Glutatione for hep C

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Glutatione for hep C

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that is produced in the liver. The largest

store of glutathione are found in the liver, where it detoxifies harmful

compounds so that they cab be excreted through the bile. Supplemental

glutathione is expensive and the

effectiveness of oral formulas is questionable. (3)

A better way to raise glutathione levels is to supply the body with the raw

materials it uses to make this compound: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.

The N-acetyl form of cysteine (N-acetylcysteine) is

considered particularly effective for this purpose.(3)

The goal is to raise " tissue glutathione levels " . Glutathione pays a critical

role in the defense against free-radical damage.

A deficiency of intracellular glutathione has been identified in a number of

clinical conditions including cancer, alcohol-induced liver disease, and AIDS.

(2) A patient with hepatitis may want to ask their doctor if they are deficient

of glutathione or whether their form of hepatitis is identified as having this

deficiency.

Question: Do glutathione or N-acytlcysteine supplements elevate and maintain

good tissue glutathione levels?

Here is what T. Murray N.D. has written on the subject,

" Studies indicate that vitamin C can decrease cellular damage in patients with

hereditary glutathione deficiency and is more effective and less expensive than

N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Vitamin C may offer the benefits attributed to NAC at

only a slightly reduced cost. Over the past 5 to 10 years, the use of NAC and

glutathione products as antioxidants has become increasingly popular among

nutritionally oriented physicians and the public. Some biochemists believe that

NAC acts as a precursor for glutathione and that taking extra glutathione should

raise tissue glutathione levels. While supplementing the diet with high does of

NAC may be beneficial in cases of extreme oxidative stress (e.g., AIDs), it may

be an unwise proactive in healthy individuals.

One study indicated ... a dose of 1.2 grams per day... actually increased

oxidative damage by acting as a pro-oxidant. Intravenous glutathione shows some

promise in increasing intracellular glutathione concentrations; however, the

question of oral absorption remains in doubt. A daily dosage of 500 milligrams

of vitamin C may be sufficient to elevate good tissue glutathione levels.

Consumers and physicians... may want to use vitamin c instead of higher priced

'super antioxidants'. "

Some sources indicate that Hepatitis C patients have a systemic depletion of

glutathione, especially in the liver and they believe this factor may be

underlying the resistance to interferon therapy. Thus it is believed by some

that supplements such as NAC and glutathione can be adjuvant or assisting

therapies to interferon.

Other alternative solutions/supplements that have been reported to boost

glutathione levels are: Whey protein isolate concentrate powder, garlic,

selenium, alpha lipoic acid, cysteine.

Many experts say that HCV patients have " severely depressed " levels of

glutathione. Although some reports are not conclusive. Dolan sums it up,

" Whether of not HCV patients are consistently deficient in glutathione, and

therefore generally indicated for supplementation, is a question that has yet to

be satisfactorily answered. "

Even though it is not clear that HCV patients are consistently deficient,

raising glutathione levels seems that it would be a favorable objective

considering the benefits this substance is reported to have within the liver. It

is considered to be an intracellular damage limiting agent which plays a major

role in the detoxification process. It is speculated that it also performs as in

immunomodulator which activates killer lymphocytes (important in the immune

system).

This topic, obviously should be discussed with your doctor. You would first want

to determine whether or not you fall into the category of glutathione

deficiency. Then you would want to discuss the available options for increasing

your glutathione levels.

taken from:

http://www.healthyhepper.com/sample3glutathione.htm