One of the most devastating aspects of the entire COVID-19 pandemic, has been how selective the virus has been in its severity. Some people may develop mild or no symptoms, whereas others may develop severe symptoms and subsequently die.
It was quickly found that the oldest people in the population were particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Along with those with underlying health conditions such as type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. But why?
Well, in their research paper entitled ‘Could glutathione depletion be the Trojan horse of COVID-19 mortality?’ A. Khanfar and B. Al Qaroot make the case for low levels of glutathione.
The aim of the research was to “facilitate a better understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology and answer pertinent questions concerning this disease mortality, complications, and prevention.”
The paper outlines that “COVID-19 mortality is mainly caused by respiratory failure due to acute respiratory distress syndrome or myocarditis. These deadly complications are mainly a result of the cytokine storm. Until now, it is not clear why this happens in some patients and not in others; however, there is emerging evidence that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) mainly affects lymphocytes, especially T lymphocytes, resulting in dysregulation of the immune system, lymphopenia, and the cytokine storm.”
Currently there is no definitive treatment available for resolving the cytokine storm. So, prevention of this condition would be the cornerstone of management.
And the research contains some interesting links between glutathione levels. But what is glutathione and why do we need it?
What is glutathione?
Glutathione or GSH is an antioxidant in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria and archaea. This particular antioxidant is capable of preventing damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals.
Because glutathione is an antioxidant, it offers the body protection against oxidative stress experienced during acute or chronic inflammatory conditions, such as COVID.
With that in mind, adding glutathione to the body may also have a protective effect against end-organ damage, especially in the lungs.
Glutathione and the immune system
Glutathione is also extremely important for the proper function of the immune system in general and in particular, Lymphocytes. This is because low glutathione levels inhibit T lymphocytes proliferation and subsequently disturbs the immune response.
The research paper suggests that “the role of GSH on the immune system in
COVID-19 patients could be established from its role in other viral infections associated with low lymphocytic count. For example, in HIV infection, low levels of GSH were associated with low levels of CD4 T lymphocytes and lower survival rates.”
Causes of low levels of glutathione
It’s interesting to see the causes of low levels of glutathione and how they relate to expected COVID outcomes.
Chronic diseases
It’s been observed that those with chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, liver disease and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases have lower levels of glutathione. All groups with poor COVID outcomes.
Smoking
The smoke from cigarettes reduces cellular glutathione in the lungs and speeds up oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs. We know those who smoke have poorer chances of survival from COVID than those who do not.
Ageing
As we get older, our glutathione levels naturally decline and once we reach 65 years old, our stores are significantly depleted. We know those over 65 are classed as high risk when it comes to COVID.
Poor diet
Fresh fruit and vegetables contain natural sources of glutathione and so excluding these from our diet, or simply not eating enough can depleted glutathione levels in the body.
Levels vary between sexes
Males have naturally lower levels of glutathione than females. Interestingly, more men have died from COVID than women.
Glutathione and COVID
The research concludes that “GSH has an inhibitory effect on many viral
strains. These data may explain why people with depleted GSH levels are prone to mortality from COVID-19. This is particularly true in patients with risk factors for COVID-19 mortality.” With that in mind, GSH may just be at the core of COVID-19 pathophysiology.
Further research
‘Endogenous Deficiency of Glutathione as the Most Likely Cause of Serious Manifestations and Death in COVID-19 Patients’ by Alexey Polonikov draws similar conclusions between glutathione and COVID.
Whether more research will be done to look into this link further, we don’t know. But it’s definitely interesting to see these initial findings.
At NADclinic, we’ve long been promoting the advantages of glutathione, not necessarily in relation to COVID-19, but in a more general health sense.
We offer a NAD+ glutathione push injection that can help to:
- Slow down the ageing process
- Reduce muscle and joint discomfort
- Strengthen the immune system
- Detoxify the liver and cells
- Improve mental focus and clarity
- Improve sleep
- Reduce stress
- Improve skin
- Improve athletic performance and recovery
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of glutathione, contact the clinic today.
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