Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of glutamine, cysteine, and glycine, and is considered the body's most important intracellular antioxidant. There is scientific interest in its role in cardiovascular health primarily because oxidative stress is a known contributor to atherosclerosis and other heart diseases. Several studies have observed that individuals with cardiovascular disease often exhibit lower glutathione levels in their blood or tissues compared to healthy controls. Experimental and animal studies suggest that glutathione can reduce oxidative stress, improve endothelial function, and reduce the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, all of which are relevant to cardiovascular health.

However, the evidence supporting the use of glutathione supplementation specifically for heart health in humans is limited. Most clinical studies have focused on indirect measures, such as oxidative stress biomarkers or endothelial function, rather than hard cardiovascular outcomes like heart attack or stroke. A few small studies have found that intravenous glutathione can improve arterial blood flow and reduce oxidative stress in people with coronary artery disease, but these findings are preliminary and not widely replicated. Oral glutathione has poor bioavailability, which complicates its use as a supplement.

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some supporting evidence that glutathione status is relevant to the cardiovascular system, direct evidence that glutathione supplementation benefits heart health in humans is limited and rated as low (2/5).

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