Glutathione is a potent antioxidant, which protects cells from free radical damage that can cause serious degenerative diseases and promote aging. May enhance immune protective status of certain cells. A tripeptide combined from amino acids Cysteine, Glycine and Glutamine/Glutamic Acid. Glutathione is an ingredient in MONTIFF SUPER ANTIOXIDANT formula.

WHAT IS GLUTATHIONE?
Glutathione (or Glutathione Reductase or Glutathione Reduced) is a tripeptide made from the amino acids Cysteine, Glutamic acid and Glycine. Vitamin B-6 is necessary for proper metabolism and Alpha Lipoic Acid helps increase Glutathione levels. Vitamins C and E, and also Selenium have an effect on Glutathione levels. Produced in the liver, which has the most abundant supply, this powerful antioxidant helps detoxify harmful chemical compounds. Found in almost every cell of the body, Glutathione protects against free radical damage. Glutathione levels decrease with aging, especially after the age 40. Low levels accelerate the aging process, and have been associated with disease and premature death; therefore, it is very important to keep these levels high.

ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES: Glutathione is the cell's primary antioxidant, found in the cell sap, and is necessary to protect the cells from free radical damage, which causes aging and severe health problems. It works synergistically with Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Co-Q 10 to provide a powerful defensive mechanism. There are very high levels found in the liver, which detoxifies drugs, pollutants, and other harmful substances. Smoking cigarettes, excessive intake of alcohol, eating highly processed foods that contain nitrates, and drugs (such as acetaminophen) can deplete the body of important Glutathione. There have been health warnings not to take acetaminophen if you consume alcohol. Both of these generate free radicals and this can deplete the liver of Glutathione. If the liver is depleted of Glutathione, it cannot function properly and it builds up with excessive toxins, which can cause liver poisoning. Taking Alpha Lipoic Acid (100mg. per day) can help increase Glutathione levels, and it also works synergistically with Vitamins C, E and Co-Q 10 to provide a powerful antioxidant defense system against free radical damage.

GLUTATHIONE AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: Low levels of Glutathione have been associated with low immune function. Since Glutathione levels reduce as we age, this has a particular effect on the immune systems of the older population. Glutathione has a role in T-cell production and function, and stimulates interleucan (IL-1) and (IL-2) which are necessary for the growth of new immune cells and inflammatory responses to fight against new infections. Lymphocyte proliferation is increased aiding new immune formation as well.

GLUTATHIONE: DISEASE & AGING: Low levels are found in many ill patients, including those with atherosclerosis, AIDS and cancer. Glutathione prohibits the activation of the genes that can cause chronic inflammation, which can lead to arthritis and other serious health problems like Lupis (and other autoimmune diseases). One of the causes of Parkinson's disease appears to be dopaminergic neuronal loss. Low Glutathione levels have been noted in this condition, which might have an effect on the degeneration of these neurons. Since the lung linings contain Glutathione, necessary to detoxify the toxins we get from smog and other environmental pollutants, it is important to keep the Glutathione levels high to prevent depletion. Low levels have been noted in those who suffer from chronic respiratory infections and ailments such as asthma. A recent study (May 2000) of patients admitted to a hospital with chronic diseases, including cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular, and muscular-skeletal, noted over 36% had low Glutathione levels.

CANCER: Glutathione can protect the cells from the damage of carcinogenic free radicals, such as very damaging hydroxyl radicals, (from hydrogen peroxides). When the cell's DNA is damaged, the cell can mutate and this can lead to cancer. Glutathione acts to prevent this damage, by keeping the hydrogen peroxides at a low level. Glutathione also acts to protect the DNA of the cells, by activating cell enzymes, which help repair cells.

AIDS: In a study, those infected with HIV virus and AIDS had lower Glutathione levels than the control group. It is also noted, that Glutathione has an effect on the replication of this virus, while boosting the immune system. Researches have shown that increasing Glutathione levels significantly increased survival rates in those studied.

ATHEROSCLEROSIS: Oxidative stress from free radicals formation appears to have a definite role in creating atherosclerotic plaques. Low levels of Glutathione are present in human atherosclerotic lesions, caused by an antioxidant/prooxidant imbalance, as well as high homocysteine levels. Maintaining high levels of Glutathione, (also combined with other antioxidant supplementation of Vitamin C, E, Co-Q 10, Taurine and Alpha Lipoic Acid) is very beneficial for a healthy cardiovascular system. Folic acid is also recommended to prevent and/or reduce homocysteine levels.

COLITIS: Glutathione levels are depleted in the mucosal bowel tissue in acute Colitis. In a recent study, May 2000, evidence was reported, showing that increasing levels of Glutathione in inflammatory bowel disease attenuated the acute colitis.

MONTIFF SUPPLIES THE HIGHEST QUALITY GLUTATHIONE AVAILABLE in the following: Pure Glutathione Reduced and Super Antioxidant Formula & Cir-Cu-Care

REFERENCES: (1) Packer, Lester Ph.D., Colman, Carol; The Antioxidant Miracle, 1999. (2) Balch, J. M.D., Balch, P., C.N.C., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 1997 (3) Lang, Mills, Mastropaolo, Liu, "Blood Glutathione Decreases in Chronic Disease", J. Lab. Clin. Med., May 2000. (4) Palamara, Perno, Aquaro, Bue, Dini, Garaci, "Glutathione Inhibits HIV Replication by Acting at Late Stages of the Virus Life Cycle," AIDS Res. Hum Retroviruses, 1996. (5) Nakamura, Wang, Kang, "The Role of Glutathione in Dopaminergic Neuronal Survival", Journ. of Neurochemistry, 1997. (6) Lapenna, de Gioia, Ciofani, Mezzetti et al, "Glutathione Related Antioxidant Defenses in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques", Circulation 1998. (7) Mills, Weiss, Lang, Liu, Ziegler, "Blood Glutathione and Cysteine Changes in Cardiovascular Disease", J. Lab. Clin Med., May 2000. (8) Lenton, Therriault, Cantin, Fulop et al, "Direct Correlation of Glutathione and Ascorbate & their Dependence on Age & Season In Human Lymphocytes", Am. J. Clin. Nut., May, 2000 (9) Ardite, Sans, Panes et al.," Replenishment of Glutath. Levels Improves Mucosal Funct. in Exper. Acute Colitis," Lab Invest, May 2000.

Directions: Take 1/4th of a level teaspoon per day or as directed by a health care professional. Vitamins and minerals should be taken with Pure-Glutathione and MONTIFF VITA-MINZ PLUS is recommended.