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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND GLUTATHIONE Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants and detoxifiers found in the body. Deficiency can effect nearly all organ systems. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis may benefit from increased Glutathione levels for a number or important reasons: 1. Important antioxidant for protecting myelin. ANTIOXIDANT Glutathione is used to produce the enzyme "Glutathione Peroxidase" which is one of the most important protectors of myelin and lipid membranes. One form of this enzyme requires Selenium, the other does not. Glutathione can help prolong the antioxidant activity of Vitamin C. HEAVY METALS / TOXINS Glutathione attaches to and helps remove lead, mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals from the body in a water soluble form. Some authors believe that Mercury toxicity is a cause of MS. Greater detail on Glutathione and Detoxification BLOOD CLOTTING Glutathione appears to reverse or prevent abnormal clotting of the blood. This may benefit MS patients who suffer from damage to the blood-brain barrier from micro-clots and abnormal platelet clumping. See Blood-Brain barrier for more detail SOURCES OF GLUTATHIONE Glutathione supplements taken orally have unpredictable absorption. Some authors report less than 50% absorption, others report much higher rates. Either way, glutathione is expensive. The best way to raise your glutathione levels may be to use other supplements instead. Glutathione is composed of three smaller amino acids: cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid. Also, Methionine, another amino acid, can be converted into Cysteine. Shortage of any of these may result in a shortage of Glutathione. Cysteine supplementation is commonly taken in the form of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Methionine and Glycine are available as free-form amino acids. Vitamin C is required for the manufacture Glutathione. Taking Vitamin C supplements may increase production of Glutathione within the body. An herbal supplement, Silymarin, has also been shown to increase Glutathione levels. NitroPlex provides Glycine and Glutamic Acid, several grams per dose. Normally, additional supplementation will not be necessary. |