What is the Difference Between L Glutathione and S Acetyl Glutathione

The key difference between l glutathione and s acetyl glutathione is that l glutathione is the abundant isomer form of glutathione, whereas s-acetyl glutathione is a derivative of glutathione which is more reliable in the blood and can increase the level of glutathione inside cells than the non-acetylated form.

Glutathione is a biochemical molecule that is produced in the body. It is also abundant in some food we consume. L-glutathione is an isomer of glutathione, and it is a non-acetylated form. S-acetyl glutathione is an acetylated form of glutathione.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is L Glutathione  
3. What is S Acetyl Glutathione
4. L Glutathione vs S Acetyl Glutathione in Tabular Form
5. Summary – L Glutathione vs S Acetyl Glutathione 

What is L Glutathione?

L glutathione is the L isomer of glutathione. However, this is the most abundant isomer of glutathione; therefore, it is generally known as glutathione. Glutathione can be defined as an antioxidant compound that exists in plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and some archaea. This compound is able to prevent damages to the important cellular components, which are caused by reactive oxygen species, including free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and some heavy metals.

When considering the chemical structure of L-glutathione, it is a tripeptide compound having a gamma peptide linkage between cysteine and the carboxyl group (in the glutamate side chain). It is freely soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents such as methanol and diethyl ether.

Figure 01: The Chemical Structure of L-glutathione

There are two steps of the biosynthesis of L-glutathione: the first step includes the synthesis of gamma-glutamylcysteine from L-glutamate and cysteine. The second step includes the addition of the C-terminal of gamma-glutamylcysteine catalyzed by glutathione synthetase.

As an antioxidant, it can protect our cells by neutralizing reactive species of oxygen. Besides, it can participate in thiol protection and redox regulation in cellular thiol proteins (in the presence of oxidative stress). Moreover, glutathione takes part in many metabolic reactions, including the biosynthesis of leukotrienes and prostaglandins.

What is S Acetyl Glutathione?

S-acetyl glutathione is a derivative of L-glutathione. There are two acetylated forms of L-glutathione as N-acetyl form and S-acetyl form. This compound has an acetyl group attached to the sulfur atom in the cysteine residue. This structure makes the compound protected from oxidation in the digestive tract. Moreover, this compound has an objectionable smell and does not have the taste of sulfur.

Figure 02: Acetylcystein as Effervescent Tablets

Furthermore, s-acetyl glutathione is the bioavailable form of glutathione. It is a type of peptide, and it acts mainly as an antioxidant. Moreover, this compound forms in our body endogenously, and it occurs in the food supply as well. This is the most stable form of glutathione.

What is the Difference Between L Glutathione and S Acetyl Glutathione?

L-glutathione is an isomer of glutathione and it is a non-acetylated form, while S-acetyl glutathione is an acetylated form of glutathione. The key difference between l glutathione and s acetyl glutathione is that l glutathione is the abundant isomer form of glutathione, whereas s-acetyl glutathione is a derivative of glutathione which is more reliable in the blood and can increase the level of glutathione inside cells than the non-acetylated form.

The following table compiles the differences between l glutathione and s acetyl glutathione for side by side comparison.

Summary – l Glutathione vs s Acetyl Glutathione

L glutathione is the L isomer of glutathione while the s-acetyl glutathione is a derivative of L-glutathione. The key difference between l glutathione and s acetyl glutathione is that l glutathione is the abundant isomer form of glutathione, whereas s-acetyl glutathione is a derivative of glutathione which is more reliable in the blood and can increase the level of glutathione inside cells than the non-acetylated form.

Reference:

1. “GLUTATHIONE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews.” WebMD.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Glutathione-skeletal” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Acetylcystein as effervescent tablets branded ACC by Sandoz” By It's gonna be awesome – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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