What is Glutathione

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The tri-peptide glutathione or (GSH) is a combination of the amino acids glutamate (glutamic acid), L-cysteine, and glycine. Each and every cell in the body takes these raw ingredients to manufacture GSH. It is a very small protein (made of three amino acids) and is essential for life. It serves to protect the body at the cellular level.

The GSH in each cell has numerous functions. The three most important jobs are antioxidant, immune booster and detoxifier.

When a patient is brought into the hospital with Tylenol overdose, the treatment of choice involves elevating the GSH with a fast acting but short lived drug known as NAC or also sold under the brand name Mucamyst.

Can I Take a GSH Supplement?

The general consensus from the experts on GSH is that you cannot take a supplement and build up your GSH levels within your body.

There is only one way to build and get the benefits of GSH. You need to take cysteine in a bioactive form.

To date, there are only two companies that have been able to clinically prove their product actually boosts intercellular GSH levels. Many copy-cat products will use these studies to market their cysteine.

Although they may work for some, the amount of product required do not seem to be backed up by clinical trials of reputable researchers.

How come I have never heard of Glutathione?

Although known about for years, it has eluded intense study until the last decade of the 20th century. Scientists looked at what it did and sought to find out how to use this molecule to enhance the health and wellness within the human body.

Studies in the most delicate of bodies with a most unfortunate disease included children infected with HIV and in full blown AIDs.

Also clinical trials with Parkinson’s, prostate cancer, lung cancer, improving the effects of chemotherapy in treating cancer, various lung diseases, wound healing, and athletic performance Enhancement were undertaken.

The results of these studies were and still are exciting. The results will change the way you think about disease, your personal health and wellness as it did for the individuals who were in the clinical trials. They will be discussed in length in other parts here on the GSH Disease Cure web site.

Source: glutathionediseasecure.com

Tips on Protecting Yourself From Acrylamides Lurking in the Foods You Love

Can you eat the foods you love occasionally without compromising your health? A new study shows that adding certain compounds to your diet can protect you from the harmful effects of acrylamides found in many of American's favorite foods.

As published in the July 15, 2008 edition of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, researchers found that three dietary constituents, tea polyphenols, resveratrol, and diallyl trisulfide, inhibit damage to DNA from acrylamides at levels typically found in human exposure. Results of analysis of the compounds with accelerator mass spectrometry demonstrated that all three significantly inhibited the formation of acrylamide damage to liver DNA, whereas tea polyphenols and diallyl trisulfide reduced DNA damage to protamines and hemoglobin as well.

Further biochemical studies showed that acrylamides could significantly inactivate creatine kinase and glutathione S-transferase and deplete glutathione. When the inhibitors were treated with acrylamide, all of them could effectively recover the activities of creatine kinase. In addition, tea polyphenols and diallyl trisulfide could increase glutathione S-transferase at a remarkably high level. Creatine kinase is an enzyme essential in biochemical reactions and energy generation. Glutathione S-transferase is a family of enzymes that play key roles in the detoxification of substances such as carcinogens, drugs, and byproducts of oxidative stress.

Acrylamides are formed when carbohydrate containing foods are baked, fried or roasted. They have been shown to cause cancer in animals exposed to high doses, as well as nerve damage. Acrylamides are not added to foods but occur naturally in the cooking process. Because of this, information on them is not required on food labels.

Any starchy food cooked at high temperatures will contain acrylamides. Potatoes that are fried may be the worst offenders, with potato chips fried to a golden brown containing the highest levels. Boiled or mashed potatoes will contain acrylamides as will cooked sweet potatoes. It can also be found in toasted or roasted cereal grains and bread products -- again with the highest levels contained in those baked to a golden brown, and corn roasted on a grill, or popped in oil. Pretzels are promoted as healthy snacks, but that golden brown color is your tip that they contain high levels of acrylamides. Coffee creates acrylamides during its roasting.

