Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Free radical production and nutritional depletion increase as the disease progresses. Reactive oxygen species cause tissue injury in Crohn’s Disease. Active enzymes and cysteine are critical for glutathione synthesis. Individuals with Crohn’s have low levels of enzymes and cysteine, resulting in a depletion of glutathione. When glutathione is depleted oxidative stress increases. Glutathione is starting to become the target for a therapeutic intervention for people who are suffering with Crohn’s Disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=10601540

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=PMC1727080