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Glutathione is a compound found in living organisms and serves a
vital role in health. Glutathione is the predominant non-protein
thiol and is a powerful antioxidant.
Glutathione binds itself
to toxins in the body transforming them into a form that can be
easily collected and extracted. Glutahthione has also shown promise
when used in connection with some forms of cancer. In both
preliminary research and test tube and animal studies, glutathione
has shown to exhibit anti-cancer effects. Higher glutathione levels
have also been found in older adults with exceptionally good
health.
While glutathione supplement can be absorbed
efficiently by some animals, the same may not hold true for humans.
The gastrointestinal tract in humans contains large amounts of the
enzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase that appears to effectively
break down glutathione before a significant amount can enter the
blood stream. However, it has been suggested that glutathione can be
absorbed by placing glutathione tablets between the teeth and the
inner cheek.
Some health care professional suggest that
taking supplements other than oral glutathione may be a more
effective way of getting glutathione into your blood stream. For
example, some researchers believe that taking Vitamin C can help
raise blood levels of glutathione. Besides Vitamin C, other
supplements including lipoic acid, glutamine, methionine, s-adenosyl
methionine, vitamin B6, selenium, riboflavin, and whey protein may
aid the body in the production of glutathione.
Other medical
professionals suggest that intramuscular or intravenous injections
of glutathione may help to reduce side effects and increase the
efficacy of glutathione supplementation.
While glutathione is
undoubtedly a potent antioxidant, indications for its use as a
supplement are still not well known. There is some evidence to
suggest it might eventually prove to be useful in the management of
some cancers, atherosclerosis, diabetes, lung disorders,
noise-induced hearing loss, male infertility, and to help prevent or
ameliorate various toxicities. It may also have some anti-viral
activity. Glutathione is an orphan drug for use in connection with
AIDS-associated cachexia.
Usage and
Administration
Glutathione is available as a single
ingredient dietary supplement or in combination products. Dosage
ranges from 50 to 600 milligrams daily.
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