Acrylamides were discovered by Swedish scientists in 2002, and made headlines across America when they were first reported. Since then, there has been little interest by the FDA to keep people abreast of the dangers of eating acrylamide containing foods. The method by which acrylamides form in food remains unknown.

What we do know from this study is that by taking steps to protect ourselves from acrylamides, we don't have to be boorish sticks when we go out with our friends. We can eat foods containing acrylamides without suffering their effects if we also make sure we are fortified with tea polyphenols, resveratrol and diallyl trisulfide.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of tea polyphenols, with recent studies adding gastric, esophageal and skin cancers to the list of those inhibited by polyphenols from tea consumed in high amounts. Another study showed ovarian cancer risk reduced by 46 percent in women drinking 2 cups of tea daily. Researchers have found tea polyphenols to lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, and help prevent heart disease. All types of tea contain polyphenols, with green and white tea having the highest levels due to their minimal processing.

Resveratrol is turning out to be so good for us that red wine may end up on the superfood list. It is found in the skin of red or purple grapes, and in peanut products that contain the skins, such as Spanish peanuts. Resveratrol has also been shown to help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer. A glass of tea or red wine during a meal containing foods that have produced acrylamides will offer you protection.

Diallyl trisulfide is a compound found in garlic that has been roasted, smashed or otherwise processed. Shown particularly effective in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, this compound is also a potent immune system booster.

All three of these compounds are extremely effective antioxidants.

If you plan to be eating foods that contain acrylamides, you can protect yourself by having supplements of theses compounds on hand. Each offers an array of other health benefits.

Source: naturalnews.com

For Your Glutathione Needs: Click Here

Antioxidants Important for Optimizing Health and Preventing Parkinson's

(NaturalNews) Research scientists at the Buck Institute have discovered that mice with less of the natural antioxidant glutathione, particularly in their dopamine-producing neurons, become crippled by nerve damage. In fact, the mice developed symptoms that match up very well with Parkinson's disease in human beings. In order to perform the experiment, scientists first created mice that could be triggered chemically to greatly reduce the amount of glutathione in their dopamine-creating neurons, which then resulted in the Parkinson-like symptoms.

This new discovery might call into question the current pharmaceutical approach to Parkinson's Disease; which doses patients with dopamine equivalents, or with drugs that boost dopamine's effect (as a former prescription drug, Methamphetamine, or "Crystal Meth" does). Unfortunately, these Parkinson's drugs also have been found to cause many of the effects that are also seen with Methamphetamine, such as gambling and other impulse-control problems. Now it seems that the underlying problem may not really be dopamine.

Antioxidants keep our cells clean by combining with and eliminating very dangerous reactive molecules that can cause random changes in proteins, resulting in cancer, heart disease or other chronic illnesses. Those random changes are often referred to as "oxidative stress" and cause inflammation as well. This new research shows that natural antioxidants are important in maintaining nerve cell function, too.

The good news is that you can boost your levels of natural antioxidants rather easily without prescription drugs in several ways. So if this new research holds up, by boosting your natural levels of antioxidants, you may be protecting yourself against Parkinson's Disease as well as cancer, infection, and much more.

Glutathione is probably the second most important antioxidant that our bodies make - melatonin is the most important, and by far the least costly to make use of, energetically. Vitamin C would come in third. Consistent sleep in true darkness is the best prescription to boost your melatonin; but of course, supplements of melatonin are also widely sold. Doses much less than the standard 3mg are now recommended however, since too much melatonin can slop over into daytime and confuse your clock and immune system. As well, it has been suggested that taking melatonin supplements may cause a decline in your own natural production of this critical antioxidant and night-time hormone.

A relatively new and easy approach to increasing melatonin production naturally, based on recent chronobiological research is to wear orange-tinted glasses (low blue light eyewear) for an hour or two in the morning and at night. By cutting out exposure to blue light, our bodies think it's night, and begin to produce melatonin. Since about ten hours of darkness (or low blue light) in which to produce melatonin are ideal, blocking blue light means more of the critical antioxidant melatonin, for better health. Experiments by researchers at the Lighting Innovations Institute of John Carroll University have shown this approach to be effective for fertility, depression, bipolar disorder, and other medical problems.

