Kim Seok-hoon: "Is there a link between Glutathione and Sulfur?" Inside Sulfur Duck

This episode explores the connection between sulfur, a key component in sulfur duck—a popular summer health food—and the human body's antioxidant system. The SBS knowledge-based health entertainment program 'Three Perspectives' will air a segment on the correlation between sulfur and glutathione on the 9th at 8:35 AM.

The lineup includes MC Kim Seok-hoon and Soseulji, alongside science writer Kwak Jae-sik, docent Lee Chang-yong, family medicine specialist Lee A-rang, and pharmacist Lee Jin-su. The cast will trace the link from the sulfur found in everyday sulfur duck to glutathione, the core element of the body's antioxidant action.

The History of Sulfur as Odysseus's Tool for Purification

Throughout human history, sulfur has served as a symbol of purification. Docent Lee Chang-yong unfolds the story by citing Homer's classic, 'The Odyssey.' In the epic, after Odysseus slaughters the suitors, his first task is to purify his home, which had been stained by blood and death, using sulfur.

This provides insight into why sulfur was utilized as a sacred substance in religious rituals and daily life in ancient Greece. Lee focuses on the symbolic act of Odysseus restoring order through sulfur.

Cysteine: The Link Between Hair Odor and Glutathione

The presence of sulfur can also be detected in the traces left by our bodies. The distinct smell of hair and nails originates from amino acids that contain sulfur. The production team points out that sulfur is hidden within this scent.

Glutathione, an antioxidant substance, is composed of three amino acids, one of which, 'cysteine,' contains sulfur. Upon hearing this connection, Kim Seok-hoon joined the discussion, asking, "Are you saying glutathione and sulfur are linked?"

The Shield Against Free Radicals and Its Helper, Alpha-Lipoic Acid

The mechanism of free radicals attacking cells and the antioxidant system defending against them is explained through medical metaphors. Family medicine specialist Lee A-rang compares free radicals to 'spears' attacking cells and glutathione to a 'shield' defending them.

Dr. Lee explains how the small-sized glutathione neutralizes massive free radicals. She also details the principle of how glutathione returns to an active state even after a single defense, repeatedly protecting the cells.

Pharmacist Lee Jin-su introduces a helper that enhances the efficiency of glutathione. "Alpha-lipoic acid provides the energy for glutathione to perform its role," Lee explains, identifying alpha-lipoic acid as a key element that supports glutathione's function. The episode follows the specific flow of how sulfur, glutathione, and alpha-lipoic acid work together to protect cells. SBS 'Three Perspectives' Episode 55 will air on the 9th at 8:35 AM.