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What is Glutathione Deficiency?

C. Peete
C. Peete

Glutathione deficiency, also known as glutathione synthetase deficiency, is a disorder that prevents the body from producing glutathione, a molecule that is made up of three amino acids and that is essential in maintaining the normal function of the body's immune system. Glutathione prevents cell damage by destroying harmful or unstable molecules produced during the energy process. It also aids in building deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and protein and plays a crucial role in processing medications and carcinogens that might enter the body. The deficiency primarily caused by a mutation or series of mutations in the glutathione synthetase gene. The condition can be heredity, but metabolic disorders such as diabetes and various congenital conditions also might cause a deficiency.

Glutathione deficiency occurs in of three stages: mild, moderate and severe. Some initial symptoms of glutathione deficiency — vomiting, diarrhea, anemia and abdominal pain — are the same as those of other diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or vitamin B12 deficiency. When glutathione deficiency occurs, a compound called 5-oxoproline builds up in the blood, urine and spinal fluid. This condition is known as 5-oxprolinuria. Other symptoms include hemolytic anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells and metabolic acidosis resulting from a buildup of lactic acid in the blood, urine and spinal fluid. Moderate glutathione deficiency symptoms are the same mild symptoms but are considered more serious because they occur shortly after birth.

Glucathione deficiency is treated with a mixture of sodium citrate and citric acid.
Glucathione deficiency is treated with a mixture of sodium citrate and citric acid.

Severe symptoms of glutathione deficiency are neurological disorders such as psychomotor retardation, which is characterized by a generalized delay of physical response, movement and speech. Seizures, loss of coordination and intellectual impairment also might occur. Another less common symptom is recurring bacterial infections in some severe cases.

One initial symptom of glutathione deficiency is diarrhea.
One initial symptom of glutathione deficiency is diarrhea.

Glutathione deficiency is treated primarily by administering dosages of a sodium citrate and citric acid mixture to correct metabolic acidosis and antioxidant vitamins E and C. This might be enough to restore glutathione levels, depending on how early the deficiency is diagnosed. Alpha-lipoic acid and n-acetylcysteine (NAC) also have been used in the treatment of the deficiency. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant considered to be more effective than vitamins E and C. It is believed that NAC increases low glutathione and cysteine levels in the leukocytes of patients.

Fatigue may occur as an initial symptom of a glutathione deficiency.
Fatigue may occur as an initial symptom of a glutathione deficiency.

Though it is a rare disorder, glutathione deficiency is a chronic, life-threatening condition. Regular, periodic follow-up with a metabolic specialist usually is required after treatment. Patients with a mild or moderate case usually can live with the condition under the supervision of a doctor. The prognosis for patients with severe deficiency is less optimistic. Even with treatment, patients still might be left severely mentally retarded and/or experience seizures and neurological deterioration.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

@burcinc-- No, diabetics don't automatically develop glutathione deficiency. This is a very, very rare disorder. Less than 100 people worldwide have it. And it's inherited. So the likelihood that you have it is very low. Of course, a doctor will give you the best advice on this but being a diabetic doesn't mean that you will have it.

People experiencing symptoms associated with this should probably suspect other conditions with the same symptoms first.

fBoyle

@burcinc-- I've read that diabetics tend to have low levels of glutathione. I'm not a doctor and I have no idea if glutathione deficiency in diabetics is inevitable. But I'm sure your doctor could run a test for you if you have the symptoms and suspect this condition. You should also ask about prevention.

Regardless of whether you have it or not, make sure to eat a balanced healthy diet, take your medications on time and maintain normal blood sugar levels. If you have other deficiencies such as vitamin B12 deficiency or vitamin C deficiency, take vitamins to treat those.

You may actually have a vitamin B12 deficiency and may be confusing that with glutathione deficiency. I know that the anti-diabetic medications used for type 2 diabetes limit the absorption of B vitamins. Doctors often supplement diabetics with B vitamins for this reason.

burcinc

I have diabetes. Am I at risk for glutathione deficiency? Is there anything I can do to prevent it from developing?

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    • Glucathione deficiency is treated with a mixture of sodium citrate and citric acid.
      By: Nomad_Soul
      Glucathione deficiency is treated with a mixture of sodium citrate and citric acid.
    • One initial symptom of glutathione deficiency is diarrhea.
      By: JPagetRFphotos
      One initial symptom of glutathione deficiency is diarrhea.
    • Fatigue may occur as an initial symptom of a glutathione deficiency.
      By: kmiragaya
      Fatigue may occur as an initial symptom of a glutathione deficiency.
    • Many glutathione supplements are manufactured in pill form.
      By: Nenov Brothers
      Many glutathione supplements are manufactured in pill form.
    • Anemia may be an initial symptom of glutathion deficiency.
      By: joshya
      Anemia may be an initial symptom of glutathion deficiency.
    • Symptoms of glutathione deficiency may include abdominal pain.
      By: ruigsantos
      Symptoms of glutathione deficiency may include abdominal pain.
    • The prognosis for patients with a severe glutathione deficiency is rarely optimistic.
      By: Photographee.eu
      The prognosis for patients with a severe glutathione deficiency is rarely optimistic.