Glutathione Cofactors: How They Protect Your Bones And How To Get Them - Save Our Bones

Savers know about the power of antioxidants to protect their bones from free radicals, but one stands above the rest: glutathione. Known as the Master Antioxidant, this compound not only shields bones from oxygen-stealing free radicals but also supports the health of the liver, helping you to retain bone density.

Today we’ll take an in-depth look at 11 cofactors of glutathione, which are the micronutrients essential for the processes that create and activate glutathione. We’ll review what they are, and how they work. By providing your body with these 11 key compounds, you can unlock the potential of glutathione and protect your bones and your body from oxidative damage.

Overview Of Glutathione

Glutathione is a small but mighty molecule found in every cell of the human body. It’s so important, that your body produces it internally, although you can get more from the food you eat.

Its primary purpose is to neutralize free radicals by offering them an oxygen molecule, thereby protecting cells from damage. Glutathione keeps cells healthy and functioning all over the body, but its impact is particularly significant in the immune system, where it helps your body ward off disease, and in the liver, where it helps remove toxins, including drugs and pollutants.1

Many studies have shown that severely ill people have low glutathione levels, whether their conditions are cancer, AIDS, liver disease, or a chronic condition.2 People of advanced ages have been shown to have high glutathione levels, suggesting it helps to live longer lives. 3,4

For glutathione to have these desirable effects, it needs certain molecular helpers, called cofactors, that facilitate its function. They are:

  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B2
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B12
  • Vitamin B9
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium
  • Selenium
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • Alpha lipoic acid

These vitamins, minerals and antioxidants play a number of roles:

  • They trigger the glutathione enzymatic system
  • They enable glutathione production by directing cysteine, and increasing cellular uptake of cysteine
  • They participate in the formation of glutathione from its precursor amino acids
  • They help reactivate glutathione, transitioning it from its oxidized state back to its active state
  • They maintain the balance of oxidized and active glutathione
  • They are in turn activated by glutathione and each other, allowing for a robust presence of antioxidants

Without these 11 cofactors, glutathione would not be as plentiful, as active, or as efficacious. As seen in people with low glutathione levels, this results in cell damage, disease, and bone loss.5

You may have noticed when you read the list of the cofactors above that all but one (alpha lipoic acid), are Foundation Supplements. Let’s look at the specific function of each cofactor, their health benefits, and at the foods that contain the highest levels.

In each of the lists below, Foundation Foods are marked with an asterisk*.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) maintains glutathione and its enzymes in their active form, helping to ensure your cells have the compound available as protection, reducing oxidative stress.6 It also promotes the normal function of the nervous system and supports the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Thiamine rich foods include:

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) has the same impact on glutathione and its enzymes as Vitamin B1, and it additionally participates directly in the formation of a glutathione molecule. 7

This B vitamin helps the body use energy from food. A deficiency in Vitamin B2 can result in a sore throat, hypersensitivity to light, or migraine headaches. Riboflavin supports the formation of collagen, which is an important part of the bone matrix.

Foods rich in Vitamin B2 include:

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

This vitamin, essential for proper protein metabolism and a healthy nervous system, increases the amount of magnesium that can enter cells. This allows magnesium to play its cofactor role in the creation of glutathione, as described later in this article.

Vitamin B6 works with the other B vitamins to build bone and promote healthy mental function. Elevated levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that inflicts damage to the inner arterial lining and contributes to many diseases, including Parkinson’s, can be lowered through supplementation with Vitamins B6, B12 and B9.8

Food sources of B6 include:

Vitamin B9 (Folate)

Vitamin B9 (folate or folic acid) directs the amino acid cysteine towards the production of glutathione instead, simultaneously increasing glutathione and keeping levels of the inflammatory compound homocysteine in check. Folic acid also works with Vitamin B12 to metabolize amino acids and synthesize protein. It is also vital for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and cellular reproduction.

Rich dietary sources of folic acid include:

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is particularly important for bone health. Deficiency can result in low bone density particularly of the hip.9 In a study conducted in 1992, 15% of adults over the age of 65 were Vitamin B12 deficient.10 This means that those adults are not experiencing the increase in glutathione levels, and the corresponding decrease in homocysteine levels that this vitamin orchestrates.8

Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal protein, meaning that Savers should be especially sure to get this vitamin in a supplement form, since a pH-balanced diet prioritizes plant-based foods. The foods listed below will help you boost your B12 levels:

  • Yogurt*
  • Shrimp
  • Cod
  • Halibut*
  • Salmon*
  • Sardines*
  • Grass-fed beef
  • Lamb

Zinc

A zinc deficiency causes glutathione levels to drop, especially in red blood cells.11 This Foundation Supplement is involved in nearly every tissue and many parts of cellular metabolism. Zinc activates the T cells of the immune system, helping us to fend off infectious intruders, preventing many common illnesses. 12

It’s also essential for protein and DNA synthesis and promotes normal cognitive function in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and pineal gland. Importantly for savers, Zinc stimulates osteoblastic bone formation and mineralization, while suppressing the activity of bone resorption by osteoclasts.13

This mineral is often associated with meat because animal protein is a rich source. A single serving of beef contains nearly all of the recommended daily allowance. However, zinc, like other nutrients found in meat, can also be found in plant-based foods.

