Glutathione: great multitask longevity supplement

Glutathione is involved in a wide variety of phenomena and, indeed, plays a multi-factorial role in aging. Overall, there is a decrease of the glutathione levels during our lives and this seems to impact the onset of diseases[2]. This decrease is not as simple as it seems, because although we do see a fall in the reduced form of glutathione (GSH, antioxidant), a parallel increase in its oxidized form can be observed (GSSG).

Neurodegenerative diseases

This decline is particularly associated with the onset of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases[3]. In Alzheimer’s disease, several studies have demonstrated the central role of glutathione, because of its antioxidant activity: an increase in the oxidized form of glutathione in the blood and brain was found in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, no matter the age of the mouse[4]. These studies therefore seem to indicate GSH deficiency/SSG surplus as a precursor of neurodegenerative diseases[5]. In addition to these studies, others have examined the therapeutic effect of glutathione, demonstrating the neuro and glio-protective capacity of glutathione supplementation[6, 7].

Cardiovascular diseases

The decrease in glutathione is also observed in the heart over time. It appears that the enzymes derived from glutathione also vary with age, in a tissue-dependent manner. For example, glutathione peroxidase remains stable in the heart but decreases in the liver, while glutathione reductase increases in both tissues over time[8]. The total result of these variations causes a decrease in the antioxidant capacity of our body during aging. A supplementation in glutathione could thus restore the balance between GSH and GSSG, allowing our body to find a more important antioxidant potential.

Glutathione and cell apoptosis?

In addition to the impact of its reduction on the incidence of age-related diseases, glutathione appears to play a role in apoptosis (the programmed death of our cells). By mechanisms that are still unclear, its metabolism is linked to the activation of caspase-3, a major pro-apoptotic protein, and BCl-2, the regulator of mitochondrial apoptosis[9, 10]. A recent study also looked at the links between glutathione and apoptosis in the hearts of diabetic mice, showing that its presence reduced necrosis and increased apoptosis, a protective mechanism of the heart in these conditions[11].

Glutathione as a life extension supplement

Glutathione is very promising for the extension of the lifespan. Preliminary studies in C. Elegans actually show an activation of the sirtuin pathway with GSH supplementation, increasing the lifespan of these small worms by about 30%[12].

The interest of glutathione is obvious in the fight against aging. However, one of the major problems remains its bioavailability. Oral supplementation is ineffective because glutathione is destroyed at the digestive level. It must therefore pass directly into the bloodstream. Gastro-resistant pills have recently appeared on the market but studies tend to agree that the bioavailability of glutathione taken in this form is far from optimal. A research team tried to introduce glutathione precursors into the diet of elderly people, with success: GSH levels were restored when taking cysteine and glycine together, suggesting a possible oral supplementation[13].

• Number of publications: about 4000
• Availability : over the counter
• Route : intravenous/inhalation, possibly sublingual. If possible, it is recommended to combine its supplementation with selenium to maximize its action.
• Dosage : 100-300 mg / jour.