Cytochrome P450 Enzymes

Dietary antioxidants protect liver cells from the oxidative damage generated during Phase 1. There are over 2,000 known mutations of the cytochrome P450 gene. Grapefruit inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes, causing medications to remain in the system longer and accumulate to toxic levels. Phase 1 detoxification is carried out by cytochrome P450 enzymes located primarily in the liver. CYP450 gene mutations can produce poor metabolizers whose drugs accumulate and amplify side effects, or ultra-rapid metabolizers whose drugs break down too fast to be effective. Cytochrome P450 enzymes initiate drug breakdown by chemically transforming the drug or toxin, often making it temporarily more reactive. The Phase 1 oxidation process produces highly reactive intermediates and a large free radical load. Most medications work by inhibiting specific enzymes, such as ACE inhibitors blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme and aspirin inhibiting COX enzymes. Enzymes require vitamins and minerals as cofactors to function, so micronutrient deficiency impairs the body's entire enzymatic infrastructure. During Phase 1, the activated intermediate becomes more toxic and more carcinogenic than the original co…