Glutathione! a whitening pill?? to drink or not to drink?

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(Excerpt from the article of Dr. Nina Halili-Jao, Allure; a Sunday section of the Philippine Star, November 21, 2004) I recently received a letter from a reader inquiring about how I maintain my smooth complexion. She also inquired about glutathione, whitening pill. Glutathione is said to be a small protein composed of three amino acids called cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. Glutathione is produced by the body in response to the environment (including pollution), the water we drink, and the chemicals and pesticides found in the food we eat that damage our cells and systems. Glutathione is usually referred to as the body's "master anti-oxidant." It is said to be important in maintaining good health and long life. A person who is exposed to more toxins is said to use up his supply of glutathione. Without the protection of glutathione, cells will die at a faster rate, leading to quicker aging and a higher risk of developing diseases induced by toxins such as carcinoma. The whitening of the skin sis said to be just a side effect of this anti-oxidant medication when the dosage is doubled. As an anti-oxidant/ anti-aging medication, glutathione's recommended dosage is between 10 and 20mg. per Kg. BW (body weight) per day divided into two doses. As a whitening capsule, the computation should be in double dose: 0-40mg/ Kg BW per day in two to three divided dose. How long should one take L Glutathione? If your skin is medium brown, take it for at least one to three months. A person with dark brown skin will need glutathione for at least three to six months. Those with very dark skin should take it for six to 12 months./ A person with dark skin may need L glutathione for at least two years or even more. Once a person has her desired skin color, the maintenance dose will just be 500mg once a day. A person taking L glutathione should take Vitamin C two to three times more than the dose of L Glutathione. Why is Vitamin C needed? This is to keep L Glutathione in its absorbable or reduced form. This will release the potential of Vitamin C's derivatives' whitening properties. L Glutathione has no known side effects or interactions even if given orally in prolonged use. However there are at least two known drug interactions. Remember that you must never take L Glutathione if you are being given an anti-psychotic medication such as Haloperidol or an chemotherapeutic drug like Cisplatin. Regarding the safety of glutathione in the liver, it is said that "the levels of glutathione in the liver is critically linked to the liver's capacity to detoxify." This means that the higher the glutathione content, the greater the liver's capacity to detoxify harmful chemicals. Typically, when we are exposed to chemicals like alcohol which can damage the liver, the concentration of glutathione in the liver is substantially reduced. This reduction makes the liver susceptible to damage. Here are the people who will need L Glutathione supplement: smoker; alcohol drinker; those 40 years old and above; those who exercise excessively/body builders; low sperm count; those with liver problems; those with cataracts; those recovering from chemotherapy; those exposed to chemicals and pesticides; the immunocompromised; low immune system; those who want fairer and whiter skin; and consumers of fish oils. The other names of Oral L glutathione preparations are master anti-oxidant capsule; anti-aging capsules; whitening capsule; skin whitening capsule; bleaching capsule and best anti-oxidant. Remember - before buying L glutathione preparations, check their combinations, ingredients and components. "If we block oxidative stress, we normalize EVERYTHING" Glutathione (GSH) is your body A.I.D. (A-antioxidant, I- immune system, D- detoxifier). It is a small protein molecule formed from the amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid. As your body's MASTER ANTIOXIDANT -because glutathione participates directly in the destruction of reactive oxygen compounds. Glutathione destroys free radicals, is involved in the detoxification of foreign compounds and supports the normal active functioning of the immune system. Require in detoxifying nicotine Body's defense against pollutants and ultraviolet radiation Highest concentration of glutathione is found in the liver w/c is the principal organ involved in the detoxification and elimination of toxic materials. Interestingly, glutathione also acts to reconstitutes vit C and E after they have been oxidized, and therefore plays a determinant role in their function. (Convert fat-soluble substances into water-soluble GSH conjugates, in order to facilitate their excretion). Its main purpose is to detoxify the liver of many harmful substances that accumulate over the years but cannot be purged naturally. These toxins include alcohol, heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium, and pesticides which glutathione extracts from the body so they can be expelled through urine or bile. Plays an important role in cancer prevention and treatment. Increases sperm count for men with low sperm counts. Low glutathione levels are found in immune compromised individuals, Neuro-degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer, and Parkinson's disease, arteriosclerosis, male infertility, pregnancy complications, cataracts, damage from many pharmaceutical drugs, cancer and poor survival rate for patients with AIDS. High levels of Glutathione appear to protect against the dangers of cancer, heart disease, premature aging, autoimmune disease and chronic illness. In Asia, Glutathione is mostly used as whitening and anti aging pill mostly used by celebrities and models. Recommended by dermatologist and skin care experts. Dark spots remover Prevents pimples and removes blemishes Whitens the skin Anti-aging and anti-wrinkles (delaying the sign of aging) Makes skin stay supple, smooth, fresh and radiant Treats skin ulceration Enhance healing of wounds Nourishes skin What is the recommended dose for Glutathione? As Anti-oxidant/ anti-aging: Standard dosage computation: 10mg per Kg BW (Body weight) per day. But as a SKIN WHITENER computation should be IN DOUBLE INCREASED DOSE 20-40mg/Kg BW per day in 2-3 divided dose. Duration: Medium brown skin : 1-3months Dark brown skin : 3-6months Very dark skin : 6-12 months Black skin : 2 years or more Upon reaching desired skin color, maintenance dose: 1 capsule 500mg once a day. Note: Vit. C should be taken 1-2 times more than the dose of Glutathione to keep Glutathione in its absorbable (reduced form) and at the same time release the power of Vit. C derivatives whitening properties.