Vegetarian sources of zinc:

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that clinical studies have linked to intracellular glutathione levels. This is due to its role in ATP production, which fuels glutathione synthesis (along with every other action in the body!)14 ATP transports energy between cells and powers every motion your body makes, facilitating muscle contraction.

Magnesium is involved in more 300 enzymatic processes throughout the body, where it ranks as the fourth most abundant mineral. It is responsible for balancing two hormones (calcitonin and PTH) that stimulate calcium absorption and resorption. In fact, 60 percent of your body’s magnesium is stored in bone, and magnesium supplementation has been shown to increase bone density.15

Magnesium-rich foods:

Selenium

The mineral selenium accelerates the antioxidizing action of glutathione. It accomplishes this as a component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx). 16 Its benefits as an antioxidant enzyme is the subject of ongoing study, and include promoting liver health, antihistamine action, and asthma relief. 17

Foods containing selenium:

  • Mushrooms*
  • Sunflower Seeds*
  • Flax Seed*
  • Salmon*
  • Sardines*
  • Brazil nuts

Vitamin E

Vitamin E supports glutathione on multiple fronts, bolstering its antioxidant action, protecting glutathione enzymes, and recycling Vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid back to their active states. 18 It further bolsters bone health by working directly on the membranes of muscle cells to speed and enhance healing. This allows you to maintain and build muscle strength and integrity, which is essential for the building of new bone, as described by Wolff’s Law.

Vitamin E rich foods include:

  • Asparagus*
  • Broccoli*
  • Bell peppers*
  • Almonds*
  • Tomatoes*
  • Kale*
  • Sunflower seeds*
  • Swiss chard*
  • Mustard Greens*
  • Spinach*
  • Avocado*

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the most well- known antioxidant vitamins, and it supports glutathione by neutralizing free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). It also raises glutathione levels in the short term, creating a beneficial cycle in which glutathione recycles Vitamin C back to its active state.19

Vitamin C also supports the other cofactors that support glutathione, recycling Vitamin E and alpha lipoic acid so they can continue to function. Vitamin C also promotes adrenal health, cardiovascular health, immune function and it’s a building block of collagen.

All of these Vitamin C sources are Foundation Foods:

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an endogenous antioxidant (produced in the body), that stimulates enzymes involved in the synthesis of glutathione, as well as increasing cellular uptake of cysteine. Cysteine is a critical building block of glutathione. Alpha lipoic acid also recycles Vitamins C and E, returning them to the bioactive form in which they can provide antioxidative support. It is also synergistic with B vitamins. Plus ALA protects against cognitive decline and memory loss20 , preserves eye health,21 and is effective as a natural diabetes treatment.22

ALA already helps protect your bones by supporting glutathione, but it also works independently to strengthen bones by reducing osteoclast formation (thus slowing bone resorption) and by reducing inflammation that leads to bone loss.23

While ALA does occur in the foods we eat, in its dietary form, it binds to the amino acid lysine, that prevents it from serving the function endogenous ALA performs.24 A study on ALA conducted at Oregon State University states the following on its bioavailability:

”Typical dietary sources of LA are muscle meats, heart, kidney, and liver, and to a lesser degree, fruits and vegetables [11-13]. Though available from these normal nutritional sources, it is not likely that appreciable amounts of LA are consumed in the typical Western diet; rather, dietary supplements that typically range from 50 to 600 mg are the primary sources of LA, and most information as to its bioavailability comes from studies using supplements.” 20

For these reasons, the Save Institute recommends taking a daily supplement of at least 100 mg of alpha lipoic acid, and specifically a stabilized R-ALA. R-ALA is the naturally occurring bioavailable form of the compound.

Highest food sources of ALA:

  • Beets*
  • Tomatoes*
  • Peas*
  • Broccoli*
  • Carrots*
  • Brussel sprouts*
  • Liver
  • Kidneys
  • Spinach*

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Fight Radical Oxygen Species By Supporting Glutathione

If you are following the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, then you’re already consuming many of these foods, since the majority are Foundation Foods, and you’re also taking the Foundation Supplements in the correct dosages. And now you know that you are also increasing your glutathione levels to protect your bones and overall health.

