Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant and plays an important role in detoxification. Each year, health seekers spend millions of dollars on oral and IV glutathione supplementation in an effort to ensure they’ve got plenty onboard.
Another option is emerging. A human clinical pilot study published in Antioxidants demonstrates that a new pharmacist-developed topical format, called Glutaryl, is a fast acting, non-invasive and effective way to replenish glutathione levels.
Glutathione supplementation is evolving
The body is designed to naturally keep its glutathione levels at equilibrium, or homeostasis. That means we can top off the tank but we can’t overfill it. So why are glutathione and glutathione-boosting supplements popular?
As we age, we have a diminished ability to make enough glutathione to keep up with daily demands. Meanwhile, stress, exposure to environmental toxins, poor diet and other factors can further drain our glutathione supplies. Supplementation helps to optimise our levels.
Replenishing with oral glutathione supplements may take weeks. Research on high-dose IV glutathione administration indicates it may not enter the red blood cells where it is needed.
Further, with a half life of less than 15 minutes, glutathione administered by IV may not raise levels in the long-term.
Glutaryl antioxidant spray is the newest option
Developed by a team led by pharmacist, researcher and global glutathione expert Nayan Patel, PharmD, Glutaryl uses cutting-edge patented subnano absorption technology.
“Most glutathione supplements available are capsules and liposomal liquids. As soon as they go through your mouth to your digestive system, your stomach breaks down the protein into various amino acids,” Patel explains. “Glutaryl delivers glutathione intact through your skin.”
This design protects glutathione from oxidation, maintaining its integrity during delivery to provide maximum potency. Sprayed directly on clean skin twice daily, the subnano format also circumvents the digestive system.
Absorption pilot study points to exciting efficacy results
Conducted at Western University of Health Sciences, the placebo-controlled study was led by one of the world’s leading glutathione researchers, Vishwanath Venketaraman, PhD. It followed Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol for biomedical research and was registered at clinicaltrial.gov.
The study involved 30 healthy participants, who received either topical glutathione (GSH) or a placebo. Subjects were sprayed four times twice a day for three days topically on the abdomen. Blood draws were collected prior to application, and at one, four and 72 hours post-initial topical application.
Topical Glutaryl application was found to elevate cellular GSH levels at the 72-hour mark, as measured by four distinct cytokine markers. Decreases in MDA, a marker for oxidative stress, were also observed.
“The findings of this pilot study suggest GSH–cyclodextrin complex formulation {Glutaryl} can be used topically as a safe alternative mode of GSH delivery in the peripheral blood,” the researchers noted.
Blood taken from participants was also inoculated with Mycobacterium avium (M. avium), a bacteria known to cause blood-based infections. Results of this in vitro portion of the study demonstrated enhanced bacterial clearance at four hours and 72 hours after topical Glutaryl application.
“What’s exciting is seeing a reduction after two applications,” remarks Venketaraman.
“This was the first proof of concept for topical GSH. Our results were well received by the peer-reviewed journal and IRB reviewers.”
He adds, “I am enamoured with this noninvasive strategy. Because this is topical, it is not invasive and it bypasses some of the hurdles for compliance. Just apply it to the skin and it gets absorbed. I like the idea!”