Many antioxidant food and nutritional supplements, such as lipoic acid, wolfberries (goji berries) and pomegranates have also been shown to have beneficial effects on health, by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

We all have plenty of glutathione in each of our cells, however most of it isn't charged up and ready for use at any given moment - in fact a standard medical measure of "oxidative stress" is whether at least ten percent of the glutathione in our cells is charged up and ready to be used, if needed. Glutathione isn't usually recommended as a nutritional supplement itself because it isn't easily absorbed by the gut. However its "precursor", the amino acid cysteine, is available.

For most of us in the modern world, the likely reason for having insufficient glutathione in the active form is that we aren't getting enough melatonin at night. Better sleep hygiene and more darkness, as well as more regular bedtimes, are a great way to start. Food or supplements rich in natural antioxidants are also valuable - and you can start today.

Source: naturalnews.com

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Glutathione | Improve Your Ocular Nutrition to Fight Eye Disease

There is now emerging research that suggests that a small protein called glutathione plays a significant role in protecting the eyes. Scientists have been aware of glutathione and its important ocular antioxidant properties for some time, but they did not know until recently how to raise glutathione levels.

Ocular nutrition and raising your glutathione level can be instrumental in preventing or resolving visual degeneration due to Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, and Cataracts. Low levels of glutathione are often seen in patients with these diseases. Raising glutathione with improved ocular nutrition can halt progress and often reverse these conditions.

Macular degeneration is defined as a progressive loss of vision because of a breakdown of the macula. The macula is the portion of the retina that is responsible for close vision. Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a top reason for sight loss in seniors over age 65.

Smoking and atherosclerosis are contributing factors that can make ARMD worse, although genetics is the predominant factor. ARMD is probably a result of cumulative damage of free radicals released because of exposure to ultraviolet sunlight. Other sources of oxidative stress may also play a role in its onset. The elderly often have low glutathione levels and this predisposes them to ARMD. This makes ocular nutrition very important.

Glaucoma is a serious condition that involves fluid pressure rising within the eye. Some pressure is necessary to maintain the shape of the eyeball, however too much pressure will compress and obstruct the small blood vessels of the eye. This will damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma is one of the top causes of vision loss.

Glaucoma becomes more common with aging, is genetic, and is many times connected to diabetes, hypertension, and nearsightedness. Traditional treatment concentrates on relieving the pressure by drug therapy or surgery.

Glaucoma patients have been found to generally have very low glutathione levels. Increasing glutathione levels has been found to either prevent glaucoma or delay the onset.

Cataracts are a clouding that occurs in the lens of the eye. This is the leading cause of vision impairment in the elderly and cataracts lead to over one million surgeries every year in the United States.

Research has shown that the onset of cataracts could be delayed or even prevented by raising glutathione levels. An effective defense against cataracts is improving one's ocular nutrition.

Broccoli and broccoli sprouts have been shown to be effective in protecting the retina against oxidative damage because these foods contain a compound called Sulphoraphane. Sulphoraphane boosts the body's defense system and enables it to fight free radicals.

Glutathione and Sulphoraphane have important advantages over regular antioxidants. Not only are they effective protection for the eyes, but they also protect every other part of the body. They also last between four and five days in cells after being consumed.

Other significant protective dietary ingredients are Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These are antioxidant carotenoids that are an important part of the macular pigment that protects the retina from degeneration.

Zeaxanthin helps protect the photo receptor cells present in the macula from damaging UV rays and also from free radical damage. Lutein is plentiful in many leafy green vegetables, such as kale, collards, spinach, Swiss chard, Beet and Mustard Greens, Romaine Lettuce, and Endive. It is also present in egg yolks, peas, red peppers, corn, pumpkin, beetroots, okra, leeks, celery, and Brussels sprouts.

