Vitamins and mineralsGlutathione — “super antioxidant” or expensive marketing?
Sources: 15 · Article: 13 506 characters
Nathan S. Bryan writes that ordinary capsules break down in the stomach, while Thomas E. Levy presents a liposomal product as more effective, though expensive.
- Michał Tombak warns that excess antioxidants from supplements can be harmful and weaken the action of the body’s own antioxidants.
What the authors write
Jerzy Zięba
Glutathione helps remove foreign substances and metabolic waste products, and bind heavy metals.
„Selenium—through glutathione—is responsible for the metabolism and removal of xenobiotics. This means that any substance foreign to the body, such as synthetic drugs, environmental pollutants, mycotoxins, pesticide residues, xenoestrogens and heavy metals, as well as unnecessary or harmful end products of metabolism, is neutralized by glutathione.”Selen – za pośrednictwem glutationu – jest odpowiedzialny za metabolizm i usuwanie ksenobiotyków. Oznacza to, że każda obca dla organizmu substancja tj. syntetyczne leki, zanieczyszczenia środowiskowe, mykotoksyny, pozostałości pestycydów, ksenoestrogeny, metale ciężkie, ale również zbędne bądź szkodliwe produkty końcowe metabolizmu są unieszkodliwiane przez glutation.
Henryk Różański
Glutathione removes excess free radicals and peroxides, and also protects cell membranes and genetic material.
„Glutathione is a peptide that helps remove excess free radicals and peroxides. It protects the structure of cell membranes and safeguards cells and genetic material from degeneration.
Cysteine can bind with oxygen and lose hydrogen (oxidation or dehydrogenation of cysteine).”Glutation jest peptydem zapewniającym usuwanie nadmiaru wolnych rodników i nadtlenków. Chroni strukturę błon komórkowych, zabezpiecza komórki i materiał genetyczny przed degeneracją.
Cysteina ma zdolnośc łączenia się z tlenem oraz tracenia wodoru (utlenianie lub odwodorowanie cysteiny).
Henryk Różański
Glutathione binds the toxic metabolite of paracetamol, and frequent or long-term use of the medicine can deplete its stores.
„The hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic metabolite of paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone) is neutralized when it binds to glutathione. In this way, glutathione prevents necrosis of parenchymal organs. Frequent and long-term use of paracetamol, as well as an overdose, depletes glutathione stores.”Hepatotoksyczny i nefrotoksyczny metabolit paracetamolu (N-acetylo-p-benzochinon) jest neutralizowany po związaniu z glutationem. W ten sposób glutation zapobiega martwicy narządów miąższowych. Podczas częstego i długotrwałego stosowania paracetamolu, a także w razie jego przedawkowania – zapasy glutationu ulegają zużyciu.
Henryk Różański
Glutathione peroxidase is one of the enzymes that help the body defend itself against excess free radicals.
„The body has enzymes that provide antioxidant defense. These include catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Some antioxidants from plants raise levels of endogenous antioxidants by affecting the expression of genes that code for these enzymes.”Posiada enzymy stanowiące obronę antyoksydacyjną. Należą do nich katalaza, peroksydaza glutationowa i dysmutaza ponadtlenkowa. Niektóre antyoksydanty pochodzenia roślinnego podnoszą poziom antyoksydantów endogennych w wyniku wpływu na ekspresję genów kodujących wymienione enzymy.
Henryk Różański
Lipoic acid is said to raise glutathione and cysteine levels in skin cells.
„Lipoic acid raises glutathione and cysteine levels in skin cells. It has an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting oxidants released by macrophages and leukocytes at sites of inflammation.
Alpha-lipoic acid slows skin aging by stimulating transcription and translation (the copying of genetic material and activation of protein synthesis).”Kwas liponowy podnosi poziom glutationu i cysteiny w komórkach skóry, działa przeciwzapalnie przez hamowanie oksydantów uwalnianych przez makrofagi i leukocyty w ognisku zapalnym.
Kwas alfa-liponowy spowalnia procesy starzenia skóry poprzez pobudzanie transkrypcji i translacji (powielanie materiału genetycznego i aktywację syntezy białka).
Nathan S. Bryan
Glutathione is described as an antioxidant that supports, among other things, the liver and immune system, while ordinary capsules are said to break down in the stomach.
„Most peptides, including glutathione, are broken down in the stomach, so taking a glutathione capsule or swallowing a glutathione product will cause it to be broken down into the three amino acids. Your body then has to make glutathione again from those three amino acids inside the cell.”Most peptides, including glutathione are broken down in the stomach so taking a glutathione capsule or swallowing a glutathione product will cause it to be broken down into the three amino acids and then your body has to manufacture glutathione again from those three amino acids inside the cell.
Thomas E. Levy
Glutathione is presented as an important antioxidant inside cells, and its decline is linked to increased oxidative stress.
„Glutathione is the most important antioxidant inside the cells, just as vitamin C is the most important antioxidant everywhere else in the body. The concentration of glutathione is much higher inside the cells than outside, and it is the main protector of normal cellular function.”Glutathione is the most important antioxidant inside the cells, just as vitamin C is the most important antioxidant everywhere else in the body. The concentration of glutathione is much higher inside the cells than outside, and it is the main protector of normal cellular function.
