Chemical property

Glutathione is a tripeptide made up of three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, and glycine.

It is involved in the transport of hydrogen.

It exists in two forms:

• Reduced (GSH)
• Oxidised (GSSG)

These two forms balance each other out.

Glutathione is a relatively unknown compound, but is sometimes referred to as the queen of antioxidants.

It is a protein produced naturally by the body and plays a key role in the functioning of the body.

What are the benefits?

Antioxidant property

Glutathione is often touted as the most important antioxidant.

It has a very powerful ability to fight oxidative stress damage, which is the cause of much cellular damage.

It can also stimulate other defence processes.

It acts as a co-factor for antioxidant enzymes and can enhance the activity of other antioxidants.

In fact, it is involved in the conversion of the oxidised form of ascorbic acid into vitamin C, stimulating its antioxidant power.

It also helps to restore the antioxidant activity of vitamin E.

In short, it traps harmful agents and helps protect the body.

Detoxifying property of the body

Plays an important role in the body's defences, helping to eliminate many wastes and toxic compounds.

It promotes the elimination of harmful substances in the bile or urine.

Prevents their accumulation, thereby reducing harmful reactions.

For example, glutathione is used to remove mercury from cells and the brain.

In the liver, it limits the accumulation of toxins.

Glutathione is therefore useful in cases of heavy metal poisoning, medication, liver disease or lifestyle changes (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, etc.).

Anti-aging and disease prevention properties

It helps fight premature ageing and prevents certain diseases or their complications, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, cholesterol and even cataracts or other eye complications.

It also plays an important role in the nervous system.

It prevents degenerative nerve diseases and the onset of certain mental disorders such as dementia and schizophrenia.

Glutathione deficiency has been implicated in the development of several diseases.

If it were to run out, the body would no longer be able to eliminate waste products and its overall balance would be greatly altered. An adequate intake is therefore recommended.

Where to find it?

Glutathione is not found directly in food.

However, certain foods provide the 3 amino acids that make it up.

When consumed, they are released during the digestion of proteins.

For a good intake, it is advisable to consume fruit and vegetables every day:

• Asparagus 
• Broccoli 
• Cabbage
• Spinach 
• Cauliflower 
• Brussels sprouts
• Mushrooms 
• Avocado
• Raspberries
• Grapefruit 
• Apples
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Bananas

It can also take the form of a dietary supplement with reduced glutathione (GSH) or by taking precursors such as L-glutamine.

Glutathione reserves decline gradually with age, falling sharply from the age of 50.

Factors such as heavy physical activity or certain diseases can accelerate their decline.

Supplements can be taken from this point onwards.

It is advisable to take 300 mg of reduced glutathione as a preventive measure and 600 mg in the event of a pathological condition.

The most important thing is to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Interaction

Vitamin C increases its absorption and effectiveness.

It is interesting to associate it with glutathione.

Certain trace elements can reinforce its protective role, such as glutamine, zinc, copper, manganese, iron and selenium.

To limit the loss of glutathione, it is also advisable to eat a well-balanced and varied diet, including all food families, and to take sufficient regular physical exercise.