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Ultima-Glutathione

Ultima-Glutathione

  • $90.00



MANUFACTURER Ultima Pharmaceuticals - US
WAREHOUSE USA Warehouse 5
SUBSTANCE Glutathione ,

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a small molecule composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. It plays a crucial role in helping the liver detoxify harmful substances. Additionally, glutathione acts as an antioxidant, which means it neutralizes harmful free radicals—reactive molecules containing oxygen that can harm cellular structures, including DNA.

There are two forms of glutathione: reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG). The balance between GSH and GSSG is essential for a cell's antioxidant capabilities. Healthy resting cells maintain a GSH:GSSG ratio greater than one hundred, while this ratio decreases to between one and ten in cells subjected to stress.

What are the Health Benefits of Glutathione?
  • Glutathione strengthens the immune system and may exhibit antibacterial effects.
  • It plays a key role in the liver’s detoxification processes, transforming toxic substances into non-toxic compounds that the body can eliminate safely.
  • Glutathione promotes lung health by reducing inflammation and assisting in the regulation of surfactant, a substance that keeps the air sacs (alveoli) functioning properly.
  • Treatment with glutathione has been shown to enhance lung function in individuals with cystic fibrosis.
  • It may boost athletic performance by minimizing muscle fatigue.
  • Glutathione can help lighten sun-damaged skin and reduce the visibility of wrinkles and other aging signs.

    • How to Check for Glutathione Deficiency

    Glutathione levels can fluctuate based on factors like diet and overall health. It’s important to collaborate with a functional or integrative medicine provider to interpret test results and identify potential glutathione deficiencies and their underlying causes.

  • Glutathione levels can be assessed through a blood test.
  • The Organic Acids Test (OAT) from Great Plains Laboratory evaluates various metabolites in urine, including pyroglutamic acid, which may rise during periods of poor nutrition, stress, toxin exposure, and oxidative stress. Elevated levels of this acid may indicate depleted glutathione stores in the body.
  • The Advanced Oxidative Stress Profile is a detailed test that assesses reduced, oxidized, and total glutathione, along with other oxidative stress indicators.
  • While limited data exists on decreased zinc levels due to prolonged glutathione supplementation, total serum zinc can be evaluated if there are concerns.
  • It's important to note that total serum zinc measurements can be misleading if albumin levels are low or if inflammation is present.
  • Ferritin, ESR, and CRP are common markers for inflammation.
  • If there's a strong suspicion of chronic zinc deficiency, a red blood cell (RBC) zinc test may provide a more accurate assessment.

    • How Much Glutathione Supplementation Is Safe?

    Research on intravenous glutathione has been conducted with various dosages. One study administered a single intravenous dose of 1200 mg of glutathione, while another study found that 1400 mg given three times a week for four weeks was well-tolerated with no adverse effects. It’s necessary for intravenous glutathione to be administered by a healthcare professional.

    How to Supplement Glutathione?

    Glutathione can be administered through intravenous therapy, which allows for higher levels to be delivered directly into the bloodstream, potentially benefiting certain medical conditions.

    Are There Any Risks to Supplementing Glutathione?

    Most studies on glutathione supplementation focus on short-term effects, leaving the long-term risks and benefits not fully understood.

    Some potential side effects of glutathione supplementation include:

  • Asthma: nebulized glutathione can cause airway constriction, coughing, and shortness of breath in individuals with asthma.
  • Zinc deficiency: some sources indicate a link between long-term glutathione supplementation and low zinc levels, but human studies to confirm this are lacking.
  • The safety of glutathione supplementation during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been investigated.

    • Summary

    Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant in the body that protects cells against damage from free radicals and toxins while supporting immune system health. Low glutathione levels have been connected to various health issues.

    The effectiveness of glutathione supplementation may differ based on the health condition being addressed. Partnering with an integrative or functional medicine practitioner is the best approach to ensure your supplementation strategy is evidence-based, safe, and suitable for your needs.