Till next time,

References:

1 Kaplowitz, N. “The importance and regulation of hepatic glutathione.” Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. Nov-Dec. 1981. 54(6): 497-502. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2596047/

2 Kawagishi H, Fukumoto Y, Hatakeyama M, He P, Arimoto H, Matsuzawa T, et al.” Liver injury suppressing compounds from avocado (Persea americana)” J Agric Food Chem. 2001;49:2215–21. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11368579

3 Andersen, H. R., “Lower Activity of Superoxide Dismutase and High Activity of Glutathione Reductase in Erythrocytes From Centenarians,” Age and Ageing, 1998; 27:643– 8.

4 Lang, C. A., et al. “High blood glutathione levels accompany excellent physical and mental health in women ages 60 to 103 years.” J Lab Clin Med. 2002 Dec; 140(6):380–1.Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12486409

5 Shimizu H, Kiyohara Y, Kato I, Kitazono T, Tanizaki Y, Kubo M, Ueno H, Ibayashi S, Fujishima M, Iida M. “Relationship between plasma glutathione levels and cardiovascular disease in a defined population: the Hisayama study.” Stroke. 2004 Sep;35(9):2072-7. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15256685

6 Nara Aline Costa, et al. “Serum thiamine concentration and oxidative stress as predictors of mortality in patients with septic shock.” Journal of Critical Care. Volume 29, Issue 2, April 2014, Pages 249-252. Web. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0883944113004723

7 Erythrocyte Glutathione Reductase–a Measure of Riboflavin Nutritional Status
Nutrition Reviews, Volume 30, Issue 7, 1 July 1972, Pages 162–164. Web. https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/30/7/162/1848605?redirectedFrom=fulltext

8 DiFrancisco-Donoghue J1, Lamberg EM, Rabin E, Elokda A, Fazzini E, Werner WG. “Effects of exercise and B vitamins on homocysteine and glutathione in Parkinson's disease: a randomized trial.” Neurodegener Dis. 2012;10(1-4):127-34. doi: 10.1159/000333790. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22261439

9 McClean, Robert R. “Plasma B Vitamins, Homocysteine, and Their Relation with Bone Loss and Hip Fracture in Elderly Men and Women.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 June; 93(6): 2206–2212. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2435634/

10 Pennypacker LC, Allen RH, Kelly JP, Matthews LM, Grigsby J, Kaye K, et al. “High prevalence of cobalamin deficiency in elderly outpatients.” J Am Geriatr Soc. 1992;40:1197–204. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1447433

11 Betty J. Mills, Robert D. Lindeman, Calvin A. Lang. “Effect of Zinc Deficiency on Blood Glutathione Levels” The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 111, Issue 6, 1 June 1981, Pages 1098–1102. Web. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/111/6/1098/4771376

12 Kaltenberg J, et al. Zinc signals promote IL-2-dependent proliferation of T cells. Eur J Immunol. 2010 May;40(5):1496-503. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20201035.

13 Yamaguchi, M. Role of nutritional zinc in the prevention of osteoporosis.Mol Cell Biochem. 2010 May;338(1-2):241-54. doi: 10.1007/s11010-009-0358-0. Epub 2009 Dec 25. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20035439.

14 Jeng M. Hsu, Bud Rubenstein, A. G. Paleker; Role of Magnesium in Glutathione Metabolism of Rat Erythrocytes, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 112, Issue 3, 1 March 1982, Pages 488–496. Web. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/112/3/488/4755138

15 Abraham, GE and Grewal, H. A total dietary program emphasizing magnesium instead of calcium. Effect on the mineral density of calcaneous bone in postmenopausal women on hormonal therapy. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine. May 1990. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2352244

16 Ujang Tinggicorresponding. “Selenium: its role as antioxidant in human health.” Environ Health Prev Med. 2008 Mar; 13(2): 102–108. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2698273/

17 Safaralizadeh, Reza, et al. “Influence of Selenium on Mast Cell Mediator Release.” Biological trace element research. 154.2. (2013). Doi: 10.1007/s12011-013-9712-x. Web. June 4, 2016. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240306363_Influence_of_Selenium_on_Mast_Cell_Mediator_Release

18 van Haaften RI, Haenen GR, Evelo CT, Bast A. “Effect of vitamin E on glutathione-dependent enzymes.” Drug Metab Rev. 2003 May-Aug;35(2-3):215-53. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12959415

