Glutathione Blood Test

Glutathione Blood Test: A Crucial Marker for Your Health

Testing your glutathione levels can offer valuable insights into your overall health. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting cells from damage and promoting immune function. By testing your glutathione levels, you can identify any deficiencies or imbalances that may be contributing to health issues such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic diseases. Additionally, monitoring your glutathione levels can help you make adjustments to your diet, lifestyle, and supplement regimen to optimize your health and prevent future health problems.

Both chronically low levels and high levels of glutathione in the body are indicative of potentially debilitating health problems, including chronic diseases. Glutathione level is a crucial marker for many chronic diseases, both chronic and acute. Finding out your glutathione levels could be another way to keep an eye on your health, immune system, and the chance of getting chronic diseases linked to problems in GSH synthesis, like GCLC and GSS.

Glutathione is our body's antioxidant and plays a crucial role in maintaining our health, including boosting the immune system, helping to break down nutrients in food, and protecting against chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, some types of cancer, and heart disease. Both chronically low and high levels of glutathione in the body indicate potentially debilitating health problems, including autoimmune disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Glutathione levels tend to decrease naturally with age as well as due to health conditions such as liver disease, insomnia, and chronic stress. Given the importance of this protein to human health, discovering your glutathione levels could be one more way to monitor health levels, immune function, and the potential risk of health conditions associated with chronically low or high levels of this essential peptide.

Glutathione Blood Test

The glutathione blood test still isn’t a standard testing procedure like tests for checking your blood sugar or cholesterol. But, the role of glutathione in both health and disease has been extensively studied, and it’s understood that a chronically low glutathione level is associated with higher mortality.

One reason for this is that the level of glutathione will fluctuate throughout the day from its lowest in the early morning to depletion from routine exposure to toxic substances (like alcohol), pathogens, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, drugs, certain foods, stress level, illness, and many similar factors, including heavy metals and toxins, so repeated testing could be required to set a baseline.

Glutathione is also an integral part of the body’s antioxidant defense system, so other parameters need to be considered in conjunction with glutathione levels:

• Determination of someone’s antioxidant reserves
• Activity of protective antioxidant enzymes
• The level of cellular damage from oxidative stress

What is Glutathione

Glutathione is made up of three amino acids that are combined to create a peptide that behaves as a powerful antioxidant and also has several crucial roles in the body.

According to recent studies, this peptide is so critical to human health that it could be possible to predict how long someone may live from the level of GSH in the cells (1, 2).

Even though glutathione is also required to maintain a healthy immune system, it hasn’t been classified as an essential nutrient because your body can synthesize glutathione from three amino acids:

• L-cysteine
• L-glutamic acid
• Glycine

One reason that glutathione is so vital for our health is that it plays a number of roles in every cell of the body. An antioxidant like glutathione helps to maintain good health by neutralizing free radicals, which can cause cell damage by oxidation. Because glutathione is typically present in all kinds of cells, it’s in the perfect position to perform as an antioxidant. Researchers believe glutathione to be one of the most potent antioxidants in the human body (3). Glutathione, being a tripeptide, serves as the primary regulator of cellular redox states. It exists primarily in its reduced form (GSH), which, upon oxidation, forms the dimer glutathione disulfide (GSSG). Glutathione also aids against diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, some forms of cancer, and heart disease.

The Impact Glutathione Can Have on Health

Glutathione plays a powerful role in detoxifying and removing carcinogens. According to a recent study (4), any alterations in glutathione metabolic activity can have a profound effect on cell survival.

Besides antioxidant activity, glutathione is responsible for several other vital roles within the cell (4): it detoxifies pathogens like certain bacteria and viruses, adjusts the body’s immune response and maintains the chemical reactions that modify the oxidative state of atoms in the cells.

Glutathione Levels and Disease

Researchers have concluded that glutathione deficiency can be a significant factor in several chronic conditions, such as (5):

• HIV/AIDS
• Alzheimer’s
• Parkinson’s disease
• Asthma
• Various Cancers
• Cataracts and macular degeneration
• Open-angle glaucoma
• Diabetes

Studies also indicate that low glutathione levels may significantly correlate with diseases of the liver, kidneys, lungs, and the digestive system (5).

Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis can significantly reduce glutathione, a detoxifying antioxidant, in the whole blood. Low glutathione levels in whole blood have even been linked to diminished dopamine production in the neurons, which means a possible relationship to dopamine-based neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, high levels of glutathione in the body have been observed in many types of cancer cells and have been linked to the development of chemotherapy resistance in cancer patients.

Glutathione Deficiency: Potential Causes

One of the most common ways that glutathione can be depleted is through the regular consumption of alcohol. Glutathione has a significant role in detoxifying dietary ethanol (alcoholic beverages), and anyone who drinks regularly will deplete their glutathione levels (6). Becoming older will unavoidably deplete glutathione. Low glutathione has also been associated with the retention of potentially toxic minerals such as; mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, manganese, and iron. As the body ages, glutathione levels will fall below what’s needed for optimal immune function and other critical processes (6).

In addition to drinking alcoholic beverages and merely getting older, these are common household chemicals that can reduce the body’s glutathione levels (7, 8, 9, 10):

• Acetaminophen
• Aspartame
• The benzopyrenes in tobacco or wood smoke, car exhaust, etc.
• Detergents, fabric softeners, air fresheners, kitchen and bathroom cleaners, and bleach

The Importance of the Glutathione Blood Test

Both chronically low and high levels of glutathione in the body are indicative of potentially debilitating health problems. Glutathione level is a crucial marker for many diseases, both chronic and acute.

Given the importance of this protein to human health; discovering your glutathione levels could be one more way to monitor health levels, immune function, and the potential risk of diseases that have been associated with chronically low or high levels of this essential peptide.

 

Questions

What diseases are associated with glutathione deficiency?

Glutathione deficiency has been associated with a variety of diseases and conditions. Some examples include:

1. Parkinson's disease: Glutathione plays an important role in protecting brain cells from oxidative stress, and low levels of glutathione have been observed in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

2. Alzheimer's disease: Reduced glutathione levels have been found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential link between glutathione deficiency and cognitive decline.

3. Liver diseases: Glutathione is involved in detoxification processes in the liver, and deficiencies in glutathione have been associated with liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease.

4. Cancer: Glutathione helps protect cells from DNA damage caused by free radicals, and alterations in glutathione metabolism have been implicated in the development of certain types of cancer.

5. HIV/AIDS: Glutathione deficiency has been observed in individuals with HIV/AIDS, and it may play a role in the progression of the disease.

It is important to note that while there may be associations between glutathione deficiency and these diseases, more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications. If you are concerned about your glutathione levels or any specific health condition, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

Where can I find a Glutathione test near me?

Visit DiscountedLabs.com, go to "Find a Location" and type your zip code to find the lab location closest to you.

What conditions might lead to an increase or decrease in Total Glutathione levels?

There are several conditions that can lead to an increase or decrease in total glutathione levels in the body. Here are a few examples:

1. Oxidative stress: When the body is exposed to high levels of oxidative stress, such as from pollution, toxins, or certain medications, it can cause a decrease in glutathione levels. Glutathione plays a crucial role in combating oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from damage.

2. Aging: As we age, our natural production of glutathione tends to decline. This decline in glutathione levels may contribute to increased oxidative damage and decreased cellular function.

3. Certain diseases: Certain diseases and conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, liver disease, and cancer, can lead to a decrease in glutathione levels. In these cases, the body's demand for glutathione may be increased due to increased inflammation or cellular stress.

4. Nutrient deficiencies: Deficiencies in key nutrients required for glutathione production, such as selenium, vitamin C, and amino acids like cysteine and glycine, can also lead to decreased glutathione levels.

On the other hand, there are also factors that can increase total glutathione levels:

1. Exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to increase glutathione levels in the body. This is thought to be due to the increased demand for antioxidants during physical activity.

