Approximately 50% of the body’s Glutathione production is achieved through the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Prior to the modern age, our food sources were sufficient to handle the demands placed on our bodies. But eating enough glutathione-rich foods only works in an idealized world where medications, stress, toxins and fast food are not factors. The depleting elements have grown exponentially in our environment while our food sources have become compromised with pesticides, genetically modified foods and limited availability of organic fruits and vegetables. Only a small amount of reduced Glutathione from foods can reach the bloodstream, while most is lost in the digestive tract. So the need for Glutathione production has risen dramatically while our ability to produce it naturally has diminished.

Many synthetic medications and supplements claim to raise Glutathione, but some can cause toxicity, troublesome side effects and many can interact with various medications. Bioactive microfiltered undenatured whey Protein isolates can be an efficient and cost-effective manner to raise this critical antioxidant.

The Best and Worst Ways to Promote Glutathione

Medical Grade, Bioactive, Whey Protein Isolates
Microfiltered bioactive undentured whey is rich in protein called native micro fractions that include alpha lactalbumin, flycomacropeptide, immunoglobulins, serum albumin, lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase. It is essential to retain these micro fractions during the manufacturing process, or produce an “undenatured” whey protein.

Cows milk contains 5-10% protein - 20% whey and 80% lactose and cheese fat (caseine). Most allergies to milk are from the lactose and cheese caseine. Only a tiny percentage of the public has a true allergy to whey.

In the 1930s, the compulsory pasteurization of milk caused high temperature processing that denatured (damaged) the protein structures. Denaturation causes less bioactive availability of the critical active components to the cells. All commercial milk today is pasteurized and as a result, the potent Glutathione precursors have been rendered ineffective.

Most whey protein that is found in natural food or sports nutrition will not increase Glutathione levels. Whey proteins can contain anywhere from 20%-90% whey, very few are bioactive while most are not. Many use high temperature processing to extract the whey, this makes it easy to mix but damages the delicate protein structure.

The term ‘whey protein isolate’ does not guarantee it is a medical grade, bioactive microfiltered isolate free of pesticides, hormones, artificial sweeteners, herbs and flavorings or has not been processed with heat that destroys the ability to promote Glutathione. Check the label, if the serving size is 20-30 grams then it does not promote Glutathione. Our SUPPORT dosages start at 5 grams (1 tablespoon). You will not find a comparable pharmaceutical, undenatured micro-filtered whey isolate for a better value than SUPPORT.

Only specialized bioactive, Undenatured (intact) whey protein isolates that employ unique filtering and processing methods to extract the whey from the protein can generate intracellular Glutathione. This microfiltering process ensures the two Cysteine molecules remain linked together and can sustain the trip through the digestive system to convert to promote Glutathione.

Using microfiltered bioactive underrated whey protein isolate is a safe, comfortable and effective way to promote Glutathione without side effects.

Oral Glutathione
Ingesting direct Glutathione does not raise Glutathione levels since it is poorly absorbed through the digestive system. The fragile tripeptide (3-amino acid) structure of Glutathione makes surviving the digestive tract a near impossibility. Additionally, your cells must generate their own Glutathione to be effective.

Reduced Glutathione
Glutathione must breakdown to its reduced form to work properly within the cells. But introducing the reduced form directly to the body is much like taking oral Glutathione – the effectiveness is lost. Supplementation with reduced Glutathione does not raise tissue levels of this critical antioxidant. Reduced Glutathione is also expensive and not metabolically active. Many doctors report that the clinical benefits achieved with intravenous reduced glutathione are not reproduced when it is taken orally.

Cysteine or L-Cysteine
Glutathione is a tripeptide (3-amino acid) comprised of Cysteine, Glutamic Acid and Glycine. Consuming these three amino acids independently does not ensure Glutathione production and can actually be harmful. Cysteine is the precursor to Glutathione and extremely important to Glutathione production, yet taking Cysteine is ineffective since it is potentially toxic. Cysteine is spontaneously oxidized in the gastrointestinal tract and the bloodstream and cannot reach the cells. Cysteine that does make it into the bloodstream can be further oxidized and do more damage than good. Cysteine may be one of the building blocks of Glutathione, but alone has a negligible impact on raising Glutathione levels.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a synthetic version of Cysteine that is rapidly converted to the amino acid Cysteine. NAC supplements are moderately effective, but dosing is limited due to the toxic side effects (such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision) associated with Cysteine Supplementation. NAC decreases Zinc, so supplementing with additional zinc and copper is recommended along with Vitamin C to help prevent the Cysteine from converting to Cystine, which can form kidney and bladder stones.

Recent Study on NAC:
According to recent research at The University of Virginia, N-Acetyl-Cysteine forms a red blood cell derived molecule that makes blood vessels think they are not getting enough oxygen. This leads to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood to the lungs. The results appeared in the September 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Along with the danger of toxicity from direct Cysteine (see Cysteine), people with diabetes mellitus and allergies to eggs, milk or wheat should not supplement with Cysteine. Anyone with kidney or liver disease should consult their physician before taking Cysteine supplements due to the risk of bladder and kidney stones.

Glutathione IVs
Delivering Glutathione through an IV is effective but expensive and uncomfortable, and requires infusions two times per week using an Intravenous (IV) line. Glutathione precursors are a better solution.

Topical Glutathione Creams / Gels
Using a cream or Glutathione gel to raise Glutathione levels is ineffective and can have significant side effects. Glutathione is a highly sensitive molecule that must be created within the cells. Absorbing direct Glutathione to the skin does not allow the cells to produce this critical antioxidant.

The small benefit is lost when the active ingredients, such as direct Glutathione, decompose when it is added to creams or gels. Evaluation of topical Glutathione applications does not show any significant effect on Glutathione production.*

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