Glutathione

Question 1

Glutathione

Answer 1

Glutathione = a crucial antioxidant that protects against reactive metabolites from phase I and is essential for glutathione conjugation in phase II

• Cysteine is the rate-limiting amino acid for glutathione synthesis (sources include legumes, sunflower seeds, eggs, chicken).
• Low levels of glutathione have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmunity, CVD, liver diseases, and pulmonary diseases such as COPD.
• Glutathione binds and transports mercury out of cells and out of the brain across the blood-brain barrier.

Question 2

How to increase glutathione levels:

Answer 2

• Decrease depletion (decrease oxidative stress):

Decrease toxic load, optimise melatonin (sleep hygiene, vitamin B6 etc.), alpha-lipoic acid.

• Milk thistle (silymarin).
• NAC (also binds to methyl Hg) — 300–1000 mg x 2 daily.
• Liposomal glutathione.
• Resveratrol (e.g., red grapes, berries).
• Cruciferous vegetables (glucosinolates boost glutathione).
• Cordyceps mushroom

Question 3

Glutathione (GSTM1):
Genes

Answer 3

GSTM1 is the most active member of the GST family and is responsible for the removal of xenobiotics, carcinogens and products of oxidative stress

Question 4

Glutathione (GSTM1):
SNPs

Answer 4

An ‘absent’ gene is common, resulting in reduced capacity for liver detoxification.