Glutathione has been called the "master antioxidant", and regulates the actions of lesser antioxidants such as vitamin C, and vitamin E within the body. "We literally cannot survive without this antioxidant," Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. "What You Should Know about the Super Antioxidant Miracle"

 

"No other antioxidant is as important to overall health as glutathione. It is the regulator and regenerator of immune cells and the most valuable detoxifying agent in the human body. Low levels are associated with hepatic dysfunction, immune dysfunction, cardiac disease, premature aging, and death." The Immune System Cure, Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe & Patrick J.D. Bouic, Ph.D.

Glutathione is the major endogenous antioxidant produced by the cell. Glutathione participates directly in the neutralization of free radicals, reactive oxygen compounds, and maintains exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in their reduced (active) forms. In addition, through direct conjugation, glutathione plays a role in the detoxification of many xenobiotics (foreign compounds) both organic and inorganic.

 

Research suggests that abnormally low glutathione levels may increase your risk for Heart Attack. Eric Topol, MD, New England Journal of Medicine.

 

"Glutathione has potent anti-viral properties - if tissue and serum glutathione levels are significantly increased, the replication of most pathogens are slowed or stopped. Conversely, glutathione deficiency produces a pro-viral effect." Paul Cheney, M.D., Ph.D. and expert in the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

As we age, there is a precipitous drop in Glutathione levels. Lower glutathione levels have been implicated in many diseases associated with aging. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 47: 1021-28 1994

Antioxidants are well documented to play vital roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. Glutathione is your cells' own major antioxidant. Biochemical Pharmacology 47: 2113-2123 1994

Glutathione plays a role in eliminating many carcinogens as well as maintaining immune function. Cancer Letters 57: 91-94 1991

Strong muscular activity, such as that experienced by athletes, generates oxyradicals [free radicals] leading to muscle fatigue and poorer performance. Glutathione neutralizes these radicals. Sport Medicine 21: 213-238, 1996 leading to muscle fatigue and poorer performance. Glutathione neutralizes these radicals. Sport Medicine 21: 213-238, 1996

Glutathione detoxifies many pollutants, carcinogens, and poisons, including many in fuel exhaust and cigarette smoke. It retards damage from radiation such as seen with loss of the ozone. Annual Reviews of Biochemistry 52: 711-780 1983

 

According to Lester Packer, Ph.D., maintaining high levels of glutathione is critical for life low glutathione levels are a marker for death at an early age. Glutathione diminishes as we age and cannot be boosted significantly through supplements.

 

Researchers have found that people over the age of 60 who have high blood levels of glutathione have fewer illnesses, lower cholesterol and blood pressure and healthier weights than people with lower levels. People over 69 with low blood levels of glutathione are more likely to have diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.