Thomas E. Levy
Thomas E. Levy claims that even glutathione given intravenously breaks down into three amino acids before cells take it up.
„Even when glutathione is given directly into the vein, it is first broken down into its three component amino acids. These are then individually taken up by the cells through energy-consuming mechanisms. Once inside the cell, they use up energy (ATP) two more times before a glutathione molecule is inside the cell and ready to work its magic.”Even when glutathione is given directly into the vein, it is first broken down to its three component amino acids. These are then individually taken up by the cells by energy-consuming mechanisms. Once inside the cell, they again use up energy (ATP) two additional times before a glutathione molecule is inside the cell and ready to work its magic.
Thomas E. Levy
Thomas E. Levy presents oral Lypo-GSH as a product that delivers glutathione directly to cells without requiring them to use energy.
„Lypo-GSH, however, puts glutathione directly into the cells without any consumption of energy. Incredibly, this occurs even though Lypo-GSH is taken orally and not intravenously. Taking glutathione in any other form is very much like going three steps forward and then falling back two steps.”Lypo-GSH, however, puts glutathione directly into the cells without any consumption of energy. Incredibly, this occurs even though the Lypo-GSH is taken orally and not intravenously. Taking glutathione in any other form is very much like going three steps forward and then falling back two steps.
Thomas E. Levy
Liposomal products are described as expensive, and trying them is presented as a choice that depends on one’s finances.
„Quality liposome-encapsulated nutrients, like glutathione and vitamin C, are not inexpensive compared with other supplements. Generally, inexpensive products that claim to be liposome-encapsulated are not the real deal. Find a company that will give you scientific evidence that its product really contains liposomes. If you can afford it, give it a try.”Quality liposome-encapsulated nutrients, like glutathione and vitamin C, are not inexpensive relative to other supplementation. Generally, inexpensive products that claim to be liposome-encapsulated are not the real deal. Find a company that will give you scientific evidence that their product really contains liposomes. If the pocketbook permits, give it a try.
Igor Dogocki
Glutathione is listed as an oral or intravenous way to support the body’s detoxification factors.
„Maintain adequate levels of endogenous detoxification factors, such as glutathione—taken intravenously or orally in liposomal form—or N-acetylcysteine (600mg twice a day for a period specified by a doctor or naturopath). Sulfur supplements—sulforaphane; OPC—proanthocyanidins from grape seeds. Eat cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, watercress and Brussels sprouts.
Get restorative sleep by limiting blue light after dark and going to bed before 22:00.”Zapewnij odpowiedni poziom endogennych czynników detoksykacyjnych jak: Glutation – przyjmowany dożylnie lub doustnie liposomalny, lub N-acetylocysteine (600mg 2 x dziennie przez określony przez lekarza lub naturoterapeutę czas) Preparaty siarki – Sulforafan OPC – proantocyjanidy z pestek winogron Jedz warzywa krzyżowe: brokuł, kalafior, kapusta, jarmuż, rzeżucha, brukselka
Dbaj o regenerujący sen, ograniczając niebieskie światło po zmroku oraz chodząc spać przed 22:00.
Michał Tombak
Large doses of antioxidants, especially from supplements, may inhibit the action of free radicals and the body’s use of its own antioxidants.
„Oxidants versus radicals
Researchers who have worked on free radicals warn about the dangers of taking increased doses of antioxidants, because they inhibit the action of free radicals, preventing them from carrying out many of their biological functions, including slowing the aging process. In addition, taking large amounts of antioxidants, especially as dietary supplements, may inhibit the body’s ability to use its own antioxidants, which in turn can cause unwanted side effects.”Oksydanty versus rodniki
Badacze, którzy pracowali nad wolnymi rodnikami, ostrzegają przed niebezpieczeństwem przyjmowania wzmożonych dawek antyoksydantów, ponieważ hamują one działanie wolnych rodników, uniemożliwiając wykonywanie im wielu ich funkcji biologicznych, m.in. spowalniania procesów starzenia. Oprócz tego przyjmowanie dużej ilości przeciwutleniaczy, szczególnie w postaci suplementów diety, może hamować zdolność organizmu do wykorzystywania jego własnych przeciwutleniaczy, co z kolei może wywołać niepożądane skutki uboczne.
Michał Tombak
Michał Tombak describes the belief in the miraculous effects of antioxidants and criticizes fighting free radicals with large doses of synthetic supplements.
„The word “antioxidants” fills many people with euphoria and delight because there is a widespread belief that they are miraculous substances that guarantee eternal youth and health. This leads to constant attempts to wage a fierce fight against free radicals with increased doses of synthetic antioxidants.”Wyraz „antyoksydanty“ u wielu wywołuje euforię i zachwyt, ponieważ panuje przekonanie, że to cudowne środki, które gwarantują wieczną młodość i zdrowie. Stąd ciągłe próby zaciekłej walki z wolnymi rodnikami wzmożonymi dawkami antyoksydantów w postaci syntetycznej.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 3 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 95 459.
