
05/04/2020
COVID-19, L-Cysteine & Glutathione ~ Today I've spent some time following what I call my "genetic rabbit trail" trying to understand why COVID-19 more heavily impacts African American and Latino populations, those with glucose control issues, and more males than females. Yes, I was the curious kid who wanted to know how everything worked and even took our family phone apart to check it out! So, here's the rabbit trail.
Yesterday I saw a research headline, "Is glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency a factor in Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infections and deaths?"
I found the attached picture which made me curious about the "glutathione connection".
My next source said: "G6PD deficiency is a genetic disorder that most often affects males. It happens when the body doesn't have enough of an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). G6PD helps red blood cells work."
Next step said, "This enzyme helps protect red blood cells from damage and premature destruction. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is responsible for the first step in the pentose phosphate pathway, a series of chemical reactions that convert glucose (a type of sugar found in most carbohydrates) to another sugar, ribose-5-phosphate."
Then I looked for a solution, "L-Cysteine is a precursor of glutathione (GSH), a potent physiological antioxidant. Excess glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in African Americans and low levels of L-cysteine diet in Hispanics can contributes to GSH deficiency and oxidative stress."
I reached out to several science professionals to get their input after reading 3 studies last week that demonstrate a direct connection for glutathione support playing a role in recovery from COVID-19:
Study #1: https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-covid-19-research-russian-study-indicates-that-glutathione-deficiency-affects-covid-19-susceptibility,-nac-supplements-helps?fbclid=IwAR3s9TDrYg184Wk6FjAwKOtlF6CGjfMsD4Pf1GrfmjF6WYit29f_98Akm3A
Study #2: https://www.cebm.net/covid-19/n-acetylcysteine-a-rapid-review-of-the-evidence-for-effectiveness-in-treating-covid-19/
Study #3: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213007120301350
For over 10 years I have been educating on the importance of maintaining glutathione levels through diet and proper supplementation. Genetically some people do not produce as much glutathione as others and need supplements to do so. Genetically some people have trouble with blood sugar control; improving glutathione levels supports insulin sensitivity. Cysteine must be ingested in a protected form to maximize absorption. You can message me if you want to know the form I have found to be most effective.
If you or a loved one appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19, it seems to be a good first step boost your glutathione levels.