Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids, glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. It is an essential antioxidant inside cells for protecting mitochondria from free-radical damage during generation of energy.
Glutathione is also essential for phase II detoxification in the liver. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated enhancement of detoxification processes, antioxidant properties, and fortification of immune functions.
Glutathione increases T-lymphocytes in animal studies. Intestinal absorption occurs by the molecule being broken down into component parts, but also by absorption of the whole molecule.
Suggested dosage: 500-1,000 mg twice daily of reduced glutathione.
Side effects: Rare.
At one point during my struggle with Lyme disease, I developed a pronounced head and hand tremor. It resolved completely within 2 weeks after starting 1,000 mg of reduced glutathione twice daily. The same effect did not occur with liposomal glutathione.
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2. Hagen TM, Bai C, Jones DP. Stimulation of glutathione absorption in rat small intestine by alpha-adrenergic agonists. FASEB J. 1991;5(12):2721-2727.
3. Richie JP Jr, Nichenametla S, Neidig W, et al. Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. Eur J Nutr. 2015;54(2):251-263.
4. McKinley-Barnard S, Andre T, Morita M, Willoughby DS. Combined L-citrulline and glutathione supplementation increases the concentration of markers indicative of nitric oxide synthesis. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12:27.