Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide of extreme importance as a catalyst,
reductan, and reactant. It can be depleted intracellulary either by
forming a direct complex with an electrophilic agent (accomplished
investigationally by agents such as bromobenzene or diethyl maleate), by
way of inhibition of synthesis, or by subjecting cells to oxidant stress.
Most cells, except for epithelia cells, do not have a direct transport
capacity for intact GSH. Non-epithelial cells must either transport
precursor substrates for GSH synthesis or salvage amino acids from
circulating GSH for reuse in intracellular resynthesis. Dietary cysteine
is a rate limiting substrate for the synthesis of glutathione and also
inhibits GSH efflux. Although GSH is synthesized from precursors in
virtually all cells, the liver is the main source of plasma GSH.
Protection and support of liver function is paramount to elevating GSH
levels. The disclosure is also of a unique combination of nutritional
supplements including n-acetyl cysteine, vitamin C, l-glucosamine,
n-acetyl d-glucosamine, quercitin, sylimarin, Alpha lipoic acid and high
protein, low fat whey that are combined to support various bodily systems
involved in glutathione synthesis, reutilization and storage; all
intended to elevate glutathione concentration in the mammalian cell.