NTP Detoxification & Metabolic Health Flashcards

Which organ is the primary site of Phase I and Phase II detoxification reactions in the human body?

Answer: Liver

The liver is the central detoxification organ, housing the cytochrome P450 enzymes of Phase I and conjugation enzymes of Phase II.

Phase I detoxification primarily uses which enzyme system to begin transforming toxins?

Answer: Cytochrome P450 enzymes

Cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyze oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis reactions in Phase I, often making toxins temporarily more reactive.

Which amino acid is the precursor to glutathione, the body's primary endogenous antioxidant used in Phase II detoxification?

Answer: Cysteine

Cysteine provides the rate-limiting sulfhydryl group for glutathione synthesis, making it the key precursor for this tripeptide antioxidant.

Which Phase II detox pathway conjugates toxins with sulfate groups and is commonly assessed by measuring sulfate availability?

Answer: Sulfation

Sulfation involves the transfer of a sulfate group to toxins, drugs, and hormones to facilitate their excretion, and requires adequate sulfur intake from dietary sources.

A client on a nutritional detox protocol should prioritize which foods to support glutathione production?

Answer: Cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and onions

Cruciferous vegetables provide glucosinolates that upregulate detox enzymes, while garlic and onions provide sulfur compounds that support glutathione synthesis.

Which nutrient is essential as a methyl donor for the methylation Phase II detox pathway?

Answer: Folate (5-MTHF) and B12

Methylation requires folate (as 5-MTHF) and B12 to donate methyl groups for detoxifying heavy metals, hormones, and neurotransmitters.