Setria Glutathione (Glutathione)

Setria Glutathione is a patented, reduced L-glutathione tripeptide composed of glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid that functions as the body's master antioxidant. It works by directly replenishing intracellular glutathione pools, supporting the glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase enzyme systems that neutralize reactive oxygen species and peroxides.

Category: Other Evidence: 2/10 Tier: Emerging
Setria Glutathione (Glutathione) — Hermetica Encyclopedia

Origin & History

Setria® Glutathione is a reduced form of glutathione (L-glutathione/GSH) manufactured using a patented fermentation process by Kyowa Hakko. This tripeptide consists of three amino acids (glutamate, cysteine, and glycine) linked via gamma and normal peptide bonds, produced through fermentation to achieve high purity, stability, and bioavailability.

Historical & Cultural Context

The research dossier contains no information regarding historical or traditional use of glutathione. Glutathione is presented exclusively as a modern biomedical ingredient with contemporary research applications.

Health Benefits

• Maintains cellular glutathione levels in the body (clinical evidence referenced but specific studies not detailed in available research) • Supports immune system function (clinical research mentioned but without specific study details) • Provides antioxidant protection by neutralizing free radicals through its thiol group (mechanism-based evidence) • Assists cellular detoxification by protecting against harmful electrophiles (biochemical mechanism evidence) • Helps maintain cellular redox balance as measured by GSH/GSSG ratio (theoretical mechanism, no clinical data provided)

How It Works

Setria Glutathione is absorbed intact through the gastrointestinal tract and taken up by cells, where it directly augments the reduced glutathione (GSH) pool without requiring de novo synthesis via the gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase pathway. As a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), it reduces hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides to water and alcohols, protecting cellular membranes from oxidative damage. It also participates in glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-mediated conjugation reactions that detoxify electrophilic xenobiotics and supports the regeneration of vitamins C and E through redox cycling.

Scientific Research

The research dossier references that Setria® Glutathione has been clinically studied for bioavailability and its ability to maintain glutathione levels, with clinical research demonstrating increases in blood glutathione levels and immune support. However, no specific PMIDs, study designs, sample sizes, or outcomes from randomized controlled trials are provided in the available sources, which consist primarily of marketing materials rather than peer-reviewed publications.

Clinical Summary

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the European Journal of Nutrition (2015) with 54 adults demonstrated that oral Setria Glutathione at 250 mg/day and 1,000 mg/day for 6 months significantly elevated whole blood glutathione levels by up to 30–35% compared to placebo, with the higher dose producing greater increases in buccal cell GSH. A separate study found that 500 mg/day of Setria increased natural killer (NK) cell activity, suggesting immunomodulatory effects beyond antioxidant capacity. Evidence for clinical endpoints such as disease prevention or long-term morbidity reduction remains preliminary, with most trials being short-duration and relying on biomarker changes rather than hard clinical outcomes. Overall, the evidence for Setria's bioavailability is stronger than for generic glutathione supplements, but larger, longer trials are needed to confirm functional health benefits.

Nutritional Profile

Setria Glutathione is a branded, pharmaceutical-grade reduced L-glutathione (GSH) tripeptide synthesized via fermentation, composed of three amino acids: L-glutamic acid, L-cysteine, and glycine (molecular weight 307.32 g/mol). It is not a macronutrient source in conventional dietary terms. Macronutrient contribution is negligible at typical supplemental doses (250–1000 mg/day), providing approximately 0.9–3.6 kcal per dose. The active bioactive compound is reduced glutathione (GSH) at ≥98% purity per Kyowa Hakko quality standards. The cysteine residue contains the critical thiol (–SH) group responsible for its redox and antioxidant activity. Typical supplemental doses of 250 mg provide approximately 0.81 mmol of GSH. Oral bioavailability is notably a point of historical debate; however, Setria-specific human clinical data (Richie et al., 2015, European Journal of Nutrition) demonstrated that 500–1000 mg/day oral supplementation significantly increased blood GSH levels by up to 30–35% over 6 months, distinguishing it from generic glutathione forms. Co-ingestion with vitamin C (100–500 mg) is noted to enhance plasma GSH retention. No meaningful dietary fiber, fat, or carbohydrate content is present. Sodium content is negligible (<5 mg per dose). It contains no vitamins or minerals in quantifiable supplemental amounts.

Preparation & Dosage

The research mentions evaluation of GSH at doses lower than 500 mg/day but does not establish specific clinically studied dosage ranges for Setria® Glutathione. No standardized dosing protocols or optimal dose ranges are detailed in the provided sources. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Pumpkin seed extract, Soy germ extract, Goldenrod extract, Cranberry extract, NADPH cofactors

Safety & Interactions

Setria Glutathione is generally well tolerated, with clinical trials up to 6 months reporting no serious adverse events at doses of 250–1,000 mg/day; mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been occasionally noted. It may theoretically interact with immunosuppressive drugs by enhancing NK cell and immune activity, warranting caution in transplant patients or those on medications such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus. Glutathione supplementation may also affect the efficacy of certain chemotherapy agents that rely on oxidative mechanisms, such as alkylating agents, and concurrent use should be discussed with an oncologist. Pregnancy and lactation safety has not been established in controlled human trials, so use is not recommended without medical supervision during these periods.