The following is an extract taken from the 2005 Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR):

PDR ® 2005

NUTRACEUTICAL

A patented natural food protein concentrate in the FDA category of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) which assists the body in maintaining optimal concentrations of glutathione (GSH).

Supplies the precursors required for intracellular glutathione synthesis. It is clinically proven to raise glutathione values (Lands et al, 1999).

Glutathione is a tripeptide made intracellularly from its constituent amino acids L-glutamate, Lcysteine and glycine. The sulfhydryl (thiol) group (SH) of cysteine serves as a proton donor and is responsible for the biological activity of glutathione.

Provision of this amino acid is the rate-limiting factor in glutathione synthesis by the cells since cysteine is relatively rare in foodstuffs.

After absorption, these dipeptides travel safely in the blood stream and readily enter the cells to release free cysteine for intracellular glutathione synthesis.

Glutathione has multiple functions:

1. It is the major antioxidant produced by the cells, participating directly in the neutralization of free radicals and reactive oxygen compounds. Maintains antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in their reduced (active) forms.

2. Through direct conjugation, it detoxifies many foreign compounds and carcinogens.

3. It is essential for the immune system to exert its full potential.

4. It plays a fundamental role in DNA synthesis and repair.

Thus, every system in the body can be affected by the state of the glutathione system, especially the immune system, the nervous system, the gastrointestinal system and the lungs.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

A natural food supplement and as such is limited from stating medical claims per se. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. As such, this product is thus not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease.

Glutathione augmentation is a strategy developed to address states of glutathione deficiency, high oxidative stress, immune deficiency, an xenobiotic (chemical) overload in which glutathione plays a part in the detoxification of the xenobiotic in question.

Glutathione deficiency states include, but are not limited to:

HIV/AIDS; chemical and infectious hepatitis; prostate and other cancers; cataracts; Alzheimer's; Parkinsons; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; asthma; radiation poisoning; malnutritive states; arduous physical stress; aging; sub-optimal immune response.

Many clinical pathologies are associated with oxidative stress and are elaborated upon in numerous medical references.

Low glutathione is also strongly implicated in wasting and negative nitrogen balance (Droge and Holm, 1997), notably as seen in cancer, AIDS, sepsis, trauma, burns and even athletic overtraining.

Glutathione supplementation can oppose this process and in AIDS, for example, result in improved survival rates (Herzenberg et al, 1997).

WARNINGS

Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy should discuss the use of this product with their health professional.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Transient urticarial-like rash in rare individuals undergoing severe detoxification reaction. Rash abates when product intake stopped or reduced.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

For mild to moderate health challenges 20 grams per day are recommended, higher doses are recommended. Clinical trials in patients with AIDS, COPD, cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome have used 30 - 40 grams per day without ill effect.

Best administered on an empty stomach. Concomitant intake of another high protein load may adversely affect absorption.