Of course, Lutein supplements can protect your eyes. However, increasing the amount of leafy green vegetables in your diet is a much better way to fight eye diseases and macular degeneration. Not only are you helping your vision by raising your glutathione levels, you are helping your entire body!

Source: by Jo Hartley from naturalnews.com



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Glutathione - The Master Antioxidant Also a Skin Whitening Pill?

With over 50,000 articles written about Glutathione, majority of the population still haven’t heard of it. What’s interesting is that it dwells in almost every cell of the body. Glutathione is made up to 3 amino acids; Cysteine, Glycine and Glutamic Acid, it plays a very critical role in one’s health and its absence is synonymous to death. This is why some doctors can determine someone’s lifespan by measuring the Glutathione levels in his body. If you can remember 3 things using the acronym A.I.D., then surely you’ll understand its tremendous impact in so many different pathologies. “A” stands for Antioxidant, “I” is Immune Booster, and the “D” stands for Detoxification. Glutathione is the major antioxidant produced naturally in the body and so most scientists refer to it as the “Master Antioxidant”. Imagine a peeled apple left for a few minutes; you will notice that after sometime, the peeled apple will turn to brown, this is called oxidation. Free Radicals attacks the cells of the body resulting into Oxidative Stress. This substance works by neutralizing these Free Radical, thus, protecting the cells. It has been suggested by most scientists that Glutathione links to the poison and other heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, pesticides and even automobile smoke. Once it links to all these carcinogens, they all become solouble and are easily expelled from the body though the bile or urine.

If this master antioxidant is so powerful and is readily available in the body, how come there are still a lot of people suffering from deadly diseases? It’s because Glutathione levels declines with age and in order for us to achieve optimal health, we need to replenish the levels of this substance in our body.

But wait! There is still another fact about Glutathione which you need to know. It has a side effect, skin whitening. Glutathione’s reputation in the East soared not because it is good for overall health but due to its skin lightening effect. It is popularly known as skin whitening pills, bleaching tablet, whitening capsules, and sold in most pharmacies and online stores. Its popularity conquered the whole continent since a lot of Asians wants to achieve a white and flawless skin.

How it works is by targeting an enzyme called Tyrosinase. It is present in both plants and animals and is responsible for catalyzing the production of Melanin in the skin. The lesser Melanin, the lighter the skin. Once this enzyme is inhibited, skin lightening gradually develops and it takes an average of 4-12 weeks before you see any noticeable change. Skin Whitening will only occur if the body’s Glutathione levels have already reached its threshold.

For people who wishes to achieve a lighter complexion, erase years from their skin and have a healthy and radiantly glowing body, this is the best solution. Not only does it give you a celebrity-like skin and a healthy body, but it is also very safe compared to conventional remedies like hydroquinone, bleaching and the likes.

Glutathione should be taken in its reduced form known as L-glutathione in order for it to work as skin whitener. Find a formulation that contains vitamin c and other antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid and grape seed extract which will yield the best possible result for your skin and health.

Beware! Only buy from reputable and legitimate source of L-glutathione skin whitening pills to ensure that you are getting the real deal. Seek for proofs like certificate of product authenticity and testimonials as your reference.

Recent studies show the role of Glutathione in treating cancer, infertility, cataracts and even HIV, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Autism and other neurodegenerative diseases. You can never go wrong with this supplement that possesses multiple wonders and benefits. Achieve a beautiful fair skin and acquire the gift of wellness. Glutathione is the key to beauty and longevity!

Source: medicalsupportforum.com

For your glutathione needs: Click Here

What is Glutatathione?

FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS:

1. How long before I really see the results?
The average period where a user can see visible change in his/her skin color as a result of glutathione takes about 2 to 3 months. Again, this is not applicable to every user, however, there are cases to which some users already see results in as early as 1 month taking 2doses per session twice a week. In other cases they show a slow development which results in 10-12 weeks before they have seen the results. Moreover, the best thing to do is not to miss a weekly dosage.

