Aging is inevitable, but did you know it affects your body’s natural defenses?
One key player is glutathione, a key antioxidant for detox and cell health. Let’s break down what glutathione is, why it declines with age, and why you should care.
Glutathione is a vital antioxidant found in every cell of your body. Made up of three amino acids — glutamine, glycine, and cysteine — it is essential for detoxifying the body, maintaining immune function, and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
This powerful molecule neutralizes free radicals, which can cause cellular damage, accelerate aging, and lead to various diseases.
As you age, your glutathione levels naturally decrease. This decline occurs for several reasons. First, the body’s ability to produce glutathione diminishes over time.
The enzymes responsible for its synthesis, such as glutamate cysteine ligase, become less active with age.
Additionally, the demand for glutathione increases as oxidative stress and exposure to toxins accumulate over the years, leading to faster depletion of this critical antioxidant.
Nutrient deficiencies, common in older adults, can also impair glutathione production, as nutrients like selenium and vitamin E are vital for its synthesis.
Research indicates that people over 60 have significantly lower glutathione levels compared to younger individuals, making it harder for their bodies to combat oxidative stress and inflammation effectively (1).
Lower glutathione levels can have profound health implications.
Studies have linked low glutathione to several age-related conditions. For example, glutathione helps protect against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a key factor in heart disease (2).
Reduced glutathione levels can lead to chronic inflammation, contributing to arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are also associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, both of which are mitigated by glutathione (3).
Some research suggests that low glutathione levels may impair the body’s ability to prevent the formation and growth of cancerous cells, highlighting its role in cancer prevention (4).
Identifying low glutathione levels can be challenging since its symptoms often overlap with other conditions. However, common signs include:
· Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
· Brain fog, characterized by difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and mental fatigue
· Sleep problems, such as trouble falling or staying asleep
· Frequent infections due to a weakened immune system
· Unexplained muscle and joint pain
Just to name a few. The good news is there are ways to support your glutathione levels naturally, and most involve simple lifestyle changes.
Maintaining or boosting your glutathione levels is crucial for aging well. One of the best ways to support glutathione production is through diet. Foods rich in glutathione precursors—such as broccoli, spinach, avocados, asparagus, and other sulfur-rich vegetables—provide the foundational nutrients your body needs to synthesize glutathione naturally. Additionally, selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts and fish help activate glutathione production pathways (5).
Targeted supplementation can also play an important role. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supports glutathione by supplying cysteine, while compounds like alpha-lipoic acid and milk thistle help protect existing glutathione stores and enhance detoxification.
However, traditional oral glutathione supplements are not always efficiently absorbed because glutathione can break down in the digestive tract. For this reason, advanced forms such as S-Acetyl L-Glutathione have become a preferred option due to their stability and bioavailability.
Unlike standard glutathione supplements that may degrade during digestion, S-Acetyl L-Glutathione is uniquely protected, allowing it to reach the bloodstream and cells intact. This acetylated form is clinically studied for its superior stability, enhanced absorption, and ability to deliver glutathione directly to the tissues where it is needed most.
Glutathione Pro 500 from BioOne Sciences takes this a step further. Each serving provides a high-potency 500 mg dose of S-Acetyl L-Glutathione paired with Riboflavin 5’-Phosphate (R5P)—the active, coenzyme form of vitamin B2. R5P is essential for the enzyme glutathione reductase, which recycles oxidized glutathione back into its active, protective form. This synergy supports continuous antioxidant defense, enhanced detoxification, and efficient cellular repair.
This delayed-release vegetarian capsule protects the ingredients from stomach acid, ensuring optimal absorption in the intestines. The formula is also ideal for individuals experiencing oxidative stress, toxin exposure, or methylation challenges linked to common gene variants such as MTHFR, MTRR, and COMT.
By combining a highly bioavailable form of glutathione with a critical cofactor for regeneration, Glutathione Pro 500 supports:
Neutralization of mold toxins, heavy metals, plastics, and chemical pollutants
Protection of mitochondria and cellular DNA
Improved redox balance and antioxidant recycling
Support for immune, detox, and neurological health
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3099083/
2. https://www.atherosclerosis-journal.com/article/S0021-9150(07)00341-3/abstract
3. https://www.alzheimers.gov/clinical-trials/glutathione-alzheimers-disease
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673338/
5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-increase-glutathione
