Supplements

Glutathione and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against radiation, smoke, x-rays and alcohol. Glutathione is not technically an amino acid, it is a tripeptide, and the body produces it from the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.

Glutathione is produced in the liver where the largest stores are found. Here it detoxifies harmful compounds so that they can be excreted through the bile. Glutathione is released from the liver directly into the bloodstream, where it helps to maintain the integrity of red blood cells and protect white blood cells. Glutathione is also found in the lungs and the intestinal tract.

Glutathione is also needed for carbohydrate metabolism and appears to exert anti-aging effects, aiding in the breakdown of oxidized fats that may contribute to atherosclerosis.

N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC), a form of the amino acid cysteine, raises glutathione levels even better than supplemental glutathione does.

The prevalence of many illnesses is directly related to the lack of glutathione levels in the body. People with cancer, for example, usually fare far worse when their glutathione readings are low. Among the elderly, lower levels of glutathione are closely associated with greater risks of heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

Glutathione has the ability to resuscitate a frail immune system and suppress the HIV virus.

The colon tissues of Crohn's and ulcerative colitis patients are depleted in glutathione, proportionately to the severity of the condition.

Studies show that glutathione can be useful in the treatment of liver damage. Glutathione is central to the protection against oxygen radical injury following brief periods of total hepatic ischemia in rats.

Intravenous administration of high doses of glutathione for two weeks has led to significant improvements of the enzyme patterns in the livers of chronic alcoholics.

Deficiency: Deficiency of glutathione first affects the nervous system, causing such symptoms as lack of coordination, mental disorders, tremors, and difficulty maintaining balance. As we age glutathione levels drop.

Sources: Glutathione is found in fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. The body manufactures glutathione from amino acids cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid, plus selenium and vitamins B2 and B6. Pycnogenol, grape seeds, bilberry and turmeric are all glutathione boosters.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration: Dr. Atkins prescribes for someone at high risk for recurrent cancer, 150 mg of reduce glutathione daily, followed with supportive nutrients: NAC 3,000 mg, lipoic acid 300 mg, selenium 300 mcg, riboflavin 100 mg, pyridoxine 200 mg, and L-glutamine 3,000 mg. divided in three portions and taken near meals.

For others with a less urgent condition one-third to one-half of the above doses.