Oral glutathione supplements may improve liver metabolism

 

Glutathione is an antioxidant that can be found in a variety of plants, including asparagus, avocado, spinach, okra, broccoli, cantaloupe, tomatoes, carrots, grapefruit, oranges, zucchini, strawberries, watermelon and many more Other fruits and vegetables. It is also highly concentrated in freshly cooked meats. However, food sources of glutathione only account for a small portion of the body's total glutathione levels, as most are synthesized endogenously by the body itself at the cellular level. In this case, the amino acid precursors of glutathione - glutamate, glycine and cysteine - must also be obtained in adequate amounts from the diet.

The therapeutic value of intravenous glutathione in the treatment of acute poisoning and chronic liver disease has been clinically recognized. Recently, oral glutathione has been studied for the treatment of NAFLD.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by a buildup of fat in the liver that is not caused by alcohol consumption, affects up to 25 percent of Americans.

Oral glutathione supplements, especially in protein-bound forms, can actually have beneficial effects on the redox potential in cells, exerting the effects of glutathione supplements in the body, including in the treatment of NAFLD.

In one study, 34 Japanese patients diagnosed with NAFLD (but without hepatic decompensation) were prospectively evaluated over a 7-month period.

After the 4-month glutathione treatment phase, the following biomarkers were significantly reduced:

· Triglycerides

· Non-esterified fatty acids

· Ferritin

Overall, these preliminary findings suggest that oral glutathione has the potential benefit of improving liver metabolic function in patients with early-stage NAFLD without decompensated cirrhosis.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.