As people age, they produce less Glutathione. Researchers at Baylor School of Medicine used a combination of animal and human studies to explore the role of Glutathione in weight management and insulin resistance in older individuals. Study findings indicated that low glutathione levels were associated with less fat burning and higher rates of fat-storing in the body.

Older subjects had cysteine and glycine added to their diets to increase glutathione levels, spiked within two weeks, improving insulin resistance and fat burning.

Peripheral artery disease occurs when the peripheral arteries become clogged by plaque. It most commonly happens in the legs. One study reported that Glutathione improved circulation, increasing the ability of study participants to walk pain-free for longer distances. Participants receiving Glutathione rather than a saline solution placebo were given intravenous infusions two times daily for five days and then analyzed for mobility.

Parkinson’s disease affects the central nervous system with symptoms such as tremors. It currently has no cure—one study documented intravenous Glutathione’s positive effects on symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. While more research is needed, this case report suggests that Glutathione may help reduce symptoms, improving the quality of life in people with this disease.

The chronic inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases can increase oxidative stress. These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and lupus. According to one study, Glutathione helps reduce oxidative stress by either stimulating or reducing the body’s immunological response. Autoimmune diseases attack the mitochondria in specific cells. Glutathione works to protect cell mitochondria by eliminating free radicals.

Several studies showed, including a clinical trial reported in Medical Science,  indicate that children with autism have higher levels of oxidative damage and lower Glutathione levels in their brains. This increased susceptibility to neurological damage in children with autism from substances such as mercury.

The eight-week clinical trial on children aged 3 to 13 used oral or transdermal applications of Glutathione. Autistic children in both groups showed improvement in cysteine, plasma sulfate, and whole-blood glutathione levels.

Long-term high blood sugar is associated with reduced amounts of Glutathione, leading to oxidative stress and tissue damage. A study found that dietary supplementation with cysteine and glycine boosted glutathione levels. It also lowered oxidative stress and damage in people with uncontrolled diabetes, despite high sugar levels. Study participants were placed on 0.81 millimoles per kilogram (mmol/kg) of cysteine and 1.33 mmol/kg glycine daily for two weeks.

N-acetylcysteine is a medication used to treat conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. As an inhalant, it helps to thin mucus and make it less paste-like. It also reduces inflammation. N-Acetylcysteine is a byproduct of Glutathione.  

Glutathione is found in some foods, although cooking and pasteurization diminish their levels significantly. Its highest concentrations are in:

• raw meat
• unpasteurized milk and other unpasteurized dairy products,
• freshly-picked fruits and vegetables, such as avocado and asparagus.

Science

• A major endogenous antioxidant produced by cells. A most potent antioxidant, critical to proper immune function.
• Neutralizes free radicals such as superoxide and ROS(reactive oxygen species: hydroxy radicals, peroxynitrite, hydroperoxides), 
• Stops free radicals damaging DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. 
• Stops mutations
• Stops molecules inert, preventing their destructive effects
• Vital for both phase I & phase II liver detoxification
• Induces normal p53(tumor suppressor) activity by redox modulation, which induces apoptosis in tumor cells
• Detoxification is another major function; Its levels drop dramatically when the toxic load is large
• Detoxifies many xenobiotics
• Chelator of lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic
• Prevents neuropathy from chemotherapy
• Maintains reduced state of other antioxidants: vitamin C & E
• Supports numerous metabolic and biochemical reactions:

DNA synthesis and repair

Protein synthesis

Prostaglandin synthesis

Amino acid transportation

Enzyme activation