Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Celiacs may benefit from antioxidant supplements

Sufferers of celiac disease have significantly reduced antioxidant capacity, and need natural antioxidants and appropriate dietary supplements. According to findings published in the Clinical Biochemistry, the major reduction in their antioxidant levels is due to a reduction in levels of the antioxidant glutathione. “As glutathione could be regenerated by other antioxidants, a diet rich in natural antioxidants, as well as appropriate dietary supplements, could be important complements to the classic therapy of celiac disease.” wrote the researchers.

The researchers set about studying the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in the pathogenesis of celiac disease. They found decreased glutathione concentrations in intestinal mucosa of the patients with active and silent celiac disease in comparison to the controls. In these patients lipid peroxide concentration (free radical oxidative stress) was 80 to 100 per cent higher than in the control group. These observations, along with knowledge that glutathione could be regenerated by other antioxidants, led the researchers to note that consumption of an antioxidant-rich diet and appropriate dietary supplements.

Bonnie - I have been an ardent proponent of glutathione for decades. Several of our complexes contain this methylating antioxidant, which was just featured in our September 1st eNewsletter.

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