Glutathione: definition, function, example

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glutathione

Definition: What is Glutathione?
What functions does glutathione have ?
What makes glutathione unique?
How much glutathione do you need per day?
When do you especially need glutathione?
How does a glutathione deficiency arise and how does it manifest itself?
What happens if you overdose on glutathione?
Which foods contain particularly high levels of glutathione?
Bibliography & Sources

Definition: What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a vital protein, or more precisely a sulphur-containing tripeptide. It is made up of the amino acids glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine and is found in all cells of the body. The organism can produce this molecule itself: Glutathione is mainly produced in the liver, the human detoxification organ.¹ There are two known variants of glutathione, a reduced form (GSH) and an oxidised form (GSSG). Reduced glutathione (GSH) is relevant for your health, as only this form has an antioxidant effect.² In medicine, this tripeptide is used to treat liver diseases and poisoning, as well as to accompany cancer therapy.³

What functions does glutathione have?

This substance is involved in numerous metabolic processes. Glutathione plays an important role in the vitality and functionality of cells. As a transport molecule, it transports amino acids into the cells, for example.⁴ It also controls cell division and cell metabolism and helps to repair damaged genes.⁵

As a powerful antioxidant, it can also neutralize free radicals and thus prevent cell damage.⁶ In the erythrocytes, the red blood cells, it intercepts the superoxide radicals produced during the formation of methemoglobin and ensures that the hemoglobin can transport oxygen.⁷ Glutathione is also important for the immune system by controlling the white blood cells and regenerating vitamin C and vitamin E.⁸

What makes glutathione unique?

Glutathione is known for its high detoxification effect throughout the body. It can neutralize carcinogenic and other toxic substances such as heavy metals and ensure that they are excreted.⁹ Initial studies also suggest that glutathione contributes to better tolerability of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as it can protect against radiation damage. Research is currently also being carried out into whether this tripeptide can slow or even stop the growth of tumors or whether it contributes to the regression of metastases.¹⁰

How much glutathione do you need per day?

A healthy body can produce sufficient amounts of glutathione itself. However, the production of this protein can decrease over time, for example due to age. An unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption and the use of various medications can also lead to your body not being able to produce enough glutathione from the three amino acids glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid.¹¹ In this case, it can be useful to give your body additional glutathione. However, there are no general dosage recommendations, for example from the German Nutrition Society.

When do you especially need glutathione?

In times of physical and mental stress, such as those that can occur during an illness, additional intake of glutathione can be useful.¹² Glutathione can be particularly supportive in autoimmune diseases and diseases that are associated with oxidative stress. In addition, it is possible to boost the body's own glutathione production by taking cysteine or acetylcysteine.¹³

Good to know: The bioavailability of orally taken glutathione is limited. This is because the molecule is broken down in the small intestine and the individual components then reach the liver via the bloodstream. If glutathione is to be used for therapeutic purposes, it is therefore possible to administer the active ingredient intravenously.¹⁴

How does a glutathione deficiency arise and how does it manifest itself?

People who are exposed to increased oxidative stress due to malnutrition or environmental toxins can develop a deficiency.¹⁵ In addition, there is a genetic metabolic disorder called glutathione S-transferase deficiency, which causes the body's natural detoxification system to not function properly.¹⁶ A lack of glutathione can manifest itself, for example, in a drop in performance and chronic fatigue, even fatigue syndrome.¹⁷ Since the level of glutathione in the body decreases with age, the substance is also said to have a rejuvenating effect as a natural anti-aging agent.¹⁸

What happens if you overdose on glutathione?

According to the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, food supplements in capsule form must not exceed a content of 200 mg of reduced L-glutathione per capsule with a recommended daily consumption of two capsules. According to the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, food supplements in capsule form must not exceed a content of 200 mg of reduced L-glutathione per capsule with a recommended daily consumption of two capsules.¹⁹ In the event of an overdose, gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea and/or heartburn are likely. In addition, allergic reactions such as itching and reddening of the skin have been observed in connection with the intake of glutathione.In the event of an overdose, gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea and/or heartburn are likely. In addition, allergic reactions such as itching and reddening of the skin have been observed in connection with the intake of glutathione.

Which foods contain particularly high levels of glutathione?

In its natural form, glutathione is found in many fruits and vegetables, including asparagus, spinach, broccoli, avocado and oranges. It was originally discovered in yeast.²⁰

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