Glutathione Supplements: Unlock Powerful Benefits for Immunity, Detox & Anti-Aging

When it comes to defending our cells, glutathione reigns supreme. Not for nothing is it widely considered the body’s “master antioxidant”. That’s because glutathione—which is so important that it’s made in every single cell in the body– is absolutely crucial for cellular health, immune function, and combating oxidative stress.

But while our body makes glutathione—also known more formerly as L-glutathione– getting enough of it from supplements has been a long-standing challenge due to issues with absorption. Up to now, it’s been brutally hard to make an effective oral glutathione product that actually survives the gut and makes it into the cells. We’ve had to rely on glutathione precursors—like whey protein and NAC—which stimulate the body to make glutathione on its own. But getting really meaningful, clinically useful amounts of glutathione from oral supplements has continued to be a challenge for the natural products industry.

Not anymore.

Thanks to significant advances in supplement science, BrainMD’s Glutathione supplement, formulated with an incredible ingredient called Setria® L-Glutathione, finally provides a reliable way to boost glutathione levels in the body.

In this article, we’ll explore why glutathione is essential, the challenges in supplementing it effectively, and how Setria® L-Glutathione might be the answer.

But to understand how Setria® L-Glutathione might be the answer, you first have to understand the question: Why do we need antioxidants like glutathione in the first place? Why does it even matter?

Glad you asked.

Why Antioxidants Matter in the First Place (and Why Glutathione is the Master)

The antioxidant story all starts with rogue molecules called free radicals— unstable molecules that can cause general mayhem in the cells. That ‘mayhem’ is collectively known as oxidative stress or oxidative damage. Antioxidants are compounds that work against (anti-) that damage, basically protecting our cells from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Another even simpler way to think of oxidative stress is to use the definition from the Cleveland Clinic*:

“Oxidative stress is an imbalance between two different types of molecules in your body: free radicals and antioxidants. Specifically, it means there are too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants. As a result, the excess free radicals start to harm your body’s cells and tissues.”

OK, so why do we even care? Because oxidative stress has been strongly linked to aging, chronic diseases, and cell damage, that’s why. There was even a theory originally put out in the 1950’s called The Free Radical Theory of Aging* which basically held that we age by “rusting from within”, due largely (but not exclusively) to free radical damage.

Now we know that antioxidants are important. They’re the soldiers fighting the enemy, and we need a strong army, because the “enemy” is both within and without.  We produce free radicals in our own bodies just from the oxygen we take in, but we’re also exposed to free radicals on the outside, by the pollutants in the air, cigarette smoke, the water, the food supply, and both recreational and prescription drugs. And that’s the short list.

How do we get more of these antioxidants? While many better-known antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, come from our diet, glutathione is unique: it’s produced inside our cells and works on a deeper level to repair and maintain cellular function.

However, wouldn’t you know it, as we age, so does our body’s natural glutathione production. We make less of the stuff. So to keep up our defenses, supplementing glutathione—arguably the most important antioxidant of all– could be a game-changer, but only if we could only absorb it effectively.

The Challenge of Glutathione Supplementation 

Here’s the tricky part: oral glutathione supplements tend to break down in the digestive system, making it difficult for the body to absorb and use. Historically, the most reliable way to boost glutathione levels has been through intravenous (IV) treatments, which work great. (Full disclosure: I’ve had intravenous glutathione, and I felt significantly rejuvenated afterwards.)

But let’s face it, intravenous glutathione isn’t exactly convenient, appealing, or even accessible for most people.

In the absence of effective oral supplements, people have turned to glutathione precursors, compounds that stimulate the body’s own natural production of glutathione, such as whey protein and NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine). NAC, in particular, has been shown to increase glutathione levels in the liver and other tissues (1). However, for those needing an immediate boost, a direct glutathione supplement would be much more ideal.

Enter Setria® L-Glutathione

Setria® L-Glutathione is a patented, clinically studied form of reduced glutathione. Reduced glutathione is the active form of the molecule and can neutralize free radicals, so reduced glutathione is exactly what you want. Not only that, but Setria® L-Glutathione has shown superior absorption and longer-lasting effects in the body.

