Immune Life

How the Body Makes GSH

Glutathione synthesis happens mainly inside cells in two enzyme-driven steps.

Step 1: cysteine joins glutamate

The enzyme glutamate-cysteine ligase combines glutamate and cysteine. This is the rate-limiting step and is strongly affected by cysteine availability.

Step 2: glycine completes the molecule

Glutathione synthetase adds glycine, forming glutathione. Cells then use and recycle GSH continuously according to demand.

Cystine delivery

Cystine consists of two cysteine molecules connected by a disulfide bond. Cells can transport cystine and reduce it to cysteine for use in glutathione production. The details vary by tissue and transport system.

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