Page 69 - Javanan Magazine Issue # 1853

ISSUE No. 1853
JAVANAN

What Every Patient Should Know About

GLUTATHIONE

Deficiency is increasingly recognized as a risk factor in coronary artery disease, asth-

ma, neurodegenerative disorders, cognitive- behavioral problems, and various types
of cancer.

The Great Protector

Dr. Mehmet Oz did several segments on glutathione on his TV program, calling it the "Superhero of An-
tioxidants." It has also been called the "Great Protector," and the "Mother of Antioxidants" with good

reason. In addition to being an antioxidant, glutathione is also a powerful detoxifier and also plays a
major role in immune function. As an antioxidant, glutathione protects cells against the oxidative stress
that damages cell membrane proteins. Without adequate glutathione, mitochondrial oxygen metabolism
produces large numbers of free radicals, which causes cells to perform poorly or die. A number of studies

have shown that oxidative stress increases with aging, and leads to degenerative discases: heart disease,
memory problems, cancer, diabetes, arthritis.

A Key to Detoxification

As a detoxifier, glutathione is unparalleled. It binds metals and other toxins and transforms them into
compounds that can be excreted in bile or urine. Ones bound, these toxins become water - soluble and

can be transported out of the cells.

Deficiency & Disease

Low serum levels correlate with the progression of coronary artery disease. The findings point out the
insidious nature of oxidative stress and systemic glutathione deficiency. A meta-analysis of papers re-
lated to glutathione in autism spectrum disorders shows that dysfunctional glutathione production and

function play a role in these increasingly common problems (Lee 2003). At the other end of the age spec-
trum, glutathione deficiency is associated with Parkinson's disease (DeChiara B, et al. Coron Artery Dis.
2007; 18(2): 77-82). Alcoholics have low glutathione levels, and so do people with Alzheimer's disease.
Cigarette smoking is known to deplete glutathione. Glutathione is low in the brain of individuals with

chronic fatigue syndrome (Hyman M. Glutathione: the Mother of All Antioxidants.
Huffington Post, April, 2010). Other conditions associated with low glutathione include asthma, cancer,
seizure, sickle cell anemia and metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity (Main PA, et al. Nutr

Metab (Lond). 2012; 9(1)

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