Glutathione

 
Glutathione

Glutathione is a small protein composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:


Used for AmountWhy
Colon Cancer
Refer to label instructions 1 star Preliminary research suggests that glutathione might have anticancer activity by binding with cancer-causing agents or by acting as an antioxidant.

1 star Colon Cancer

Glutathione is an antioxidant made in the body, found in some foods, and available as a supplement. Preliminary research suggests that glutathione might have anticancer activity by binding with cancer causing agents or by acting as an antioxidant.

In a preliminary report, 11 patients with late-stage or terminal colon cancer were given 800 mg of glutathione twice per day for at least three months.1 After an average of 21 weeks, three had died, four others did not improve, and four “recovered with normal diet [and] increased weight. . . . Three of the four were able to return home.” In that report, glutathione was combined with the amino acid cysteine and with anthocyans—a type of flavonoid. More research is needed to evaluate whether glutathione is an effective agent for use in connection with treatment of people with late-stage colon cancer.

Also indexed as:
  • glutathione

About this treatment

How to Use It

There is very little evidence that taking glutathione supplements provides any benefit, despite promising evidence about the effects of aerosol, intravenous, and intramuscular glutathione, for people with a wide variety of conditions. People who have a proven glutathione deficiency, which may require administration of glutathione intravenously, intramuscularly, or by aerosol, should be treated by a healthcare professional. All ovarian cancer patients currently taking cisplatin (Platinol®) should discuss using intravenous glutathione with a healthcare professional.

Where to Find It

Dietary glutathione is found in fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat.Asparagus, avocado, and walnuts are particularly rich dietary sources of glutathione.

Possible Deficiencies

A deficiency can be the result of diseases that increase the need for glutathione, deficiencies of the amino acids needed for synthesis, or diseases that inhibit glutathione formation. Examples of some health conditions that are associated with glutathione deficiency include diabetes, low sperm counts, liver disease, cataracts, and HIV infection, respiratory distress syndrome, cancer, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cigarette smoking is also associated with low glutathione levels because it increases the rate of utilization of glutathione.


Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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