Researchers at the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester in the United States discovered that the antioxidant glutathionecan “feed” cancer. Specifically, cancer cells use it as fuel.
It is about a powerful antioxidant that is produced naturally in the liver, but is also popularly sold as a supplement. It serves to detoxify the body and support the immune system.
However, scientists now claim that cancer cells found a way to use it as foodgiven that nutrients are usually scarce in the tissues surrounding tumors.
“Cancer cells and normal cells potentially use different food sources,” Isaac Harris, PhD at the University of Rochester and one of the authors of the study, explains in a statement. “We discovered how cancer cells They break down this antioxidant and use it as fuel“, he points out.
From the research house they assure that this finding is notable, since until now only the benefits of glutathione and how it can prevent or repair cellular damage have been thoroughly studied, but not much research has been done into the response of cancer cells.
Harris states that “perhaps we should reexamine the pantry from which cancer feeds and consider substances that we never imagined could serve as food for tumors.”
“There are other complex metabolites that other researchers are studying, so we are potentially opening up a new field of research into how cancer cells obtain nutrients and how to block that activity. It’s a really exciting time,” he adds.
They found the antioxidant inside cancer
While this antioxidant is usually associated with health benefits, it can also be a double-edged sword, says Harris, “it’s important to understand how cancer sequesters certain substances that we could consider harmless“.
In fact, some organizations of global relevance have already referred cautiously to the use of supplements of this type.
For example, the National Cancer Institute (US) notes that “research in humans has not conclusively shown that taking antioxidant supplements can reduce the risk of developing cancer or dying from it. Some studies have even shown an increased risk of certain types of cancer.“.
For this study, Harris and her team analyzed breast cancer tumor samples. They isolated and examined the fluid inside the tumors and found “abundant reserves” of glutathionesays the statement. This confirms that cancer cells consume this antioxidant as a source of nutrients.
From preclinical models of breast cancer, They also found that it is possible to slow down the growth of tumors by blocking the cancer’s ability to feed on glutathione.
The solution could be a drug that blocks this functionbut they are still working on it.
Harris clarifies that, In no case does this discovery mean that people should consume fewer antioxidants. “Eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables is important. It can help control weight, reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system,” he says.
But he warns that: “You have to be careful when taking supplements in general, especially glutathione. Taking a non-FDA regulated pill with a high concentration of glutathione can carry risks.”
Reference:
Fabio Hecht, Marco Zocchi, Emily T. Tuttle and other authors. Catabolism of extracellular glutathione supplies cysteine to support tumours. Nature Magazine, 2026.