An increase in exercise intensity is one of the many ways in which oxidative stress and free radical production
has been shown to increase inside our cells. Effective regulation of the cellular balance between oxidation and
antioxidation is important when considering cellular function and DNA integrity as well as the signal
transduction of gene expression. Many pathological states, such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and
Alzheimer’s disease have been shown to be related to the redox state of cells. In an attempt to minimize the
onset of oxidative stress, supplementation with various known antioxidants has been suggested. Glutathione
and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) are antioxidants which are quite popular for their ability to minimize oxidative
stress and the downstream negative effects thought to be associated with oxidative stress. Glutathione is largely
known to minimize the lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes and other such targets that is known to occur
with oxidative stress. N-acetyl-cysteine is a by-product of glutathione and is popular due to its cysteine
residues and the role it has on glutathione maintenance and metabolism. The process of oxidative stress is a
complicated, inter-twined series of events which quite possibly is related to many other cellular processes.
Exercise enthusiasts and researchers have become interested in recent years to identify any means to help
minimize the detrimental effects of oxidative stress that are commonly associated with intense and
unaccustomed exercise. It is possible that a decrease in the amount of oxidative stress a cell is exposed to could
increase health and performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2(2):38-44, 2005