Glutathione
and Whey Protein in Sports Nutrition
► The
Importance of Glutathione in Sports Physiology
►
Research
Publications on Glutathione and Sports Nutrition
►
Articles
on Glutathione and Whey Protein for Athletes
The
Importance of Glutathione in Sports Physiology
Glutathione
and Exercise
GSH
is an important antioxidant that protects the cell against reactive
oxygen species (ROS) produced during aerobic exercise.
How
eeffective this protection is depends on both, the levels of glutathione
(GSH) in muscle tissue and the ratio of GSH to GSSG under oxidative
stress. When there is an excessive production of hydroperoxide
or when GSH content is deprived in the cell, the GSH/GSSG ratio
decreased markedly.
During
acute and chronic exercise, the skeletal muscle and heart increases
its utilization of GSH, and to cope with this deficiency, GSH
flows from the liver into the plasma .
Deficiencies
of glutathione caused by physiological, pharmacological, and nutritional
variations can play havoc with these regulatory mechanisms. Hence,
supplementation of GSH is advisable in physically active individuals.
(1)
Recent
clinical studies have shown that either antioxidant supplementation
or a diversified and well-balanced diet that allows for sufficient
intake of antioxidants allows overloaded triathletes to avoid
adaptation failure in the antioxidant system. (6)
Exercise
and the Immune System
To
replicate in sufficient numbers the T-cells need Glutathione (GSH).
During
a workout, or while bodybuilding, training or competing athletically,
the immune system is often overwhelmed.
It cannot get rid of free radicals fast enough to prevent fatigue,
muscle pains, soreness, muscle damage, stress, etc.
In
one clinical study it says: After prolonged intense exercise the
number of lymphocytes in the blood is reduced, and the function
of natural killer cells is suppressed; furthermore secretory immunity
is impaired.
During
this time of immunodepression, often referred to as "the
open window," athletes may be more susceptible to micro-organisms
(viruses, bacteria, etc.) bypassing the first line of defense.
This is of interest to top athletes who perform frequent severe
exercise.
The
body manufactures glutathione
to feed the immune system. People who are physically active
require increased GSH. A study of the Canadian cycling team showed
that the average athlete had a blood GSH level depressed by as
much as 40%.
Interestingly,
by elevating their GSH levels, these athletes reported improved
performance by 1-3%. A 1% performance enhancement does not seem
like much; however, at the Olympic level, it is the difference
between finishing first and placing sixth.(3)
High
performance athletes find that that optimal GSH levels gives them
greater strength, and endurance, decreased recovery time from
injuries, less muscle pain, less fatigue and a ‘fitter’ feeling.
(4).
By increasing GSH serum levels, enhanced performance may result
(5).
Glutathione
(GSH) delays the muscular fatigue induced by oxyradicals during
the aerobic phase of strenuous muscular contraction. To
accomplish an increase in Glutathione levels a precursor,
or building block, is required.
Un-denatured
whey protein helps optimize the glutathione level in your cells.
It enables - if Glutathione is available in sufficient quantities
- your T-cells to fight off infections before you even notice
them. It eliminates free radicals before they become a problem.
It optimizes your immune system and the antioxidant defense mechanism
of your body.
In
performance tests with undenatured whey protein, athletes reported
an increase of 13%. (2)
References
- Glutathione
and Exercise
Review by Christian Leeuwenburgh and Li Li Ji
- The
Effect of Supplementation with a Cysteine Donor on Muscular
Performance
Lands LC , Grey VL , Smountas AA [McGill University Health
Centre – Montreal General Hospital, Montreal Canada.]
Double-blind study: Oxidative stress contributes to muscular
fatigue. Glutathione (GHS) is the major intracellular antioxidant,
whose biosynthesis is dependent upon cysteine availability.
We hypothesized that supplementation with a whey-based cysteine
donor designed to augment intracellular GSH would enhance performance.
Our results support the use of a well-tolerated whey-based cysteine
donor to augment muscular performance. We speculate that
supplementation may have even more benefit in situations of
ongoing oxidative stress, such as chronic obstructive lung disease
and cystic fibrosis.