The review found that glutathione may moderately improve skin discoloration, although the quality of the evidence varies.
Aim of the study: Hyperpigmentary disorders, including melasma, are challenging to treat. Glutathione has anti-melanogenic and antioxidant properties, which led to its use as a skin-lightening agent.
Results: The risk-of-bias assessment showed that almost equal numbers of studies had a low and a high risk of bias. Topical and oral glutathione both produce moderately effective skin-lightening results, localized with topical use and generalized with oral use, and with minimal versus substantial adverse effects, respectively. However, they are not sustainable treatments and their costs vary. IV glutathione is contraindicated because of its lack of efficacy and side effects. It may work more as an antioxidant in melasma.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review found that glutathione may help with melasma, especially when combined with other methods.
Aim of the study: Melasma is a common skin disorder characterized by facial hyperpigmentation, often aggravated by sun exposure. Antioxidants are being studied as a treatment option for their potential to reduce oxidative stress and improve skin pigmentation.
Results: Melatonin had antioxidant capabilities but showed no statistically significant improvement. Glutathione is emerging as a new antioxidant therapy showing efficacy in melasma in combination with other topicals and microneedling. Other antioxidants, including combinations of vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid, showed potential as adjuncts in melasma treatment. These findings highlight the diverse efficacy of antioxidants in managing melasma, suggesting their potential as safe and effective treatments.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyreview of many studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review indicates that glutathione is an important part of the antioxidant system in peroxisomes.
Aim of the study: Despite intensive research on peroxisome biochemistry, the role of glutathione in peroxisomal redox homeostasis has remained a matter of speculation for many years, and only recently has this issue started to be experimentally addressed. Here, we summarize and compare data from several organisms on the peroxisome-glutathione topic.
Results: Here, we summarize and compare data from several organisms on the peroxisome-glutathione topic. It is clear from this comparison that the repertoire of glutathione-utilizing enzymes in peroxisomes of different organisms varies widely. In addition, the available data suggest that the kinetic connectivity between the cytosolic and peroxisomal pools of glutathione may also be different in different organisms, with some possessing a peroxisomal membrane that is promptly permeable to glutathione whereas in others this may not be the case. However, regardless of the differences, the picture that emerges from all these data is that glutathione is a crucial component of the antioxidative system that operates inside peroxisomes in all organisms.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · European Regional Development Fund, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Glutathione is the main antioxidant inside cells. It works with glutathione peroxidases (GPx) within cells to convert hydrogen peroxide into water, and to neutralize other oxides and toxins. Glutathione is oxidized into glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in the process (2GSH + H2O2 → GSSG + 2H2O). GSSG is recycled back to its reduced form GSH through a pathway that involves vitamin C and NADPH. In turn, GSH and GPx recycle oxidized vitamin C (DHAA) back to its reduced form (AA).”Glutathione is the main antioxidant inside cells. It works with glutathione peroxidases (GPx) within cells to convert hydrogen peroxide into water, and to neutralize other oxides and toxins. Glutathione is oxidized into glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in the process (2GSH + H2O2 → GSSG + 2H2O). GSSG is recycled back to its reduced form GSH through a pathway that involves vitamin C and NADPH. In turn, GSH and GPx recycle oxidized vitamin C (DHAA) back to its reduced form (AA).
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„[16] Together, these new publications add support to the central roles of selenoproteins (proteins containing one or more selenocysteine amino acids) and the sulfur-containing antioxidant glutathione in preventing Covid-19 and similar infections. This is also consistent with successful studies that have suggested the use of IV glutathione and IV vitamin C to reduce the risk of viral infection and aid recovery. [17-20] A drop in glutathione levels impairs vitamin C recycling, which dramatically increases the demand for vitamin C intake.”[16] Together, these new publications add support to the central roles of selenoproteins (proteins containing one or more selenocysteine amino acids) and the sulfur containing antioxidant glutathione in preventing Covid-19 and similar infections. This is also consistent with successful studies that have suggested the use of IV glutathione and IV vitamin C to reduce the risk of viral infection and aid recovery. [17-20] A drop in glutathione levels impairs vitamin C recycling which dramatically increases the demand for vitamin C intake.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) and Glycine Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants, helping to prevent many serious conditions and infections by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. However, glutathione levels are low in many people, especially older, overweight or chronically ill individuals, making them more vulnerable to complications from serious infectious diseases. [16,17] Glutathione synthesis requires sufficient amounts of the three amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamine. NAC supplementation is an effective way to increase cysteine levels and therefore improve glutathione synthesis.”N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) and Glycine Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants that helps to prevent many serious conditions and infections by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. However, glutathione levels are low in many individuals, especially in those older, overweight or chronically sick, predisposing them to complications of serious infectious disease. [16,17] Glutathione synthesis requires sufficient amounts of the three amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamine. Supplementation of NAC is an efficient way to increase cysteine levels and therefore improve glutathione synthesis.
Pisaczek does not judge who is right. It shows what was written and where to read it. Every sentence above has its source.