Glutathione is gaining recognition and awareness among consumers and supplement manufacturers.

“Antioxidant” has certainly become something of a household term, but glutathione is gaining recognition and awareness among consumers and supplement manufacturers. While glutathione has recently become more popular in the U.S., it has been well-recognized and utilized in Southeast Asia for decades.

By simply looking at consumer internet search data, we can see a growing interest in glutathione. Over the past 5 years, there has been a steady increase in searches related to this ingredient which suggests that people are actively seeking information about Glutathione.

Glutathione is an essential component for maintaining a healthy immune system. Therefore, supplements containing glutathione can be beneficial for anyone. However, there are millions of Americans who may be at risk of having reduced levels of glutathione due to certain dietary, lifestyle, or physical factors. These factors include tobacco and alcohol consumption, poor diet, low levels of physical activity, being overweight, and individuals who are over 55 years old.

Cellular metabolism involves the chemical breakdown of oxygen molecules. This reaction causes the production of unstable molecules called free radicals. Additionally, diet, exercise, medications, and exposure to radiation, pollution, or tobacco smoke can also cause free radical levels to rise. If left un-neutralized, free radicals accumulate in the body and cause oxidative stress, a type of cell damage that can harm DNA, proteins, and other vital molecules.

Glutathione helps to fortify the immune system by supporting T-cell lymphocyte (white blood cell) function, and recent evidence shows that glutathione stimulates the production and activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Both of these cells play an active role in the neutralization of free radicals in the body. Daily glutathione supplementation, along with a healthy lifestyle, has been shown to boost glutathione levels in the body.