According to a new study, it is found that antioxidant treatment improves circulation and reduces pain in patients with peripheral artery disease. Peripheral artery disease is a narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs with blood. It affects an estimated 5 million to 10 million people in the United States alone. While the disease can have no symptoms, one of the major signs of the condition is leg pain as you walk.
Researchers from the University of Verona in Italy assessed the effects of the antioxidative treatment glutathione on patients with PAD. They conducted a study with 40 patients who were seen in one year. The patients were randomly treated with either intravenous glutathione twice a day or saline solution twice a day for five days. The patients' pain and blood circulation were then assessed.Researchers found the patients on the treatment were able to walk longer without pain compared to the patients who were given saline. The study also found the patients on the drug showed better blood circulation. Based on these findings, researchers say that in patients with PAD, glutathione prolongs pain-free walking distance and shows other improvements in the legs.
