Glutathione and Glutathione Peroxidase:
Powerful Contenders in The Battle to Maintain Good Health

by Rubia R. Jasinevicius

For many years, the term "antioxidant" has been associated with a small number of  nutrients that are able to combat the damaging effect of free radicals in cells.

However, as we explore different aspects of metabolism, researchers are learning that there are other antioxidants that may be more potent in actual ability to quench free radicals.

It is a misconception that antioxidants must be obtained through the diet. Rather, if sufficient nutrients are provided, the body produces protective compounds on its own. Glutathione and glutathione peroxidase are two such compounds that protect cells from the degenerative effects of free radicals that may lead to a variety of diseases such as cancer, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, and even early aging.

Glutathione is a simple compound composed of three amino acids: cysteine, a sulfur containing molecule; glyceine; and glutamic acid, which is derived from glutamine. Glutathione is found in virtually all plants and animals; in humans, the liver contains high concentrations of  glutathione. This tripeptide is able to work as an antioxidant outside of our cells individually. It can also convert into approximately 30 different compounds; one of which, glutathione peroxidase, is perhaps one of the most powerful antioxidant enzymes our bodies can produce.

Depressed levels of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase have been found by researchers in patients with diseases such as AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and even Alzheimer's. Recently, researchers at Harvard University studying subjects who were under intensive chemotherapy treatment and other forms of intensive modalities found that glutathione and glutathione peroxidase enhanced the immune system, and aided in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Despite its promise in this area and in working as an antioxidant, experts say that boosting intake of glutathione is not the ideal pathway to increasing levels of it in the body. Rather, supplementing the body with the constituents of glutathione can increase in the manufacture of glutathione peroxidase and promote antioxidant defenses. Particular nutrients of interest include:

• The amino acids n-acetyl cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid are the primary building blocks of glutathione. These are easily absorbed through the digestive tract and are readily available for a variety of metabolic processes.
• The antioxidant vitamins C and E are two able contenders in preventing the damage of free radicals. They a play a critical role in cellular metabolism and both work synergistically in maintaining or assisting glutathione and glutathione peroxidase. Vitamin C's spent form is effectively recycled by the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Vitamin C and glutathione can work synergistically as the body's first line of defense inhibiting damage from excessive free radical.
• Alpha-lipoic acid is an important co-factor in cellular energy and also has antioxidant capabilities. It has been found to extend the metabolic life of a co-enzyme Q10, glutathione and a variety of vitamins.
• Sulfur is a crucial nutrient playing a role in a variety of enzymatic reactions. This element is vital to vitamins and essential in transferring compounds within our cells.
• Selenium is an integral component in the structure of glutathione peroxidase.

The production and utilization of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase is comprised of an intricate network of nutrients working in conjunction with other antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase. Both compounds are able to recycle reduced forms of other antioxidants, enhance the effects of other nutrients, promote the production of various antioxidant enzymes, and overlap in their use to combat a variety of disorders and disease conditions by removing harmful peroxides and inhibiting oxidative damage.

Rubia Jasinevicius is the educational coordinator for J.R. Carlson Laboratories Inc. She has served the dietary supplement industry for more than five years with a primary emphasis on nutrition.