|
 Contact Us
|
|
The Science of Glutathione
By Patricia A.L. Kongshavn, Ph.D
Glutathione is a small molecule found in almost
every cell. It cannot enter most cells directly and therefore must be made
inside the cell, from its three constituent amino acids: glycine,
glutamate and cysteine. The rate at which glutathione can be made depends
on the availability of cysteine, which is relatively scarce in foodstuffs.
Furthermore, the cysteine molecule has a sulfur-containing portion which
gives the whole glutathione molecule its ‘biochemical activity’, i.e. its
ability to carry out the following vitally important
functions:
Firstly, glutathione is the major antioxidant produced by the cell,
protecting it from ‘free radicals’ (‘oxygen radicals’, ‘oxyradicals’).
These highly reactive substances, if left unchecked, will damage or
destroy key cell components (e.g. membranes, DNA) in microseconds.
Oxyradicals are generated in the many thousand mitochondria located inside
each cell, where nutrients like glucose are burnt using oxygen to make
energy. (Mitochondria can be thought of as the batteries that provide the
power for the cells to operate). Oxyradicals also come from pollutants,
from UV radiation and other sources. In addition, glutathione recycles
other well-known antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, keeping
them in their active state.
Secondly, glutathione is a very important detoxifying agent,
enabling the body to get rid of undesirable toxins and pollutants. It
forms a soluble compound with the toxin that can then be excreted through
the urine or the gut. The liver and kidneys contain high levels of
glutathione as they have the greatest exposure to toxins. The lungs are
also rich in glutathione partly for the same reason. Many cancer-producing
chemicals, heavy metals, drug metabolites etc. are disposed of in this
way.
Thirdly, glutathione plays a crucial role in maintaining a normal
balance between oxidation and anti-oxidation. This, in turn, regulates
many of the cell’s vital functions, such as the synthesis and repair of
DNA, the synthesis of proteins and the activation and regulation of
enzymes.
Fourthly, glutathione is required in many of the intricate steps
needed to carry out an immune response. For example, it is needed for the
lymphocytes to multiply in order to develop a strong immune response, and
for ‘killer’ lymphocytes to be able to kill undesirable cells such as
cancer cells or virally infected cells.
The importance of glutathione cannot be overstated. It has multiple
roles as indicated and, indeed, as one examines each system or organ more
closely, the necessity for glutathione becomes increasingly evident.
Glutathione values decline with age and higher values in older people are
seen to correlate with better health, underscoring the importance of this
remarkable substance for maintaining a healthy, well-functioning body.
Reference: Lomaestro B, Malone M. Glutathione
in health and disease: Pharmacotherapeutic Issues Ann Pharmacother 29:
1263-73,1995
|
| |