ALSUntangled No. 52: Glutathione

Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant which helps cells eliminate damaging free radicals (2). It is part of the “glutathione system” which includes chemicals that help synthesize glutathione as well as chemicals that use glutathione to fight oxidative stress (3). Glutathione exists in different forms including the active (reduced) form referred to as GSH, and the spent (oxidized) form referred to as glutathione disulfide (GSSG); GSH protects cells while rising GSSG indicates worsening oxidative stress (2). GSH itself is available as an oral, intranasal, inhaled or injectable supplement. These formulations are advertised on websites as a treatment for ALS (4,5). Some cysteine-containing supplements such as Immunocal and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are used to increase intracellular GSH (3,6,7) and so their potential role in treating ALS will also be reviewed here.