Glutathione
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in every cell in the body and made in the liver and is made up of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine [1]
Glutathione can be found as reduced or oxidized. Oxidized glutathione is essentially the glutathione that has been “used” in the body, and can be recycled back into the reduced form to be used again. This process may be abnormal in those with autism, as research shows us that both oxidized glutathione and the ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione are increased in individuals with ASD [1]
As an antioxidant, glutathione combats free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage in the body. In fact, studies have shown that individuals with autism have increased levels of oxidative stress and lower antioxidant capacity [2]
In addition to its roles in decreasing oxidative stress, glutathione plays many other critical roles in the body including neutralizing superoxide radicals, co-factoring for other antioxidant enzymes, regenerating vitamin C and vitamin E, transporting mercury out of cells and the brain, supporting mitochondrial function and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA, and playing a role in immune support [3].
Research suggests that individuals with autism have lower levels of reduced glutathione systemically and in certain areas of the brain which may contribute to overall oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and may lead to neurodevelopmental abnormalities [4-5]
Balancing methylation may aid in improving glutathione redox status [6]
Sources of Glutathione
Glutathione is present in many dietary sources, though its amino acid precursors are often more abundant. Food sources that may increase glutathione include:
Mushrooms [7]
Broccoli (in one study, just one portion of broccoli increased plasma antioxidant levels and improved cell resistance against DNA damage [8])
Asparagus
Spinach
Cantaloupe
Tomato
Carrot
Glutathione Levels
Glutathione can be tested in the serum, plasma, red blood cells (RBCs), and in white blood cells (WBCs). A few credible labs that test glutathione levels include:
Vibrant America
SpectraCell
Doctor’s Data
Low levels of glutathione indicate higher levels of oxidative stress or total toxic burden. In the case of low glutathione levels, glutathione supplementation is suggested in addition to the consumption of fruits and vegetables containing glutathione. Symptoms of glutathione depletion may include:
Fatigue
Increased oxidative stress
Inflammation
Infections
Elevated levels of glutathione are rare and are typically not found clinically.
Glutathione Supplementation
Glutathione can be taken orally or used transdermally via a glutathione patch. Oral supplementation options may be in capsule or liquid form. Liquid glutathione often has an unfavorable taste, so it is recommended to be mixed with juice when using with children with selective palates. Glutathione should be taken in a reduced liposomal form for optimal absorption.
One study shows that glutathione taken orally improves glutathione levels better than transdermal (patch) glutathione. [9]
Examples of common glutathione supplements include:
Liquid
Capsule/Softgel
Transdermal Patch
Note: All supplements are linked to Amazon for convenience, however, buying supplements on Amazon does not guarantee quality, as there are many “unverified resellers” selling nutrition supplements. To buy supplements that are verified to be sent directly to the consumer, you can create an account on the Autism Dietitian FullScript and search for the respective supplement under “Catalog”.
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.
Glutathione & Autism in the Research
The research of glutathione supplementation in autism is limited, but promising.
Glutathione Levels & Oxidative Stress
The current research shows that subjects with autism have lower levels of reduced glutathione in the cerebellum and temporal cortex areas of the brain (significantly decreased by 34.2 and 44.6 %, respectively). The “Redox Ratio” was also significantly decreased, suggesting glutathione redox imbalance in the brain of individuals with autism. These disturbances may contribute to overall oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and may lead to neurodevelopmental abnormalities in autism. [4]
Studies show that this is not just isolated to the brain, but is systemic. It’s suggested that there is a “pro-oxidant” environment and oxidative stress is pervasive and systemic in individuals with autism. [5]
Methylation + Glutathione
Other studies measured secondary effects of balancing methylation by supplementing with methylcobalamin and folinic acid may aid in improving glutathione redox status [6].
We see that methylation capacity, sulfate levels, and the total glutathione level are decreased in autism [1] and that oxidized glutathione and the ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione are increased [1].
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[1] Ghanizadeh A, Akhondzadeh S, Hormozi M, Makarem A, Abotorabi-zarchi M, Firoozabadi A. Glutathione-related factors and oxidative stress in autism, a review. Curr Med Chem. 2012;19(23):4000-5.
[2] Manivasagam T, Arunadevi S, Essa MM, et al. Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Autism. Adv Neurobiol. 2020;24:193-206.
[3] Pizzorno J. Glutathione!. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):8-12.
[4] Chauhan A, Audhya T, Chauhan V. Brain region-specific glutathione redox imbalance in autism. Neurochem Res. 2012;37(8):1681-9.
[5] Rose S, Melnyk S, Pavliv O, et al. Evidence of oxidative damage and inflammation associated with low glutathione redox status in the autism brain. Transl Psychiatry. 2012;2:e134.
[6] James SJ, Melnyk S, Fuchs G, et al. Efficacy of methylcobalamin and folinic acid treatment on glutathione redox status in children with autism. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;89(1):425-30.
[7] Kalaras MD, Richie JP, Calcagnotto A, Beelman RB. Mushrooms: A rich source of the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione. Food Chem. 2017;233:429-433.
[8] Riso P, Del bo' C, Vendrame S, et al. Modulation of plasma antioxidant levels, glutathione S-transferase activity and DNA damage in smokers following a single portion of broccoli: a pilot study. J Sci Food Agric. 2014;94(3):522-8.
[9] Kern JK, Geier DA, Adams JB, Garver CR, Audhya T, Geier MR. A clinical trial of glutathione supplementation in autism spectrum disorders. Med Sci Monit. 2011;17(12):CR677-82.
