Glutathione

About Parkinson's and health Treatments and therapies
1

Hi

I’m looking for info on glutathione to pass on to my neurologist. He can’t give an opinion since he doesn’t know anything about it.

Any links explaining what glutathione is and how it works would be appreciated.

Or a discource.

Thank you!!!

2

I googled it and there’s natural foods containing it

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Then foods to boost

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3

Hi E,

We don’t have any information on our website in regards to glutathione but we did find this article on the Michael J Fox Foundation website.

Best wishes
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team

4

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant produced naturally in the body, often referred to as the “master antioxidant” due to its critical role in detoxification, immune function, and cellular protection.

Key Functions of Glutathione:

  1. Antioxidant Defense – Neutralizes free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting cells from oxidative stress.
  2. Detoxification – Binds to toxins, heavy metals, and harmful compounds, aiding their elimination via the liver.
  3. Immune Support – Enhances white blood cell function and helps regulate inflammation.
  4. Skin Health – May help brighten skin, reduce pigmentation, and slow aging by inhibiting melanin production.
  5. Mitochondrial Support – Essential for energy production and maintaining cellular health.

Causes of Glutathione Depletion:

  • Aging
  • Chronic stress
  • Poor diet (low in sulfur-rich foods)
  • Toxin exposure (pollution, alcohol, drugs)
  • Certain diseases (diabetes, HIV, liver disease)

How to Boost Glutathione Levels:

:heavy_check_mark: Diet:

  • Sulfur-rich foods (garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables)
  • High-quality protein (whey protein, eggs, lean meats)
  • Foods rich in selenium (Brazil nuts, fish) and vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries)

:heavy_check_mark: Supplements:

  • Liposomal glutathione (better absorption)
  • N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – A precursor to glutathione
  • Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) – Recycles glutathione

:heavy_check_mark: Lifestyle:

  • Regular exercise (moderate intensity)
  • Adequate sleep
  • Reducing toxin exposure

Medical & Cosmetic Uses:

  • Used in IV therapy for detox, immune support, and chronic illnesses.
  • Skin whitening (inhibits melanin production when taken orally or applied topically).

Glutathione for Parkinson’s Disease: Potential Benefits & Mechanisms

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (a brain region critical for movement control). Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation play key roles in PD progression.

How Glutathione May Help in Parkinson’s Disease

  1. Reduces Oxidative Stress

    • Dopamine metabolism generates free radicals, contributing to neuron death.
    • Glutathione (GSH) neutralizes these radicals, protecting brain cells.
    • PD patients often have low GSH levels in the substantia nigra.

  2. Supports Mitochondrial Function

    • Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of PD.
    • GSH helps maintain mitochondrial health, improving energy production in neurons.

  3. Detoxifies Harmful Substances

    • GSH binds to neurotoxic metals (e.g., iron, mercury, lead) and pesticides (e.g., paraquat, rotenone), which are linked to PD risk.

  4. Modulates Neuroinflammation

    • Chronic inflammation worsens neurodegeneration.
    • GSH helps regulate microglial activation, reducing inflammatory damage.

  5. May Improve Motor Symptoms

    • Some studies suggest IV glutathione therapy may temporarily improve rigidity, tremors, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

Clinical Evidence on Glutathione in PD

  • Intravenous (IV) Glutathione

    • Small studies show short-term motor improvement after IV infusions.
    • Effects may be temporary (hours to days).
    • Larger, controlled trials are needed.

  • Oral & Other Forms

    • Poor absorption limits effectiveness.
    • Liposomal glutathione or NAC (N-acetylcysteine) may be better options.

  • NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) as a Precursor

    • NAC raises GSH levels and has shown neuroprotective effects in PD models.
    • A 2020 study found NAC improved dopaminergic function in PD patients.

How to Use Glutathione for Parkinson’s

  1. IV Glutathione Therapy (under medical supervision)

    • Common dose: 600–1200 mg, 2–3 times per week
    • Some patients report symptom relief, but effects vary.

  2. Oral & Alternative Forms

    • Liposomal glutathione (better absorption) – 250–500 mg/day
    • NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) – 600–1800 mg/day
    • Whey protein (contains cysteine, a GSH precursor)

  3. Diet & Lifestyle Support

    • Eat sulfur-rich foods (garlic, broccoli, eggs).
    • Exercise (may help boost GSH levels).
    • Avoid toxins (pesticides, heavy metals).

Limitations & Considerations

  • Temporary Effects: IV glutathione may only provide short-term relief.
  • No Cure: Slows progression but does not reverse PD.
  • More Research Needed: Larger clinical trials are required.

Conclusion

Glutathione shows promise as a supportive therapy for Parkinson’s by reducing oxidative damage, improving mitochondrial function, and possibly easing symptoms. IV therapy may offer short-term benefits, while NAC and liposomal GSH could help maintain levels long-term.

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5

Try parkibot it’s an AI system that can give you the answers very quickly.

6

This food list is really helpful. Thank you!!!

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This summary @Dazman18 is absolutely awesometastic. Thank you!!! I did actually find some articles but they were hard to read.

I did read this one so far. It took me ages.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-27653-w#Fig2

This is massive if it’s true.

Perfect.

I’m gonna try add some foods from @Hannah s list to my diet too. Though I do actually akready do so.

Thank you so much for this. It’s exactly what I was looking for to share.

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Not a problem :grin:

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