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New Whey Protein Supports Glutathione Production Unlike Any Other

Cysteine-Containing Peptides Offer Superior Absorption

Whey protein extract/filtrate (WPEF) is a new development in hydrolysed whey protein powder that is specifically designed to support glutathione production in the liver. Cysteine is an important precursor to glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidant nutrients in the body. Research suggests that the key active ingredient in WPEF, "cysteine-containing peptides", are easier for the body to absorb.

Glutathione plays a major role in detoxification and is synthesized primarily in the liver. There have been a number of researchers over the years that have suggested that supporting detoxification via enhanced glutathione production, may improve energy levels. Dr. Paul Cheney, M.D., Ph.D., is considered one of the preeminent researchers on the use of glutathione for fatigue. Dr. Cheney believes that glutathione deficiency and the impaired detoxication that results from it can lead to elevated xenobiotic toxicity and fatigue. In a 1999 presentation at a medical meeting in Dallas, Dr. Cheney reported finding glutathione deficiency in virtually all patients with fatigue who were tested over the previous 10 years; one-half to one-third of patients had below normal glutathione levels (whole blood), while the remainder fell in the very low normal range compared to controls. Dr. Cheney also found that these same patients had elevated lipid peroxides (an indicator of glutathione deficiency).

Informal Human Trials

In informal product trials, 11 volunteers taking WPEF reported experiencing improved energy, motivation, sleep, and mental alertness. The subjects reported they felt increased natural energy levels, which allowed them to get more things done. Their comments include the following: “feels like a nice even flow of energy, not hyper energy”, “its not a fake type of energy”, “just feeling better, more energy”, “more alive, but don’t know how to explain it.” After the study was completed, many of them wanted more WPEF for themselves and for family and friends. Most of the subjects began to notice the health benefits of WPEF within 3 days to 1 week of taking it.

Animal Studies

In an independent animal study, rats were fed a standard, casein-based diet in which the supply of sulfur-containing amino acids (glutathione precursors) was increased by 40%. The total protein content of the diet was 20%, a part of it (max. 50%) was replaced by cysteine-containing peptides. In rats given a reference diet low in cysteine, the baseline levels were re-established, whereas in the WPEF group, almost two times more glutathione was synthesized. Higher amounts of cysteine did not increase the liver glutathione synthesis further because a feedback level was reached.

In a second study, the researchers wanted to determine the effect WPEF would have on liver glutathione levels after oxidative stress. They discovered that when glutathione binds to toxins in the liver for detoxification, glutathione levels can be completely exhausted, even if there was a high glutathione level before the challenge. In rats given WPEF, baseline glutathione levels were re-established, with an increase of 40%.

These results indicate that following a stressful condition, the liver will attempt to produce more glutathione, which can only occur in the presence of increased amounts of its limiting precursor, cysteine. These studies demonstrate that glutathione levels can be dramatically altered with WPEF.

New Human Clinical Study: Effect of WPEF after Oxidative Challenge by Alcohol

In a 21-day placebo controlled, blind study, human subjects consumed 40 g of alcohol (2 glasses of red wine) per day on a controlled diet. The test group received 3.4 g WPEF (1 level tablespoon) per day, while the placebo group received 3.4 g of an amino acid mixture identical to WPEF, but without the key active ingredient cysteine-containing peptides.

After 21 days, biomarkers were measured: urine F2-isoprostanes (F2IP), a marker of lipid peroxidation, was found to be reduced in the WPEF group to a statistically significantly degree. In addition, plasma C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a marker for systemic inflammation as well as a cardiovascular disease risk marker, was also found to be reduced to near statistically significant levels. In light of the fact that this was a small study, this is an impressive result.

Alcohol was chosen as a model for this particular study on oxidative stress, but we believe that the majority of oxidative stressors could be offset with the compound. Much of chemical stress is oxidative. Even emotional stress can precipitate oxidative stress because of the auto-oxidation of stress hormones.  Infection can stimulate oxidative stress through the free radical oxidative burst of phagocytes. Physical trauma can also precipitate oxidative damage through iron and copper catalyzed single electron transfers. Glutathione is often considered by experts to be the key antioxidant that the body produces.

These results demonstrate that WPEF reduces oxidative stress after hepatic challenge (in this case, alcohol). The results were presented by the manufacturer in December 2005, and are set to be published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2006.

More History on Whey Protein & Chronic Fatigue

In 1978, Dr. Gustavo Bounous initiated a novel research program to search for a dietary protein source that would boost the immune system. In collaboration with colleague Dr. Patricia Kongshavn, studies led to the discovery of an undenatured serum milk concentrate that sustained normal glutathione levels and promoted immune enhancing activity.

In 1993, subsequent identification of the active ingredients present in this protein mixture led to the  production of one of the more well-known whey protein powders called Immunocal®. From 1978 to 1989, Bounous and Kongshavn published 14 papers on their research (see www.immunocal.com).

Dr. Bounous originally patented the use of whey protein for HIV and cancer based upon the fact that it enhanced glutathione production. WPEF is an extension of his work and the work of Dr. Paul Cheney, however with WPEF, one can take 3 or 4 grams for efficacy as opposed to taking the 10 to 20 grams needed with Immunocal®.

The Advantages of WPEF Supplementation

Glutathione fulfills most of its biological functions intracellularly. It generally cannot be transported as a tripeptide into cells. The transport mechanism comprises the degradation of glutathione, coupled with the transfer of free cysteine into the cell. Therefore, to be effective, glutathione supplements generally must first be broken down to cysteine, absorbed, and then re-synthesized by the liver to fulfill glutathione’s many biological functions. WPEF, which contains cysteine-containing peptides, offers a unique solution to this metabolic challenge.

The whey proteins have captured the attention of many innovative physicians and appear to be a more advanced method of glutathione precursor supplementation over N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Although NAC is still a well documented and proven way to enhance glutathione levels, there have been reports of stomach upset at higher doses. Of the available whey protein products, cysteine-containing peptides are a more convenient method of supplementation because they can be used at much lower doses and have a neutral taste, and are supported by both animal and human studies.