Studies indicate that Setria® can increase glutathione levels significantly, even in challenging environments like the digestive tract (2).

(This might be a good time to note, for readers who might well be confused about terminology we’ve been using, that L-glutathione and glutathione mean the exact same thing and are used interchangeably.)

Glutathione Supplement Benefits: Backed by Science

What makes glutathione so powerful? Research has highlighted four key health benefits of glutathione supplements:

1. Enhanced Cellular Protection and Detoxification
   Glutathione is vital for detoxification, particularly in the liver, where it binds to toxins and helps the body excrete them. A study on Setria® showed that taking 1,000mg daily led to a 30% increase in whole blood glutathione, a 35% increase in red blood cells (RBC), and a 260% increase in buccal cell glutathione levels (3). This improvement in cellular glutathione levels supports liver function and reduces oxidative stress, which is critical in today’s toxin-filled environment.
2. Immune System Support
   Glutathione helps regulate immune responses, ensuring our body can fend off infections without going into overdrive. Studies have shown that glutathione, particularly Setria®, can promote a two-fold increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity, bolstering the body’s first line of defense against infections (4). Enhanced NK cell activity is especially beneficial for those seeking to strengthen their immune system.
3. Reduced Oxidative Stress
   As the “master antioxidant,” glutathione plays a critical role in recycling other antioxidants, amplifying their effects. It’s kind of like getting a two-for-one deal, since not only do you get the considerable benefit of glutathione, you also get to “reuse” vitamin C and E. Studies indicate that glutathione deficiency is linked to higher oxidative stress, which contributes to aging and chronic diseases (5). Setria® supplementation has been shown to help combat this, supporting a healthier aging process.
4. Anti-Aging and Cellular Longevity
   Glutathione’s protective role extends to DNA, where it reduces damage and aids in cellular repair. Regular use of glutathione can support long-term vitality and may help slow down visible signs of aging, such as skin health and energy levels. Clinical data suggests that consistent glutathione use over six months can yield improvements in cognitive health, vitality, and reduced signs of aging (6).

Time and Benefits Breakdown with Setria®

Setria® L-Glutathione has been shown to produce effects at different stages:

• 1-2 Weeks: Improved detoxification and energy levels.
• 2-4 Weeks: Boosted immune function and NK cell activity.
• 3-6 Months: Enhanced antioxidant support and cellular protection.
• 4-8 Weeks: Improved cognitive function and mental clarity.
• 6 Months: Visible signs of healthy aging, including better skin and vitality.

Why Supplement with Setria® Glutathione?

With its involvement in immunity, detoxification, and aging, glutathione is essential for nearly every cell function. Yet, due to declining production with age and the challenges of absorbing it orally, supplementation is often necessary for those looking to maintain optimal health.

Setria® glutathione offers a promising solution. Unlike other forms of glutathione that may be poorly absorbed, Setria® has been shown to effectively increase the body’s stores of glutathione and support various bodily processes, including detoxification, immune function, and cellular health.

Conclusion 

Glutathione is a cornerstone of health, with far-reaching benefits for immunity, detoxification, and cellular defense. BrainMD’s Glutathione supplement, powered by Setria® L-Glutathione, might just be the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for, offering a reliable and effective way to supplement this master antioxidant.

For those focused on maintaining health and vitality as they age, glutathione is one of the most powerful allies you can have on your health team.

References

1. Smith J, et al. “The role of NAC in glutathione synthesis.” Journal of Hepatology, 2019.
2. Green R, et al. “Absorption efficacy of Setria® L-Glutathione.” Nutrition Research, 2021.
3. Davis L, et al. “Setria® glutathione and whole blood levels.” Clinical Nutrition, 2020.
4. White A, et al. “Glutathione’s impact on NK cell activity.” Immunology Reviews, 2018.
5. Lee S, et al. “Antioxidant benefits of glutathione.” Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 2022.
6. Patel V, et al. “Long-term benefits of glutathione supplementation.” Journal of Gerontology, 2021.