Setria (L-Glutathione)

Setria is a patented, clinically studied form of reduced L-glutathione (GSH) produced via fermentation, designed to survive oral digestion and raise blood and tissue glutathione concentrations. It functions primarily as a master antioxidant and detoxification cofactor, supporting glutathione S-transferases, peroxidases, and reductases that neutralize reactive oxygen species and facilitate toxin conjugation for safe elimination.

Origin & History

Setria® L-Glutathione is a reduced form of glutathione produced through a proprietary fermentation process exclusively in Japan by Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd. This pharmaceutical-grade ingredient is a naturally derived tripeptide compound composed of three amino acids: L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid, and glycine, with a high purity of 98.0%-101.0%.

Historical & Cultural Context

The provided research contains no information about historical or traditional use of this branded ingredient. As a proprietary fermented form of glutathione developed through modern biotechnology, it lacks traditional medicine context.

Health Benefits

• Increases blood glutathione levels to support immune system function (clinical studies referenced but specific data not provided)
• Supports glutathione-dependent enzymes crucial for detoxification processes
• Assists in the safe elimination of toxins through glutathione S-transferases
• Helps regenerate oxidized vitamin C back to its active form
• Aids liver detoxification of xenobiotics and supports antioxidant defenses that decline with age

How It Works

Setria L-Glutathione (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) is absorbed intact through intestinal epithelial cells via peptide transporters, raising erythrocyte and plasma reduced GSH levels. Once bioavailable, it replenishes the intracellular GSH pool, serving as a substrate for glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) that conjugate electrophilic toxins and reactive metabolites, and for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) that reduces hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides to non-toxic alcohols. Glutathione reductase then recycles oxidized glutathione (GSSG) back to reduced GSH using NADPH, maintaining the cellular redox balance.

Scientific Research

The research indicates Setria® Glutathione has been clinically studied to increase blood glutathione levels and support immune function, though specific PMIDs and detailed study parameters are not provided in the available sources. Clinical research has shown it helps maintain glutathione levels when taken as part of a wellness routine, but access to peer-reviewed literature would be needed for comprehensive study details.

Clinical Summary

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=54 healthy adults, 6 months) by Richie et al. (2015) demonstrated that oral Setria at 250 mg/day increased whole blood glutathione by 17% and at 1,000 mg/day by up to 31% compared to baseline, with erythrocyte GSH rising significantly versus placebo. A separate crossover study (n=12) confirmed measurable elevation of buccal cell and lymphocyte GSH, suggesting systemic tissue uptake beyond plasma. Evidence for hard clinical endpoints such as reduced infection rates or disease outcomes remains preliminary, with most data derived from biomarker-level studies in healthy populations rather than diseased cohorts. Overall, the evidence for oral bioavailability is reasonably strong, while evidence for downstream clinical outcomes requires larger, longer-duration trials.

Nutritional Profile

Setria L-Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. It is not a significant source of macronutrients or traditional micronutrients at supplemental doses. Typical supplemental doses range from 250–1000 mg/day. At a 500 mg dose: provides approximately 2 kcal, negligible fat and carbohydrates, and ~500 mg of peptide-bound amino acids (contributing roughly 113 mg cysteine, 245 mg glutamate, and 142 mg glycine equivalents per 500 mg). Contains no fiber, vitamins, or minerals in meaningful quantities. Bioactive compounds: reduced glutathione (GSH) in its active L-form, specifically the reduced (electron-rich) form as opposed to oxidized GSSG. Bioavailability: Setria is a patented, fermentation-derived form produced by Kyowa Hakko; clinical studies (notably Richie et al., 2015) demonstrate oral supplementation at 250–1000 mg/day significantly raises whole blood, red blood cell, and plasma glutathione levels by 17–35% over 6 months, distinguishing it from generic glutathione which shows poor oral bioavailability due to GI degradation. Lymphocyte glutathione levels also increased by up to 29%. No significant caloric contribution at standard doses. Does not contain allergens, gluten, or animal-derived components as it is yeast-fermentation derived.

Preparation & Dosage

Available formulations include 250 mg and 500 mg doses, with advanced formulations containing 500 mg per serving in liposomal delivery systems. Specific clinically studied dosage ranges and dose-response relationships are not detailed in the available sources. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Vitamin C, Alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, Milk thistle, Selenium

Safety & Interactions

Setria L-Glutathione is generally well tolerated; clinical trials up to 1,000 mg/day for 6 months reported no serious adverse events, with occasional mild gastrointestinal discomfort noted at higher doses. Because glutathione is involved in phase II detoxification via cytochrome P450 conjugation pathways, theoretically high-dose supplementation could alter the metabolism of drugs processed through GST pathways, though clinically significant drug interactions have not been documented. Individuals undergoing chemotherapy should exercise caution, as elevated tumor cell GSH levels may theoretically confer resistance to platinum-based agents such as cisplatin. Safety data in pregnant or lactating women is insufficient, so use during pregnancy should only occur under medical supervision.