of three patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. During treatment, measurements and evaluations of the reactions of healthy tissues were carried out. The result confirmed that higher glutathione levels were found in patients with less inflammation of the oral mucosa. In another study, toxicity was reduced, and the quality of life was significantly improved in women with ovarian cancer. In the experiments, 151 patients with ovarian cancer (from stage I to IV) participated. All women were treated with cisplatin, which was administered in 6 cycles at 100 mg per m2. The glutathione group tolerated the treatment better than the control group. Additionally, a significant improvement in quality of life was observed in the patients, including a reduction in depressive symptoms, nausea, concentration difficulties, and shortness of breath.