For a long time, scientists did not believe that oral glutathione supplements were effective at increasing glutathione levels due to low bioavailability (and therefore bioefficacy). mbg Vice President of Scientific Affairs Ashley Jordan Ferreira, PhD, RDN, shares that “the glutathione smear campaign was indeed successful, but it was flat out wrong. Well-planned research just needed to catch up.”

Indeed, a groundbreaking 2015 clinical study by European Journal of Nutrition9 have shown that a special form of oral glutathione supplement called Setria® can increase both blood glutathione levels and body glutathione stores when taken daily.* As Ferreira explains, “This clinical trial proves that key forms of glutathione are not only bioavailable, but and effective in affecting the state of glutathione in the body. These are extremely important discoveries.”*

“Testing methods and specific knowledge about glutathione have expanded over the years, making some of the previous studies showing that glutathione was not absorbed controversial and almost obsolete,” explains Danielle Citrolo, PharmD, vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at Kyowa Hakko USA (innovator and manufacturer of Setria®).

Citrolo continues that glutathione is a very unstable molecule that is quickly removed from the blood and tissues, so it must be replenished daily. With Setria® Glutathione, glutathione stores in the oral cavity are improved through proper absorption in the intestinal mucosa.*

“Previous studies have not taken into account the fact that multiple dosing may be required, as well as special handling of samples taken to test glutathione levels,” explains Citrolo.

Supplementing with 250 milligrams of Setria® Glutathione—a scientifically proven clinically effective dose—daily (as mbg’s Daily Detox+) is a great way to increase adequate glutathione levels and increase overall antioxidant activity in the body.*

In addition to taking bioavailable glutathione, there are several other key bioactive substances and herbs that support glutathione production and replenishment.

For example, supplements containing cysteine ​​(such as whey protein powder) or direct cysteine ​​precursors (such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine, aka NAC10) can promote glutathione production.* According to Alschuler, these targeted ingredients are especially beneficial for boosting overall glutathione levels because cysteine ​​is the rate-limiting amino acid (i.e., the slowest dietary building block) in glutathione synthesis.*

As far as plant bioactives go, milk thistle contains a powerful free radical scavenging phytonutrient compound called silymarin11 that was shown modulate glutathione metabolizing enzymes12 and promotes healthy redox balance.* In addition, milk thistle supports the detoxification process, supporting healthy liver function and protecting liver cells from toxins.*