2. Why do you need Vitamin C with Glutathione?
GLUTATHIONE should be taken together with Vit.C to work properly. This is to keep L Glutathione in its absorbable or reduced form. This will release the potential of Vitamin C's derivatives' whitening properties.

3. Why is it that some people see results early and others took long before they can see it?
For the simple reason that people have different metabolism, weight is also a factor, the fact that some people see results early is because their body have absorbed the components well. Finally, dosage is an issue.

4. What is the recommended dosage in able to achieve a faster and visible result?
In order to achieve a faster result the right dosage for a certain person must be based on his/her body weight and skin tone. If your weight is above average (70 kilos above) and your skin tone is morena or light brown, its recommended to take 2doses per session twice a week. Generally, we recommend users to take 1 dose twice a week if they have a light complexion already, its potent enough to achieve a change of skin tone in as early as 4-8 weeks (again, results may vary from person to person). Once you have achieved the desired skin tone you may maintain it by taking 1 dose a week.

5. Do you think it’s not bad to take a high dosage of glutathione everyday?
Definitely. There is no such thing as over dosage in these whitening medication. Did you know that primarily Glutathione is given at a daily dose of more than 500mg to certain patients? glutathione and its components are all supplements; they are in existence in our body. They are water-soluble which just means that if there’s anything in excess, it will be just excreted through urine or bile. “Some people with darker skin tone report that taking glutathione capsules along with vitamin C for three to six months or more actually lightens the color of their skin.” It is also recommended especially to people who smokes and are most of the time expose to polluted environment. Taking a separate Vitamin C also stimulates a better and faster result.

6. What makes glutathione different compared to other whitening pill?
What makes it different and powerful is the synergy between its various components. They are not only powerful individually, but also work together in what is known as antioxidant cycling. Antioxidant cycling is the term that describes how antioxidants work together to extend each others’ lives and make each other more powerful. And that’s also the reason why it is so effective to really whiten the skin in it’s long term use.

7. Is it just ok to continue using some whitening creams or gels while using it?
Yes. There is no problem if you still continue using your regular skin care regimen (whitening soap, creams, lotions). You can use whitening skin care products, glutathione pills and Glutathione skin care products for faster whitening inside and out!

8. How does glutathione process starts? Can it give me an equal skin tone all over?
The reason why are skin becomes white in using glutathione is because it reverses the dark melanin pigments turning to a light pigments and reduces melanocytes which produces melanin. Less melanin, a whiter skin. Glutathione’s whitening process starts inside the skin (dermal layer) going outside (epidermal layer), that’s the reason why it takes time to be able to see initial change in your skin tone. The whitening process is goes head to foot meaning that you will have a white even skin tone in your whole body.

9. How can I consider glutathione?
It is a drug, vitamin or supplements? Is it just ok to take it with all my other medications and vitamins? Is there anything to avoid when taking glutathione?
Glutathione can be considered as food/dietary supplements. This is not a drug and so there are no known contradictions and precautions to be taken into consideration. However, glutathione shouldn’t be taken by people taking anti-psychotic drug and chemotherapeutic drug. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, the presence of alcohol in the stomach is one reason for your body to not fully absorb the whitening medication.

10. Once I have achieved the skin tone I want, is it just ok to stop taking the medication or should I continue it?
It is advisable to take the glutathione pills even though you have achieved the skin tone you want. Take 1 capsule a day as maintenance. We all know that glutathione is very good to our health and so taking it in long term will not only make us white but also it will promote better health.

11. Are the whitening effects of glutathione permanent? Will my skin tone go back to its original color once I stop using it?
Its whitening effects are permanent only if you will maintain it(by avoiding exposure to sunlight). You won’t go back to your original skin color even if you stop taking these pills, however, there is a tendency for you to be tan or darken your skin if you expose yourself to sunlight and other harsh elements.

