Glutathion Max

Glutathion Max brings together four complementary active ingredients centred on the body’s natural antioxidant system. At the maximum daily dose of three capsules, our formula provides 499 mg of N-acetylcysteine, 300 mg of reduced L-glutathione, 150 mg of milk-thistle extract and 55 µg of selenium, equivalent to 100% of the nutrient reference value.

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Reduced glutathione at the heart of the formula

Glutathione is a small molecule produced by the body from three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine and glycine. It is naturally present inside cells, where it contributes to maintaining their balance in the face of oxidation reactions produced by metabolism.

We use L-glutathione in its reduced form, known as GSH. This form can donate electrons to help certain enzymes neutralise peroxides. After this reaction, glutathione changes into an oxidised form, before another enzyme converts it back into reduced glutathione. This recycling enables the body to maintain a genuine cellular protection circuit.

Glutathione is also involved in certain processes carried out by the liver. Enzymes called glutathione S-transferases can attach it to various reactive compounds. The products formed generally become easier to transport and then eliminate through bile or urine. It therefore contributes to one of the natural transformation pathways used by liver cells, without acting as a mechanical liver “cleanser”.

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NAC to provide the required cysteine

N-acetylcysteine, or NAC, is a form derived from L-cysteine. After absorption, it can be converted into cysteine, one of the three elements essential for producing glutathione.

Cysteine availability is frequently one of the factors limiting the rate of glutathione synthesis. The 499 mg of NAC therefore logically complements the 300 mg of reduced glutathione: glutathione directly supplies the already-formed molecule, while NAC provides the body with one of its main building materials.

In this combination, the best-documented value of NAC lies primarily in its role as a precursor and its antioxidant action.

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Selenium to support antioxidant enzymes

Glutathion Max provides 55 µg of selenium in an organic L-selenomethionine form, equivalent to 100% of the NRV. Once metabolised, selenium can be used to produce selenoproteins, including several glutathione peroxidases.

These enzymes specifically use reduced glutathione to convert hydrogen peroxide and certain lipid peroxides into less reactive compounds. Glutathione provides the electrons required for the reaction, while selenium is part of the structure of the enzyme that performs it.

Selenium officially contributes to protecting cells against oxidative stress. It also contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Both functions are recognised by the European Commission.

L-selenomethionine is an organic form similar to the amino acid methionine. In nature, plants convert selenium present in soil into selenomethionine and selenocysteine.

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Milk thistle for targeted liver support

Milk thistle, Silybum marianum, is a plant in the Asteraceae family. Its native range extends notably from the Mediterranean basin to Central Asia and India. Its traditional use dates back more than 2,000 years, primarily in relation to liver and digestive functions.

The part of the plant most commonly documented is the fruit. It contains a group of flavonolignans called silymarin, of which silybin is one of the main constituents. These compounds contribute to the value of milk thistle in supporting normal liver-cell function and their antioxidant environment.

The European Medicines Agency recognises the traditional use of milk-thistle fruit preparations to support liver function. These preparations may be obtained by drying and grinding the fruit or by extraction using a solvent that is subsequently partly or completely evaporated.

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A formula organised around the glutathione system

Glutathion Max stands out through its four-level approach:

  •  reduced glutathione directly provides the central molecule of the system;
  •  NAC provides cysteine to support its production by the body;
  •  selenium contributes to the structure of the enzymes that use glutathione and helps protect cells against oxidative stress;
  •  milk thistle directs the formula towards supporting liver function.

The formula therefore stands out above all for the complementarity of its doses: 300 mg of reduced glutathione combined with 499 mg of NAC, complemented by a full NRV of selenium and 150 mg of milk-thistle extract.

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Who is this product for?

Glutathion Max may be particularly suitable for:

  •  adults wishing to support the normal function of their liver;
  •  people looking for a formula built around glutathione and its precursor, NAC;
  •  adults wishing to increase their selenium intake to support the protection of cells against oxidative stress;
  •  people wishing to support the normal function of their immune system through selenium;
  •  vegetarian or vegan people, as our product is compatible with both diets.

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Ingredient synergy

Glutathione is the molecule primarily involved in the antioxidant balance presented here. NAC supports it by providing cysteine, which is required for its production. Selenium acts at another level: it is a component of glutathione peroxidases, the enzymes that use glutathione to reduce certain peroxides.

Milk thistle completes this trio by providing the formula’s liver support. The complementarity therefore concerns several stages of the same system, without claiming any particular improvement in glutathione absorption.

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What does the science say?

Can oral supplementation increase glutathione stores?

A clinical trial conducted at the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute in Pennsylvania sought to determine whether orally consumed glutathione could sustainably increase the concentrations measured in different compartments of the body.

Published in 2015, this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 54 healthy, non-smoking adults. Participants were aged 28 to 72, with an average age of 46.6; 76% were women.

They were divided into three groups:

  •  16 participants received two placebo capsules containing cellulose;
  •  18 participants received 250 mg of glutathione per day, as two 125 mg capsules;
  •  20 participants received 1,000 mg of glutathione per day, as two 500 mg capsules.

Supplementation lasted six months, followed by one month without supplementation. The researchers measured glutathione in whole blood, red blood cells, plasma, lymphocytes and oral cells.

After six months, the dose of 250 mg per day—close to the 300 mg provided by three Glutathion Max capsules—resulted in an average increase of 17% in whole-blood glutathione and 29% in red blood cells, with a statistically significant difference.

This dose also reduced the ratio of oxidised to reduced glutathione in the blood, an indicator used to assess oxidative balance.

These results support the conclusion that daily oral glutathione intake can increase certain measurable glutathione stores, including at 250 mg per day.

Full reference: 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. European Journal of Nutrition. 2015;54(2):251-263. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-014-0706-z — PubMed — Registration NCT01044277.