Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide. It contains an unusual peptideamine group of cysteine and the carboxyl group of the glutamate side chain. Glutathione, an antioxidant, protects cells from toxins such as free radicals.[2] linkage between the
Thiol groups are kept in a reduced state at a concentration of approximately ~5 mM in animal cells. In effect, glutathione reduces any disulfide bond formed within cytoplasmic proteins to cysteineselectron donor. In the process, glutathione is converted to its oxidized form glutathione disulfide (GSSG). Glutathione is found almost exclusively in its reduced form, since the enzyme that reverts it from its oxidized form, glutathione reductase, is constitutively active and inducible upon oxidative stress. In fact, the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione within cells is often used scientifically as a measure of cellular toxicity by acting as anWednesday, June 3, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
glutathione
Glutathione is produced in the human liver and plays a key role in intermediary metabolism, immune response and health, though many of its mechanisms and much of its behavior await further medical understanding. It is also known as gamma-Glutamylcysteineglycine and GHS. It is a small protein composed of three amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acid and glyceine. Glutatione is found in two forms, a monomerthat is a single molecule of the protein, and a dimmer that is two of the single
Glutathione, in purified extracted form, is a white powder that is soluble in water and in alcohol. It is found naturally in many fruits, vegetables, and meats. However, absorption rates of glutathione from food sources in the human gastrointestinal tract are low.
definition of glutathione
'Definition of 'Glutathione'
A tripeptide with many roles in cells. It conjugates to drugs to make them more soluble for excretion, is a cofactor for some enzymes, is involved in protein disulfide bond rearrangement and reduces peroxides.
Common names:
Glutathione; gamma-L-Glutamyl-L-Cysteinylglycine; gamma L Glutamyl L Cysteinylglycine; gamma-L-Glu-L-Cys-Gly; gamma L Glu L Cys Gly; Reduced Glutathione; Glutathione, Reduced
gLutathione benifits
You will soon be hearing a great deal about Glutathione and your health. That's because
- Poor liver function
- Poor immune system function
- Adult respiratory distress syndrome
- Damage from toxic substances, including medications
In fact, clinical evidence is beginning to link low Glutathione levels with the most common illnesses of our time, including cancer.
Studies at the Louisville School of Medicine have clearly shown that Glutathione possesses the unique ability to slow the aging process. While Glutathione aids in the protection of all cells and membranes, a study at Harvard Medical School found that Glutathione is especially able to enhance immune system cells, protecting against damage from radiation and helping to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and x-rays and alcohol.
As a detoxifier of metals and drugs, Glutathione also aids in the treatment of blood and liver disorders.
While scientists have known for decades about the negative impact of low Glutathione levels on our health, it took a long time to develop a proven, effective way to raise levels in the body.
It's not as easy as taking a Glutathione pill. When ingested, the man-made version is lost in the digestive process and never reaches the cells of your body. The only way to raise your levels is to provide your body with what it needs to produce its own Glutathione.
The answer is Whey Protein, which contains the building blocks of Glutathione.
But not all whey protein is of the same quality. Since whey comes from milk, the antibiotics and steroids injected in cattle can contaminate whey products. Lactose and fat are also unhealthy components of milk.
After many years of vigorous research, it has been learned that a safe whey protein product must contain a complex ratio of amino acids and active ingredients in order to effectively help the body produce Glutathione. It must also be created in the most natural of environments and contain the least amount of lactose possible.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
GLUTATHIONE
Glutathione (GSH) is classified as a ‘tripeptide’, which means it is composed of three amino acids. The human body produces glutathione from the amino acids Cysteine, Glutamic Acid and Glycine, and it is the key antioxidant compound required for vital functioning of all cells.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant essential for alleviating oxidative stress and protecting individual cells and tissues from free radicals. It is also known to enhance healthy growth and activity of immune cells needed for disease resistance and immune protection. In addition it enables the body to rid itself of unwanted toxins and heavy metals, detoxifying the liver, the body’s most concentrated source of glutathione; and protecting the body from today’s environmental pollutants, natural and synthetic toxins, genetically engineered processed foods and toxic waste.
Low levels of glutathione have been implicated in many autoimmune disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Autism, HIV, MS Rheumatoid Arthritis etc.
Glutathione is so beneficial in Parkinson’s disease because it has the unique ability to increase the dopamine receptor’s sensitivity making certain areas of the brain more sensitive to dopamine despite the decreased levels associated with this condition.
Raising the amount of glutathione in the blood, it will help bind the heavy metals and remove them from the body and also help brain and immune development for children with autism. Increasing glutathione levels and effectively improving detoxification of the liver has been found to increase language and awareness for these children.
Glutathione has also been used to help treat Aging, Autism, Cancer, Chemotherapy recovery, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, for Detoxification, Drug addiction, Emphysema, Fibromyalgia, Glaucoma, Hepatitis, Hypoglycemia, Kydney disease, Liver disease, Liver cancer, Mercury poisoning,Parkinson’s disease, Respiratory problems such as cystic and pulmonary fibrosis, Smoking, Tuberculosis, to name a few.
How to test for Glutathione
Oxidative stress causes a deficiency of intracellular glutathione, therefore making it difficult to measure. The rapid turnover of reduced glutathione makes testing levels in Red Blood Cells inaccurate. Most practitioners will order an oxidative stress panel or amino acid analysis to look at the amino acids that make up glutathione which both give an indirect indication of glutathione’s activity.


