Study Shows Daily Supplementation of Setria® Glutathione Increases Glutathione Levels in the Body

Jul 15, 2014 | Glutathione, Vitamins and Nutrients

rendering of cells in the body

A new study published in the European Journal of Nutrition revealed that daily supplementation of Setria® Glutathione – the form of L-Glutathione used in Lypo-Spheric® Glutathione – is effective at increasing body stores of glutathione by 30-35% over a 6 month period.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at Penn State University School of Medicine and led by Dr. John P. Richie, Jr., Ph.D., Professor of Public Health Sciences and Pharmacology. Dr. Richie has studied glutathione for more than 25 years, focusing primarily on glutathione’s ability to fight oxidative stress.

“It is well-known in the science community that glutathione is one of the primary protective molecules in the body; however, whether or not glutathione levels could be supplemented by oral glutathione administration has been hotly debated and clinical data has been lacking,” said Dr. Richie. “Now we have evidence to illustrate the potential benefit of glutathione supplementation.”

The study measured the effect of supplementation with Setria Glutathione on glutathione levels in 54 healthy adults, 28-72 years of age. One group of subjects took 250 mg/day (low dose), the second group took 1,000 mg/day (high dose), and the third group took 470 mg/day of placebo. Glutathione levels were measured over a six month period in different blood components, including erythrocytes (red blood cells) and lymphocytes (white blood cells), as well as the buccal mucosal cells that line the inside of the cheeks.

Results of the study showed glutathione levels in the blood increased after one, three, and six months when compared to baseline levels at both doses. And at six months, average glutathione levels increased 30-35% in erythrocytes, plasma, and lymphocytes, and 260% in buccal cells in the high-dose group.

In addition to the increase in glutathione levels, the study showed that daily supplementation of 1,000 mg/day enhanced the function of natural killer (NK) cells more than two fold after three months. NK cells are vital to a well-functioning immune system because they can rapidly identify and kill abnormal cells. This twofold increase in NK cytotoxicity means the NK cells were two times as effective at killing abnormal cells, such as cells that are virally infected or tumorigenic.

A secondary endpoint analysis of the data also indicated that daily supplementation of 250 mg–1,000 mg of Setria Glutathione may result in a significant decrease in oxidative stress after 6 months. While the majority of glutathione in cells is in the reduced form (the active form), it becomes oxidized when it is used to neutralize free radicals and other toxins that cause oxidative stress. As oxidative stress increases, the level of oxidized glutathione in the body increases, and the level of reduced glutathione in the body decreases. Therefore, a reduction in oxidative stress was demonstrated with a decrease in the ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione.

Why Is Setria Glutathione & Raising Bodily Levels Important?

Glutathione has been called the “Master Defender” due to its vast functions as an antioxidant, detoxifier, and immune system supporter. It is found in nearly all cells, tissues and organ systems in the body. Our bodies produce glutathione naturally, but everyday factors including the intake of medication, ill health, exposure to environmental toxins, aging, and diet dramatically reduce the body’s stores of glutathione. As glutathione levels decrease, a detrimental drop occurs in the cellular functions that help maintain a healthy heart, brain, eyes, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and joints.

Previously, the only reliable way to boost glutathione levels was with IV infusions. With Setria Glutathione and the superior absorption offered by liposomal encapsulation, this is no longer the case. Orally ingested Lypo-Spheric® Glutathione combines Setria Glutathione with Liposomal Encapsulation Technology to protect the glutathione from being destroyed in the digestive system, making Lypo-Spheric® Glutathione an efficient and cost-effective way to boost glutathione levels.

References

  • Richie JP Jr, Nichenametla S, Neidig W, Calcagnotto A, Haley JS, Schell TD, Muscat JE. Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. Eur J Nutr. 2014 May 5. PubMed PMID: 24791752.
  • Suntres ZE. Liposomal Antioxidants for Protection against Oxidant-Induced Damage. Journal of Toxicology 2011 May 24. Article ID 152474.
  • Topham NJ, Hewitt, EW. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity: how do they pull the trigger? Immunology. 2009 Sep. PubMed PMCID: 2747134.

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