Raising Glutathione Levels

Even those people who are in good health can benefit from raising Glutathione (GSH), especially in these days when we are exposed as never before to environmental toxins and newly emerged drug-resistant bacteria. However, it is only very ill people who are severely deficient in Glutathione.

Substances promoting GSH production can be divided into three categories: natural products, co-factors of glutathione production and drugs.

Oral Glutathione - if our bodies depend on Glutathione for so many important protective functions, what can be easier than eating it? Glutathione is available in fruits, vegetables and meats, and as a supplement from any vitamin store. Unfortunately, oral Glutathione is useless as most of it gets broken down in the digestive system and does not reach cells. Only very small amounts of Glutathione make it into the bloodstream. One study showed an increase in plasma GSH after administering dietary Glutathione to rats with chemically inhibited Glutathione synthesis; however, no increase in liver was observed where it is most needed since liver is the largest and most important detoxifying organ.


Researchers have proved that the bioavailability (usefulness) of oral Glutathione is very low, and in this form it cannot seriously affect immune health.

Read the abstracts of the studies confirming ineffectiveness of raising Glutathione with oral or dietary GSH.

Undenatured whey protein - undenatured whey proteins preserve the original bioactivity of cysteine (one of the building blocks for glutathione) guaranteeing the highest level of glutathione promoting activity. Undenatured whey proteins were discovered as a result of research done by Dr. Gustavo Bounous at the McGill University in Montreal, Canada, in the early 1980s. He investigated these proteins’ effect on the immune system and published very exciting results. Dr. Bounous and his team went on to develop Immunocal – an undenatured whey protein with bonded cysteine made under conditions to maximize the protein’s bioactivity. Immunocal has received patents for its immuno-sustaining and glutathione-enhancing effects. This natural supplement is a safe dependable way to raise and sustain Glutathione levels. There are many reasons why I believe Immunocal is the best product on the market for raising Glutathione levels: Immunocal is the only natural product listed in the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR) and the Pharmacist’s Red Book; it is patented in the U.S. as an anti-cancer therapeutic composition; it is clinically proven to raise Glutathione levels by 35.5% safely and naturally and maintain these levels; it is classified by the FDA as "GRAS" (generally regarded as safe) and has no known side effects; it is one of the very few natural products that is safe for infants 10 lb. and up. This amount of evidence is convincing enough for me to make the statement that Immunocal is THE BEST natural product on the market for raising Glutathione levels.

Methionine – an essential amino acid present in many foods and required for production of cysteine which is one of the three building blocks for Glutathione. Methionine is available from health supplements stores. Of great concern is the fact that methionine is also a precursor of homocysteine, recently identified as a high risk factor in atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries).

Cysteine - can be found at health food stores as a supplement but consumed this way it can promote hypercysteinemia and potential toxicity.


Melatonin – a hormone known to regulate sleep and waking cycles, produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin is released into the blood at night time and its production is affected greatly by light. Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant and plays a role in stimulating other antioxidants as well. Melatonin has been shown to effectively raise GSH levels in many tissues including those of the brain, liver, muscle and blood serum. The only known viable natural source of melatonin is sour (tart) cherries, especially the Montmorency variety, which contain substantial amounts of melatonin, enough to produce a possitive effect in the body and without any side effects unlike the synthetic form.

Milk Thistle - a plant used by herbalists for many centuries to treat various liver disorders as it seems to stimulate the growth and regeneration of injured liver cells. The active component of milk thistle called silymarin prevents lipid peroxidation of GSH and maintains its levels. Recommended dosages vary quite a bit from 50 to 500 milligrams three times a day. Toxic reactions can develop with overdose: cramps, gas and diarrhea. Milk thistle should not be used without a professional medical advice.

Vitamins - in one trial, blood GSH levels rose nearly 50% in healthy people taking 500 mg of vitamin C per day for only two weeks. Vitamin C raises Glutathione by helping the body manufacture it. Vitamin E acts in a similar way as vitamin C - it recycles Glutathione and depends on it for proper function and recycling as well. Vitamins B6, B12, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and selenium are also required in the manufacture of Glutathione.

Selenium - the trace element that functions as an antioxidant. It also participates in protein synthesis and other metabolic processes and acts together with other antioxidants, especially vitamin E. Selenium elevates the levels of glutathione peroxidase; the cysteine molecule appearing in the process of digestion of plants grown in selenium-rich soil contributes to GSH production.

NAC – N-acetyl-cysteine - is a potent glutathione precursor that has been available as a drug (Mucomist, Parvolex etc.) and also can be found on the shelves of health supplement stores. Many people eating NAC report rash, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhea. NAC is widely used in hospital emergency rooms on patients suffering from severe acetaminophen toxicity due to overdose in order to quickly boost their glutathione levels and save their lives. These measures often lead to above-mentioned side effects. Also, raising Glutathione levels with NAC has only temporary effect. My advice is to stay away from NAC supplements.

SAM – S-adenosyl-methionine - is a form of methionine already partially converted into cysteine, it can be useful in the treatment of cirrhosis and cholestasis and is becoming popular in Europe as a mood stabilizing medication. SAM is a drug and cannot be used as a safe and natural method of raising glutathione.

OTC & OTZ – these are synthetic cysteine delivery systems. These drugs are not readily available to doctors or the general public.

Elevated levels of Glutathione promote long healthy lives that are more resistant to diseases. All clinical studies reviewed showed that raising Glutathione is of great benefit to the human body. While there are several ways to raise Glutathione, the most effective, with the least side effects, appear to be undenatured whey protein with bonded cysteine (Immunocal), melatonin in its natural state in tart cherries, and vitamin C. Immunocal also maintains elevated Glutathione levels, while natural melatonin and vitamin C provide only temporary effect.

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