By Amanda Tezyk, APRN, BSN, RN
Glutathione supplementation has been evaluated in clinical trials in various formulations (eg, oral, intravenous [IV], topical, intranasal, nebulized) for its effects on HIV, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, autism, cystic fibrosis, and cardiovascular diseases, among other conditions. N-acetylcysteine, as the precursor to glutathione, has demonstrated efficacy in raising glutathione levels and is frequently chosen for this purpose.
Glutathione is a tripeptide that can be synthesized in all cells of the body from its constituent amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid, and glycine. It is found in lower concentrations in plasma and extracellular fluid, except in bile where concentrations are higher. Lower levels are found in the brain; this is considered a protective mechanism because glutathione precursor molecules may be toxic in high concentrations.
Glutathione is a tripeptide that can be synthesized in all cells of the body. Glutathione is involved in many biological processes such as free radical neutralization, detoxification, transport and storage of cysteine, maintenance of cellular redox, ascorbic acid and vitamin E regeneration, transport of mercury out of cells and brain, and serving as a coenzyme.
Glutathione is important for supporting functions of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, including T-lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, dendritic cell function, and antigen presentation by antigen-presenting cells.
A study of community-based elderly patients found that increased glutathione levels were associated with higher levels of self-rated health, fewer illnesses, and reduced cholesterol, body mass index, and blood pressure. Depletion of glutathione has been linked to neuroinflammation; neurodegeneration; infection; cancer; and diseases such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, HIV, cystic fibrosis, periodontitis, diabetes, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, among others. Levels of glutathione are often reported to be low in neurodegenerative diseases. Depletion of glutathione is also a part of the aging process.
In general, antioxidants are important in the prevention of Alzheimer disease based on evidence suggesting an association between increasing signs of oxidative stress and progression of the disease. The main endogenous antioxidant glutathione has been shown to decline in Alzheimer disease. However, there is debate regarding an association between cognitive status and declining glutathione levels. Clinical trials with glutathione supplementation are lacking, primarily because of the poor uptake of supplemental glutathione via the blood-brain barrier. Limited studies focusing on N-acetylcysteine as a precursor to glutathione reported improvement in cognition; further study is needed to evaluate effects on disease progression.
Decreased levels of glutathione in the substantia nigra (a basal ganglia structure located in the midbrain that plays an important role in reward and movement) of patients with Parkinson disease have been described, and some researchers consider glutathione depletion to be a precursor to and potential marker of the disease. A case report describes improvements in mental function and speech quality in a patient receiving supplemental IV glutathione 1,400 mg 2 to 3 times weekly in addition to a standard treatment regimen for Parkinson disease.
Symptom improvement was not noted until after 3 weeks of treatment. The patient described these improvements as being maintained for 24 hours, with a decline to baseline function within 36 hours of receiving the injections. In another small study of patients with Parkinson disease of twenty-one patients randomized to receive IV glutathione 1,400 mg or placebo administered 3 times weekly for 4 weeks, the possibility of a mild symptomatic effect was suggested based on improvement in Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores with glutathione.
As an antioxidant, glutathione helps your body balance free radicals and stay healthy. It works at the cellular level to prevent inflammation and other cell damage that can make you sick. Glutathione is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, molecules that cause cellular damage. Glutathione also helps to break down nutrients, activate enzymes, produce proteins, repair DNA, inactivate toxins, and regulate the immune system.
In some cases, healthcare professionals administer glutathione through use of an IV to treat atherosclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and side effects of chemotherapy. If you’re considering the use of glutathione for a condition, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before starting your supplement regimen. Self-treating a chronic condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
BR Rejuvenation and Hydration offers two IV drips containing Glutathione. The Glutathione drip encourage cell revitalization and regeneration, while you detoxify the liver and drastically improve how your skin looks and feels. Achieve a brighter skin complexion and a youthful appearance after a series of treatments. The Fountain of Youth Drip detoxifies the body and promotes noticeably healthier skin, hair, and nails because it contains glutathione, B vitamins and vitamin C.
BR Rejuvenation and Hydration
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