This small protein that is made up of the 3 amino acids glutamic acid, glycine and cysteine is our master anti-oxidant! Glutathione protects and repairs cell membranes and DNA from damage, removes carcinogens, and restores two other important anti-oxidants, namely vitamin C and vitamin E, back to their active state after they have removed harmful oxygen molecules in the body. Glutathione also plays essential roles in immune function and cell respiration.
The nutrients needed for glutathione production are selenium, glutamine, glycine, and cysteine.
The amino acid methionine increases the levels of glutathione.
The amino acid n-acetylcysteine in supplement form is converted to glutathione. This supplement is the antidote for toxicity due to overdose with Tylenol analgesic because it corrects the loss of glutathione caused by Tylenol.