12. Is the exposure to the sun will affect the whitening process or it is bad when I am taking glutathione?
Sunlight provides vitamin d but right now we all know that is not safe for our skin to be exposed from it for the fact that our ozone layer is much depleted and so will not protect us from UV rays. Exposure to sunlight will indirectly affect the whitening process since it increases the melanin pigments in the skin, thus, might delay the whitening process. It’s not really bad to be exposed to sunlight but at least have protection and be sure not be exposed at a long period of time.

13. What If I am taking glutathione but most of the time I am exposed to the sun, what will I do?
Use sunblock or sunscreen lotion that has an SPF of 30-60. It will protect you from the harmful effects of the sun.

14. Is glutathione safe in the liver?
Yes, glutathione even helps liver to detoxify harmful chemicals and toxins in the body. Again glutathione is safe and healthy for the body.

15. Is there any untoward side-effect from the long-term use of glutathione?
There are no side effects or interactions known with intravenous and oral administration of glutathione even in its prolonged use. The side-effect, we all know, is the SKIN WHITENING itself.

16. I am in a hurry to see the results and also I want to be slim while I am taking the pills, is it ok to take slimming pills or other products?
Glutathione is considered as a supplement and therefore safe to be taken with other medications, vitamins or supplements. However, we recommend people using whitening medication to just use slimming creams or whitening creams so as letting the whitening pill work solely in your body. If you are in a hurry and at the same want to be slim, I recommend you to use natural kind of weight reducing supplements such as green tea extract. And as I have been telling people, Always consult a doctor before taking any food supplement.

17. Is it safe to be taken even by young teens who want to be white?
Yes it is. Glutathione is considered as a supplement. It’s just as if you were taking your regular dose of vitamins everyday, therefore is it safe to be taken by young teens from age 14 years and to all ages who also want to be white. Henceforth, the right dosage should be taken into consideration. And as I have been telling people, Always consult a doctor before taking any food supplement.

18. Can pregnant and lactating women use the product?
Although glutathione is healthy and safe for our bodies, further studies still need to be done concerning fetal and infant health and high doses of glutathione and vitamin C. I would suggest that you wait until you have given birth to your baby and wait until you have weaned him. And as I have been telling people, Always consult a doctor before taking any food supplement.

19. Is there any side effect in taking glutathione?
The side effect in taking glutathione is the WHITENING of the skin already.

Glutathione Supplements

whitening
glutathione
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10vials of ROCHE,
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Kindly contact:
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Glutathione: New Supplement on the Block

What Is Glutathione?

"Glutathione is a very interesting, very small molecule that's [produced by the body and] found in every cell," says Gustavo Bounous, MD, director of research and development at Immunotec and a retired professor of surgery at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. "It's the [body's] most important antioxidant because it's within the cell."

Antioxidants -- the most well known of which are vitamins C and E -- are important for good health because they neutralize free radicals, which can build up in cells and cause damage. Because glutathione exists within the cells, it is in a prime position to neutralize free radicals. It also has potentially widespread health benefits because it can be found in all types of cells, including the cells of the immune system, whose job is to fight disease.

Glutathione occurs naturally in many foods, and people who eat well probably have enough in their diets, says Dean Jones, PhD, professor of biochemistry and director of nutritional health sciences at Emory University in Atlanta. Those with diets high in fresh fruits and vegetables and freshly prepared meats are most likely just fine. On the other hand, those with poor diets may get too little.

What Does Glutathione Do?

The strong antioxidant effect of glutathione helps keep cells running smoothly. Bounous and another glutathione expert, Jeremy Appleton, ND, say it also helps the liver remove chemicals that are foreign to the body, such as drugs and pollutants.

Appleton is chairman of the department of nutrition at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Ore., and senior science editor for Healthnotes, a database on complementary and alternative medicine available at newspaper stands and health food stores.

Evidence for the important role that glutathione plays in health comes from studies in people who are severely ill.

"If you look in a hospital situation at people who have cancer, AIDS, or other very serious disease, almost invariably they are depleted in glutathione," says Appleton. "The reasons for this are not completely understood, but we do know that glutathione is extremely important for maintaining intracellular health."

