L-Glutathione

L-Glutathione is a tripeptide made from glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. Foodstuffs such as pig liver, meats (beef, pork), bread yeast, kiwi fruit contain high L-glutathione. L-Glutathione is also included in almost all human cells, especially in the liver. L-Glutathione plays an important role in protecting living cells from the toxicity of the reactive intermediates. It is critically important as an antioxidant for the deoxidization and detoxification of hydrogen peroxide and fatty acid peroxides in the body. Moreover, L-Glutathione helps antioxidant vitamins C and E recycle from their oxidized form into reduced form in the cell. Additionally, in cell assays and animal studies, it was reported that L-glutathione inhibited tyrosinase activity and suppressed melanin production through anti-oxidative effect. L-Glutathione is also used as a dietary supplement (in the USA).

  • “Improvements in weight, repertory function and BMI in patients with cystic fibrosis.” (Visca A, et al., J Cyst Fibros. 2008;7(5):433-6.)
  • “Reducing edema and skin ailments, with improvement in survival rate and weight in children suffering from kwashiorkor malnutrition.” (Becker K, et al., Redox Report. 2005;10(4):215-26.)
  • “Reducing dizziness caused by formaldehyde.” (Watanabe et al. Immune regulation. 2001;19(1):11-5.)
  • “Improvements in cholinesterase in patients with organophosphorus poisoning.” (Kudo et al. Journal of the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine. 1972;21:3341-51.)
  • “Improvements in skin condition in patients with Riehl melanosis.” (Noguchi Y. Progress in studies on glutathione. 1969:188-90.)
  • “Suppressed intoxication, hepatic steatosis and lipid peroxide in rats after consumption of alcohol.” (Yamamoto et al. Japanese journal of alcohol studies & drug dependence. 1985;20(4):84-5, 1986;21(4):72-3.)
  • “Preventing liver damage from acetaminophen use in rats.” (Sugimura Y, et al., J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 1998;44(5):613-24.)

Note: While information regarding substances and components shown here is based on scientific data, it does not relate to the safety or effectiveness of products which use them. Statements relating to consumer products should conform to the clauses of relevant legislation such as the Health Promotion Law and The Pharmaceutical Affairs Law in each countries and areas.

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