Glutathione is an antioxidant formed from the amino acid cysteine,
glutamate and glycine. Virtually all your cells have glutathione, but
this antioxidant is most highly concentrated in your liver, pancreas,
spleen and eyes. Your glutathione levels dwindle as you age. Taking
glutathione supplements may offset the reduced glutathione levels caused
by age. Glutathione supplements may be administered intravenously. You
can also take glutathione supplements in oral form or via nebulizer. No
known side effects are associated with injections of glutathione.
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Function
Glutathione is primarily responsible for reducing the levels of cysteine
on the surface of proteins and helps protect your body from free-radical
damage. Glutathione also helps synthesize and repair DNA. Glutathione
facilitates the recycling of vitamins C and E. Intravenous glutathione
impairs platinum buildup in your kidneys. It helps transport amino acids
and plays a vital role in purging your body of toxic compounds such as
heavy metals. By helping your body detoxify, glutathione helps reduce
your risk of developing cancer. Glutathione is able to fight cancer by
causing malignant cells to die but keeping healthy cells alive. This
antioxidant also slows your body’s aging process.
The Effects of Deficiency
Your body may develop coordination problems as a result of glutathione
deficiency. Deficient glutathione levels can cause red blood cells to
rupture and impair the functioning of white blood cells. Your nerve
tissue may deteriorate as a result of glutathione deficiency, and you
may suffer mental and nervous system disorders such as tremors and
twitching.
Dose
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The standard dose of intravenous glutathione is 1400 mg mixed with a
sterile saline solution for patients being treated for Parkinson's
disease, according to Dr. David Perlmutter, who pioneered glutathione
therapy. This dose of glutathione is given intravenously over the course
of 10 minutes three times weekly. Patients undergoing chemotherapy
receive 3 g of intravenous glutathione prior to chemotherapy.
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Side Effects and Interactions
Glutathione, by itself, has no reported side effects. However,
intravenous glutathione may interact with certain drugs used for
chemotherapy. Glutathione lowers the neurological and renal toxicity of
the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. Combining glutathione with other
chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide and bleomycin reduces their
harmful side effects. Moreover, glutathione may even enhance the healing
effects of these chemotherapy medications. Intravenous glutathione is
administered just before the chemotherapy session begins. |