GLUTATHIONE

What is glutathione?

Glutathione is a tripeptide of glutamate, glycine, and cysteine [^[1]]. It has been called a “mighty little molecule” because of its antioxidant, immune response, antiviral defense, and other functions [^[2]].

What does glutathione do in the body?

Glutathione is an antioxidant made in our bodies and found in our cells. It is the most abundant of the endogenous antioxidants found in our cells. Its high concentration reflects its important functions in detoxifying the body’s tissues, folding proteins, defending the body against viruses, and regulating the immune response [^[3]].

Glutathione can neutralize reactive oxygen species, molecules involved in chronic inflammatory disorders. Many enzymes, including regulators of blood vessel function, also use glutathione as a co-factor for chemical processes. Glutathione also helps generate nitric oxide, stimulate blood flow, and promote brain and vascular health [^[4]].

How can glutathione help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and pathophysiology? 

COVID-19 creates a severe inflammatory response that leads to the overactivity of immune cells called cytokines in the lungs. This so-called “cytokine storm” can be dangerous and, if not lethal, may linger after the acute infection phase [^[5]]. Glutathione has a protective response against this inflammatory response.

Risk factors for severe COVID, such as advanced age, diabetes, and being immunocompromised, are linked to glutathione deficiency as well as increased oxidative stress [^[6]].

A study found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients have a glutathione deficiency and increased oxidative stress. Oxidative damage was worse in older people but also present in younger adults, in whom it typically does not happen [^[7]]. Given that Long COVID involves oxidative damage, glutathione’s antioxidant effects could potentially help reduce the serious manifestations of post-COVID syndrome.