ELEANOR A. LEYCO
From the natural way of scrubbing calamansi on the skin or bathing in milk to application of facial creams and toners and the use of whitening soaps, now skin whitening has again evolved and everyone is going gaga over the latest whitening product —L-Glutathione, which can effectively whiten the skin in just few weeks.
Currently, there are at least five glutathione brands that are sold in the mainstream market and a lot are being sold in dermatological clinics, direct selling/networking companies and other means of marketing. However, most people still lack knowledge about glutathione. Some think that it is a cure for liver disease while others think that glutathione is a harmful drug. Thus, to inform the public about glutathione and how to tell if the product is real or pure and effective, here are some facts based on a research.
Glutathione is a substance that is also found in human body, fish, fruits and vegetables. L-Glutathione is a biologically active sulfur amino acid tripeptide compound containing three amino acids L-Cysteine, L-Glutamic Acid and Glycine. Most glutathione is found in the liver where it detoxifies many harmful compounds to be excreted thru the bile. Some glutathione can also be found in red and white blood cells, the lungs and the intestinal tract.
The primary biological function of glutathione is to act as a nonenzymatic reducing agent to help keep cysteine thiol side chains in a reduced state on the surface of proteins. Reduced glutathione is involved in the synthesis and repair of DNA, helps to recycle vitamins C and E, blocks free radical damage and enhances the antioxidant activity of vitamin C. It also facilitates the transport of amino acids, and plays a critical role in the detoxification of harmful compounds. Moreover, it is the base material for several other key antioxidant enzyme systems including glutathione-peroxidase, glutathione-reductase, and glutathione-transferase. Declines in glutathione concentrations in intracellular fluids correlate directly with indicators of aging.
Answers from the expert
In an interview with Dr. Bernadette Ng-Chua of Perfect You Laser and Dermatological Clinic,
she says glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, however, it must be generated within the cell from its precursors before it can work effectively in the body. "The presence of glutathione is required to maintain the normal function of the immune system. It is known to play a critical role in the multiplication of lymphocytes (the cells that mediate specific immunity), which occurs in the development of an effective immune response," Dr. Chua adds.
Meanwhile, according to Alex Mirador, director for sales and marketing of Yumei Mise, the producer of Kyusoku Bihaku (KB) L-Glutathione 500mg with NAC and Pure Rosehips Vitamin C™ , "Extensive and advanced studies have consistently proven that glutathione is one of the most potent antioxidant currently known to man. Some have called it the miracle cure all owing to its unparalleled inhibiting effect on free radicals which makes it a powerful weapon to combat a wide range of degenerative diseases. With the burgeoning industry all the more getting bigger and more profitable, so-called experts connected to the industry have been too reluctant to boldly state one unmistakable fact: L-Glutathione is poorly absorbed orally. "
Mirador added that when taken orally, l-cysteine loses 85 percent of its sulfur group (which becomes the active component of glutathione) during the digestion process. This means that less than half of the supplemental glutathione is absorbed through the digestive system.
On the other hand, Dr. Chua verifies, "By taking glutathione alone, it will not pose any effect on humans unless it is taken together with a booster like vitamin C, which according to medical studies, help increase glutathione levels. Glutathione boosters also include alpha lipoic acid, glutamine, methionine, S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), and whey protein, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, and selenium and N-acetyl L-cysteine."
Addressing the issue
If glutathione is poorly absorbed orally, how do you find a solution and make it effective?
Mirador is quick to explain, "Kyusoku Bihaku L-Glutathione 500mg is pure, pharmaceutical grade glutathione. If there is any other thing included in each of the KB capsule, it is NAC (N-Acetyl L-Cysteine). KB glutathione is formulated with the optimum amount of NAC. Research and advanced studies have consistently proven that NAC is the most potent supplement to boost the body’s glutathione levels. Some studies have even concluded that NAC is 20x better than the booster additive. NAC is an acetylated form of the amino acid L-Cysteine. It is in itself a powerful antioxidant and has been used to treat cystic fibrosis and acetaminophen overdose."
What makes NAC stand out among the so-called glutathione boosters is that it is a stable compound with an ability to retain most of its sulfur and sulfuhydryl contents losing only 15 percent during digestion. Furthermore, NAC also helps in preserving our body’s glutathione stores. Some have even suggested that taking NAC is better than taking glutathione itself. However, this is only true in instances where an individual has depleted stores of glutathione in the body and needs supplementation to elevate it to healthy levels.
Meanwhile, with the growing market for glutathione, it is undeniable that there will be companies that will take advantage of the increasing demand. It wouldn’t be surprising to hear claims that their products contain pure or real glutathione and will always lure the innocent buyers. Here is a precautionary measure for the readers to try to ensure that the product contains the real thing! Glutathione has several distinct characteristics that can help consumers — the smell, taste, texture and color.
"When glutathione is manufactured as powder, the texture should be very very fine and must be white. But if the glutathione is already capsulated and mixed with vitamin C or other booster, texture sometimes changes. However, your sense of taste and smell will help a lot in determining if it is real or not. Glutathione is a sulfuric compound, so it should smell like sulphur and the taste is sour. Try to always check the product you are buying or compare them with other brands. Information about glutathione is just a click away, if you have doubts or more inquiries, the internet will be a big help," Dr. Chua tells.
Wondering about its side effects? Dr. Chua says that no side effects or interactions are known with oral administration of glutathione except for the whitening of the skin. "Because glutathione is a powerful antioxidant, when it cleanses our body of toxins, it makes our skin glow and evens out skin tone. To ensure that you are only buying a safe product, glutathione is often purchased in dermatological clinics and if they are out in the market, they should be Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) approved."
(For more information about KB, log on to www.ilovekb.com or send email to mykbset@gmail.com. For dermatological consultation visit Perfect You at Amber Square I Bldg., Jose Ma. Escriva Drive cor. Shaw Blvd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City.)
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