Glutathione synthesis occurs in two ATP-dependent steps catalyzed by the enzymes gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL, the rate-limiting step) and glutathione synthetase [2]
Long-term safety data in humans are limited
This idea dates back to seminal work from Eagle, who showed that supplementation with extracellular GSH supports cell growth in cystine-free conditions 22
Notably, SHMT2 is a mitochondrial enzyme contributory to one-carbon metabolism by converting serine and tetrahydrofolate (THF) into glycine for GSH synthesis and a one-carbon unit, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (5,10-CH 2 -THF), for dTTP synthesis 35 , respectively
Low levels have been associated with various health concerns, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and even cancer
Gut 67, 17161725