2. Dietary choices: Consuming foods rich in sulfur-containing amino acids (such as

The normal levels of glutathione in the blood can vary depending on age, gender, and overall health. In healthy adults, the range is typically between 0.4 to 2.0 micromoles per liter. However, certain factors such as stress, poor diet, and exposure to toxins, can decrease glutathione levels, leading to oxidative stress and an increased risk of chronic disease. It is important to maintain adequate glutathione levels through a balanced diet and lifestyle habits that promote overall health and wellness.

How might the Total Glutathione test be used in personalized medicine?

The Total Glutathione test is a diagnostic tool that measures the levels of glutathione in the body. Antioxidant glutathione is essential for shielding cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. In personalized medicine, the Total Glutathione test can be used to assess an individual's antioxidant status and overall health.

By measuring glutathione levels, healthcare providers can gain insights into a person's ability to neutralize free radicals and manage oxidative stress. This information can be used to tailor treatment plans and interventions to address specific health concerns or optimize overall wellness.

For example, if the Total Glutathione test reveals low levels of glutathione, healthcare providers may recommend strategies to enhance glutathione production or supplementation with antioxidants. On the other hand, if glutathione levels are high, it may suggest that the individual has a robust antioxidant defense system.

Ultimately, the Total glutathione test can help guide personalized treatment plans by providing valuable information about an individual's antioxidant capacity and potential risk factors associated with oxidative stress-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and chronic inflammation.

 

References

1) Richie JP Jr, Leutzinger Y, Parthasarathy S, Malloy V, Orentreich N, Zimmerman JA. Methionine restriction increases blood glutathione and longevity in F344 rats. FASEB J. 1994 Dec;8(15):1302-7. [Link to abstract](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7860648)

2) Cascella R, Evangelisti E, Zampagni M, Becatti M, D'Adamio G, Goti A, Liguri G, Fiorillo C, Cecchi C. S-linolenoyl glutathione intake extends life-span and stress resistance via Sir-2.1 upregulation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Free Radic Biol Med. 2014 Aug;73:127-35. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.05.004. Epub 2014 May 15. [Link to PubMed abstract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34482088/)

3) Lu, Shelly C. "REGULATION OF GLUTATHIONE SYNTHESIS." Molecular aspects of medicine 30.1-2 (2009): 42–59. PMC. Web. 2 Oct. 2017. [Link to PMC article](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6262252/)

4) Balendiran GK1, Dabur R, Fraser D. The role of glutathione in cancer. Cell Biochem Funct. 2004 Nov-Dec;22(6):343-52. [Link to PubMed abstract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15572216/)

5) Ballatori, Nazzareno et al. "Glutathione Dysregulation and the Etiology and Progression of Human Diseases." Biological chemistry 390.3 (2009): 191–214. PMC. Web. 2 Oct. 2017. [Link to PMC article](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2678880/)

6) Vogt, Barbara L., and John P. Richie. "Glutathione Depletion and Recovery After Acute Ethanol Administration in the Aging Mouse." Biochemical pharmacology 73.10 (2007): 1613–1621. PMC. Web. 2 Oct. 2017. [Link to PMC article](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2042980/)

7) Dimova S, Hoet PH, Dinsdale D, Nemery B. Acetaminophen decreases intracellular glutathione levels and modulates cytokine production in human alveolar macrophages and type II pneumocytes in vitro. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2005 Aug;37(8):1727-37. Epub 2005 Apr 26. [Link to PubMed abstract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15857286/)

8) Abhilash, M., Varghese, M.V., Paul, M.V.S. et al. Comp Clin Pathol (2015) 24: 927. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-014-2013-8 [Link to article abstract](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-014-2013-8)

9) Romero DL, Mounho BJ, Lauer FT, Born JL, Burchiel SW. Depletion of glutathione by benzo(a)pyrene metabolites, ionomycin, thapsigargin, and phorbol myristate in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1997 May;144(1):62-9. [Link to PubMed abstract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9169966/)

10) National Research Council (US). Multiple Chemical Sensitivities: A Workshop. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1992. Considerations for the Diagnosis of Chemical Sensitivity [Link to book information](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235946/)