How Should Glutathione Be Taken?

Glutathione is probably not well absorbed into the body when taken by mouth. One way to get around that is to take it by vein. A more practical solution is to take the precursors -- that is, the molecules the body needs to make glutathione -- rather than glutathione itself. While there is no solid proof this works, the consensus among experts is that that doing so will increase the amount of glutathione in the cells.

Bounous has developed a glutathione-enhancing product called Immunocal, which is made up of glutathione precursors, mainly the amino acid cysteine.

Who Does Glutathione Help?

Animal and laboratory studies have demonstrated that glutathione has the potential to fight almost any disease, particularly those associated with aging, since free radical damage is the cause of many of the diseases of old age.

"Theoretically, there are many very strong arguments in favor of a therapeutic use of glutathione," says Appleton. "But when people have actually tried to use glutathione as an oral supplement, nasal spray, or intravenously, the results have been more of a preliminary nature. The amount of research on glutathione as a supplement ... is very limited."

Nevertheless, people have tried glutathione for the treatment of a whole host of conditions, including cancer, high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, and male infertility.

The best studies have been conducted in cancer. One study involved women with ovarian cancer who were being treated with chemotherapy. Some of the women were also treated with intravenous glutathione. Those given the glutathione not only had fewer side effects from the chemotherapy but also had better overall survival rates.

Myriam Abalain of Montreal, Canada, is one of the many people who have taken Bounous's Immunocal to combat cancer. In 1996, at age 33, a routine PAP smear revealed she had precancerous cells on her cervix, which is one step away from having cervical cancer. The three specialists she visited all told her that a hysterectomy was her only option, but she hesitated to have such major, life-altering surgery.

Instead, she waited. For more than two years, her condition remained stable. Then a friend suggested she try Immunocal. After eight months of taking the supplement, her physician could no longer detect any precancerous cells. Does this mean Immunocal cured her? It's hard to say based on just one case like hers. It is possible her body went into remission naturally.

Even Bounous acknowledges there's no real proof his product cured her cancer, but he's working on conducting good clinical research, comparing individuals with cancer taking glutathione to those who are not.

What Are the Risks?

Overall, taking glutathione or its precursors in reasonable amounts appears to be quite safe, although it should be avoided in people with milk protein allergies and in those who have received an organ transplant. There is also some concern, however, about the safety of taking glutathione for the one condition for which there is the greatest evidence of its usefulness: cancer.

"People don't get concerned about these health-promoting [supplements] until they're in their 50s and 60s," says Emory's Dean Jones. At that point, they may already have the initial precancerous [cells]. Therefore, the supplements, just like they promote health in normal tissues, might promote health in the precancerous tissue."

Appleton recognizes this possibility but says "there's no evidence that supplementing with glutathione, even intravenously, is in any way going to make any cancer worse. In fact, the evidence we have suggests the opposite. It suggests that glutathione and other antioxidants, far from interfering with the activity of chemotherapy, appear to reduce side effects without decreasing efficacy and may, in fact, improve the efficacy of the chemotherapy in fighting cancer."

Bounous says his research has demonstrated that taking Immunocal actually lowers glutathione in cancer cells while increasing it in normal cells. As a result, the cancer cells are more vulnerable to chemotherapy, and the normal cells are protected.

The upshot? The experts disagree on who should take glutathione or its precursors. Bounous says everyone should take it in order to optimize overall health. Appleton would reserve it for people with cancer. Jones says it might only prove beneficial for those who eat poorly and are thus unlikely to be getting much glutathione or its precursors in their diet.

They all acknowledge that people with severe diseases known to be associated with low glutathione levels, such as AIDS, may well benefit from the supplement, although there is no proof to this effect.

For her part, Myriam Abalain is still taking Immunocal and feeling fine. "I'm doing pretty good now," she says. "I'm in better shape than ever!"

Source: by Lison Palkhivala at medicinenet.com