- Glutathione,
A Protein Vital to Life
Dr. David L. Phillips, Chiropractic Health Care
- Journal
of Applied Physiology 87: 1381-1385, 1999
- Does
Glutathione Enhance Exercise Performance? [A Case Study]
William
D. Misner, Ph.D.
- Antioxidant
supplementation preserves antioxidant response in physical training
and low antioxidant intake
Palazzetti S, Rousseau AS, Richard MJ, Favier A, Margaritis
I. [Br J Nutr. 2004 Jan;91(1):91-100.]
The
effect of whey protein supplementation with and without creatine
monohydrate combined with resistance training on lean tissue mass
and muscle strength
Burke DG, Chilibeck PD, Davidson KS, Candow DG, Farthing
J, Smith-Palmer [1: Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2001 Sep;11(3):349-64]
Physical
exercise intensity can be related to plasma glutathione levels.
Gambelunghe C, Rossi R, Micheletti A, Mariucci G, Rufini S.
[J Physiol Biochem 2001 Mar;57(2):9-14]
Oxidants,
antioxidant nutrients and the athlete
Packer L.
Antioxidants
and physical performance
Clarkson PM. [Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1995 Jan;35(1-2):131-41]
Mitochondria
changes in human muscle after prolonged exercise, endurance training
and selenium supplementation
Zamora AJ, Tessier F, Marconnet P, Margaritis I, Marini JF.
[Eur J Appl Physiol 1995;71(6):505-11]
Studies
showing that reductions in blood glutamine concentration following
intense exercise may contribute to immune suppression in overtrained
athletes
- Plasma
amino acid concentrations in the overtraining syndrome: Possible
effects on the immune system
Parry-Billings M, Budgett R, Koutedakis K et al (1992). [Medicine
and Science in Sports and Exercise 24, 1353-8]
- Immunological
hazards from nutritional imbalance in athletes
Shephard RJ, Shek PN. [Exerc Immunol Rev 1998;4:22-48]
- Glutamine,
exercise and immune function. Links and possible mechanisms
Walsh NP, Blannin AK, Robson PJ, Gleeson M. [Sports Med
1998 Sep;26(3):177-91]
- Does
endurance exercise impair glutamine metabolism?
Parry-Billings M, Blomstrand E, Leighton B et al (1990).
Canadian Journal of Sport Science 13, 13P (abstract)
- Plasma
glutamine changes after high intensity exercise in elite male
swimmers.
Kargotich S, Rowbottom DG, Keast D et al (1996). Medicine
and Science in Sport and Exercise 28, S133 (abstract)
Articles
on Glutathione and Whey Protein for Athletes
Glutathione,
A Protein Vital to Life
Dr. David L. Phillips, Chiropractic Health Care
Glutathione:
Nature's Most Potent Ergogenic Aid
By Paul Cribb B.H.Sci.HMS., Exercise Physiologist, in AST Sports
Science
Unlocking
the Secrets to Health & Fitness: Whey protein
Protein is the building block of life. Essential to a balanced
diet and strong muscles, both serious athletes and serious life
extensionists use protein to enhance their health and performance.
LE Magazine October 1998
Ready
Get Set GO - Get the best out of exercise while avoiding the hazards
LE Magazine February 2000 - By Will Brink
Exercise
Enhancement and Risk Avoidance
Whey
Protein Power
LE Magazine March 1998 - By Will Brink
The
Whey It Is
Will Brink
Interview:
A Conversation with Will Brink
LE Magazine May 1999
Brink is a recognized, well published expert Whey Protein. He
maintains frequent contact with numerous scientists and medical
doctors who research whey protein, and has become personally involved
in conducting primary research on whey protein and athletes.
Does
Glutathione Enhance Exercise Performance? [A Case Study]
William
D. Misner Ph.D.
Vitamins,
Minerals and Co-Factors: A Guide to Clinical Supplementation for
Athletes
Dr. Deborah Baker
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