Glutathione functions extensively in tissues and organs throughout the body. It plays critical role in protecting the body from oxidative stress, maintaining cellular functions, and supporting healthy immune function.^[1,4] Many factors can increase cellular exposure to oxidative insult, and therefore increase cellular consumption of nutrients - such as glutathione - that provide antioxidant activity. This may result in a fierce cycle of oxidative stress and challenges to detoxification. Complete biotransformation and protection from oxidative stress are important to maintaining cellular integrity and tissue health.*^[2,5]

Other Benefits of Maintaining Healthy Glutathione Levels

Much information related to mitochondrial health has surfaced in scientific literature. Mitochondria, the energy-producing powerhouses of cells, are also the primary intracellular site of oxygen consumption and the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

S-acetyl glutathione has been shown to cross the membrane of the mitochondria, increasing the organelle's activity and minimizing ROS.^[8,9] Reduction of ROS is associated with maintaining mitochondrial integrity and function, and improved mitochondrial health is believed to support overall health and energy. Use of stomach acid-resistant capsules (DRcaps) further protect stability. Laboratory data showed that S-acetyl glutathione increased intracellular glutathione and had a positive effect on many oxidative stress biomarkers.*

References

1. Locigno R, Pincemail J, Henno A, et al. S-Acetyl-glutathione selectively induces apoptosis in human lymphoma cells through a GSH-independent mechanism. Int J Oncol. 2002 Jan;20(1):69-75. [PMID: 11743644]

2. Lomaestro BM, Malone M. Glutathione in health and disease: pharmacotherapeutic issues. Ann Pharmacother. 1995 Dec;29(12):1263-7

3. [PMID: 8672832]

4. Vogel J, Cinatl J, Dauletbaev N, et al. Effects of S-acetylglutathione in cell and animal model of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. Med Microbiol Immunol. 2005 Jan;194(1-2):55-59. [PMID: 1462435]

5. Ballatori N, Krance SM, Notenboom S, et al. Glutathione dysregulation and the etiology and progression of human diseases. Biol Chem. 2009 Mar;390(3):191-214. [PMID: 19166318]

8. Anderson ME, Nilsson M, Sims NR. Glutathione monoethyl ester prevents mitochondrial glutathione depletion during focal cerebral ischemia. Neurochem Int. 2004 Feb;44(3):153-59. [PMID: 14568558]

9. Kretzschmar M. Regulation of hepatic glutathione metabolism and its role in hepatotoxicity. Exp Toxicol Pathol. 1996 Jul;48(5):439-46. [PMID: 8765689]