19 Lenton KJ, Sané AT, Therriault H, Cantin AM, Payette H, Wagner JR. “Vitamin C augments lymphocyte glutathione in subjects with ascorbate deficiency.” Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Jan;77(1):189-95. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12499341

20 Packer L, Tritschler HJ, Wessel K. Neuroprotection by the metabolic antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. Free Radic Biol Med. 1997;22(1-2):359-78. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8958163

21 Filina AA, Davydova NG, Endrikhovskii SN, Shamshinova AM. Lipoic acid as a means of metabolic therapy of open-angle glaucoma. Vestn Oftalmol. 1995 Oct;111(4):6-8. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8604540

22 Kamenova P. Improvement of insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid. Hormones (Athens). 2006 Oct-Dec;5(4):251-8. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17178700

23 Koh JM, Lee YS, Byun CH, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid suppresses osteoclastogenesis despite increasing the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio in human bone marrow stromal cells. J Endocrinol. 2005 Jun;185(3):401-13. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15930166

24 Kate Petersen Shay, Régis F. Moreau, Eric J. Smith, Anthony R. Smith, and Tory M. Hagen. “Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential.” Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009 Oct; 1790(10): 1149–1160. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756298/

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Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Patricia

    I’m an 82-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis I walk 2 miles twice a week 20 minute miles. I go to the gym two times a week and do leg presses curls extensions. squads. I do upper body back arms all twice a week. Are these the exercises that will help me with my osteoporosis I’m strong and healthy just don’t know if I’m doing the right routine. Your advice would be so helpful.
    Thank you in advance Patricia

  2. K Gopal Rao

    I hv asked u this before and not recd a reply, either from Vivian or any other savers. The Q:
    Is Ascorbic Acid the full molecule of ViitC, or less effective than the full molecule obtained thro natural sources such as citrus fruits?

  3. Lorraine Della

    I don’t consume every single food mentioned but I would come close with about 75% and I truly find my diet beneficial

    Gave up years ago having a bone density scan as my diet and exercise does the trick!

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      75% is excellent, Lorraine! Keep up with your bone-healthy diet!

  4. Sheila O`connor

    I have succeeded 2 go from -3 to -1.5 on the hips which I am delighted with but my spine has increased from – 2.5 to -3.4. I am guilty of NIR doing exercises specially to target the back. Doctor wants me to go on prolia & never remarked on the improvement of the hips. I put it down to your advice, I got the good result on the hips, thank u. Do u think I should stay off medication & work hard to exercise. Look 4 word 2 your advice, thanks again Sheila

    • Mimi

      Hi Sheila. Was this only your second dxa scan? Because my 2nd was worse than my first in hips and spine. Even though I was eating better, and exercising and taking supplements. I was very discouraged. But I stuck to it, and added playing pickleball 2x a week. My 3rd dxa showed a 12% increase in my spine! And smaller increases in hips. So don’t be discouraged…keep up the good work. It’s a slow process. And just like you..my dr still wants me to take Fozamax , I said no thanks and hope to shock her at my next dxa scan w even better numbers.

  5. Linda

    Very interesting information about ALA! I just read that it competes with Biotin so should also supplement with biotin. Do you think I should?

  6. Rita Clemans

    The above article was great. I just started Glutathione suppplement. I needed antioxidant to help with Macular Degeneration eye problem.
    The foods list you provided was very helpful, eating the right ones will help. Thank you very much. Rita

  7. shula

    Looks like the main idea is to eat veggies, seeds, and nuts.

  8. Raymonde Savoie

    I take 100 mg+ of Alpha-Lipoic Acid each day. What a difference it makes in my cognitive processes! You can get it at any Shoppers or Lawton’s drug store. It’s not that expensive, either.

  9. Dahna Berkson

    For those needing a vegetarian or vegan source of B12, consider Tempeh, made of fermented soy beans. I recall it is a sufficient source, but let’s do our research!
    Best, Dahna

  10. Randy

    Vivian: Do you recommend supplementing with Glutathione pills? I used to take them. Was a Medical Laboratory Technician and they did seem to raise my White Blood Cell count. Randy in Hawaii

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Great question, Randy! Studies have shown that oral supplementation of glutathione results in poor bioavailability. Sublingual and liposomal supplements are better absorbed. However, since glutathione is an endogenous antioxidant, at the Save Institute we recommend supporting its synthesis rather than taking a glutathione supplement.

  11. Audrey Beaumont

    This a great to the point article Vivian, but it omits important information regarding the exact type of mineral and dosage. Could you please expand on the article a little and provide this extra information. Thank you.

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