Glutathione is a substance in our cells that predicts how long we will live. There are very few other factors which are as predictive of our life expectancy as is our level of cellular glutathione. Glutathione has been called the “master antioxidant,” and regulates the actions of lesser antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E within the body; without glutathione, vitamins C and E cannot adequately protect your body against disease. Glutathione regulates and regenerates immune cells and is the most valuable detoxifying agent in the human body. Low levels are associated with hepatic dysfunction, immune dysfunction, cardiac disease, premature aging, and death.
Glutathione (ʟ‑gamma‑glutamyl-ʟ‑cysteinylglycine) is a tripeptide of the amino acids cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. Glutathione is an antioxidant compound found in living animal and plant tissue. It takes up and gives off hydrogen, and is important in cellular respiration. A deficiency of glutathione can cause hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells, leading to anemia) and oxidative stress (toxic free-radical cell damage). Glutathione is essential in intermediary metabolism as a donor of sulfhydryl groups, which are essential for the detoxification of acetaminophen.
Selenium is a structural compound and a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase.
N‑Acetyl-ʟ‑cysteine) is a major precursor of glutathione. NAC provides important protection against toxins and free radicals and is able to strengthen the immune system. NAC is an acetylated form of the amino acid cysteine, which is more efficiently absorbed. It is also an antioxidant that is helpful in fighting viruses. It is commonly used to help break down mucus and to protect from acetaminophen toxicity. Importantly in this formula, it aids the body in synthesizing glutathione.
alpha-Lipoic acid is a potent fat- and water-soluble antioxidant with important metabolic and detoxification properties. Alpha-lipoic acid plays an important role in the synergism of antioxidants, what some doctors prefer to call the body’s “antioxidant network.” Alpha-lipoic acid will recycle glutathione back to its reduced state—without ever coupling to it; lipoic acid is thought to recycle up to 30% of the body’s glutathione. It directly recycles and extends the metabolic lifespans of vitamin C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10, and it indirectly renews vitamin E.
When taking N‑acetylcysteine or glutathione, it is recommended that vitamin C be taken at the same time to prevent these amino acids from being oxidized in the body. Ascorbate acid (vitamin C) is a nutrient essential for maintaining antioxidant protection and liver support. Vitamin C also works along with antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase. It is responsible for regenerating oxidized vitamin E in the body, thus potentiating the antioxidant benefits of vitamin E.
From a therapeutic viewpoint, therapeutic antioxidants should fulfill several criteria including absorption and conversion in cells and tissues into usable form. Antioxidant actions (including interactions with other antioxidants) are important in both membrane and aqueous phases and must have low toxicity. New Roots Herbal’s Protector is unique among antioxidant formulas in its ability to be a highly effective therapeutic agent for a number of conditions in which oxidative damage has been implicated.
