The article discusses the importance of glutathione for health and points out that lifestyle choices may put certain populations at risk for glutathione deficiency. Glutathione is an endogenously produced compound composed of three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine and glycine. It is a strong antioxidant. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for sulphur-containing amino acids (precursors to glutathione) is 1.1g/day for women and 1.4g/day for men, which is equivalent to 2.7 and 3.3g of glutathione/day, respectively. Although an estimated 99% of Americans consume above the recommended level for glutathione precursors, higher values may be needed to compensate for adverse environmental conditions and disease, but the possible amounts can only be speculated. Additionally, although an optimal diet supplies 150mg of glutathione, some researchers suggest humans may need more than 300mg/day to combat glutathione-reactive substances in the food supply. For the complete article including references, go to http://tinyurl.com/3tzpeev.

• The Disconnect: Thoughts vs. Actions, by Kelley C. Fitzpatrick, Content Editor, NutraSolutions.com
The infamous statement, “I had good intentions to eat healthy, but that didn’t last long,” begs the question, “Why not?”  This article looks at factors involved in the disconnect between the fact that most consumers generally know components of a healthy diet, but choose unhealthy options, instead. For the complete article, including references, go to http://tinyurl.com/3l33yw7.

• Importance of Standards in Assuring Good Quality Food Ingredients and Foods, a paper from the USP Convention 2010.
This white paper is offered by the Council of the Convention Section on the Quality of Food Ingredients and Dietary Supplements, to stimulate discussion on the role of a volunteer-driven, standards-setting body in generating sound food and food ingredient standards and assessing conformity to these and other standards. For the complete paper, go to http://tinyurl.com/3mnzt52. NS