I read with interest a New York Times article, "Scam or Not? Glutathione Is Vital for Health. Is It Worth Buying as a Supplement?" by Katie Wright (June 15). Glutathione as a supplement?? It most certainly is an important antioxidant, and may even earn the title given it — "mother of all antioxidants." It is made by the body and used by all cells to protect against oxidative stress during metabolism. It is a very small peptide (made of three amino acids), though, so taking it as an oral supplement is pointless as the stomach will break it right down. Or so I would have thought. Purveyors of glutathione supplements offer them as gels that claim to protect it from digestive enzymes and deliver it into the body. When I checked online, the prices vary from $9.99 to $161.49. Hmmmm. Why spend money for a supplement that you can make yourself? If you want to boost glutathione, eating sulfur-containing foods, such as poultry, eggs, lentils, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts) which may increase glutathione production.
What if you just like taking supplements? Well, this is another example of the importance of "moderation in all things." Whereas sufficient levels of antioxidants protect against cell stress, too many antioxidants can interfere with bodily functions that require oxidation, including fighting cancer cells and other pathogens. We need a good balance.