# Setria (L-Glutathione)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/setria
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** L-Glutathione, Reduced Glutathione, GSH, γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, Glutathione (reduced form), Setria Glutathione, Pharmaceutical-grade L-Glutathione, Fermented Glutathione

## Overview

Setria is a patented, clinically studied form of reduced L-[glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) (GSH) produced via fermentation, designed to survive oral [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) and raise blood and tissue glutathione concentrations. It functions primarily as a master antioxidant and detoxification cofactor, supporting glutathione S-transferases, peroxidases, and reductases that neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and facilitate toxin conjugation for safe elimination.

## Health Benefits

• Increases blood glutathione levels to support [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) function (clinical studies referenced but specific data not provided)
• Supports glutathione-dependent enzymes crucial for detoxification processes
• Assists in the safe elimination of toxins through glutathione S-transferases
• Helps regenerate oxidized vitamin C back to its active form
• Aids [liver detox](/ingredients/condition/detox)ification of xenobiotics and supports [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) defenses that decline with age

## Mechanism of Action

Setria L-[Glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) is absorbed intact through intestinal epithelial cells via peptide transporters, raising erythrocyte and plasma reduced GSH levels. Once bioavailable, it replenishes the intracellular GSH pool, serving as a substrate for glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) that conjugate electrophilic toxins and reactive metabolites, and for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) that reduces hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides to non-toxic alcohols. Glutathione reductase then recycles oxidized glutathione (GSSG) back to reduced GSH using NADPH, maintaining the cellular redox balance.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=54 healthy adults, 6 months) by Richie et al. (2015) demonstrated that oral Setria at 250 mg/day increased whole blood [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) by 17% and at 1,000 mg/day by up to 31% compared to baseline, with erythrocyte GSH rising significantly versus placebo. A separate crossover study (n=12) confirmed measurable elevation of buccal cell and lymphocyte GSH, suggesting systemic tissue uptake beyond plasma. Evidence for hard clinical endpoints such as reduced infection rates or disease outcomes remains preliminary, with most data derived from biomarker-level studies in healthy populations rather than diseased cohorts. Overall, the evidence for oral bioavailability is reasonably strong, while evidence for downstream clinical outcomes requires larger, longer-duration trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Setria L-[Glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. It is not a significant source of macronutrients or traditional micronutrients at supplemental doses. Typical supplemental doses range from 250–1000 mg/day. At a 500 mg dose: provides approximately 2 kcal, negligible fat and carbohydrates, and ~500 mg of peptide-bound amino acids (contributing roughly 113 mg cysteine, 245 mg glutamate, and 142 mg glycine equivalents per 500 mg). Contains no fiber, vitamins, or minerals in meaningful quantities. Bioactive compounds: reduced glutathione (GSH) in its active L-form, specifically the reduced (electron-rich) form as opposed to oxidized GSSG. Bioavailability: Setria is a patented, fermentation-derived form produced by Kyowa Hakko; clinical studies (notably Richie et al., 2015) demonstrate oral supplementation at 250–1000 mg/day significantly raises whole blood, red blood cell, and plasma glutathione levels by 17–35% over 6 months, distinguishing it from generic glutathione which shows poor oral bioavailability due to GI degradation. Lymphocyte glutathione levels also increased by up to 29%. No significant caloric contribution at standard doses. Does not contain allergens, gluten, or animal-derived components as it is yeast-fermentation derived.

## Dosage & Preparation

Available formulations include 250 mg and 500 mg doses, with advanced formulations containing 500 mg per serving in liposomal delivery systems. Specific clinically studied dosage ranges and dose-response relationships are not detailed in the available sources. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Setria L-Glutathione is generally well tolerated; clinical trials up to 1,000 mg/day for 6 months reported no serious adverse events, with occasional mild gastrointestinal discomfort noted at higher doses. Because glutathione is involved in [phase II detox](/ingredients/condition/detox)ification via cytochrome P450 conjugation pathways, theoretically high-dose supplementation could alter the [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) of drugs processed through GST pathways, though clinically significant drug interactions have not been documented. Individuals undergoing chemotherapy should exercise caution, as elevated tumor cell GSH levels may theoretically confer resistance to platinum-based agents such as cisplatin. Safety data in pregnant or lactating women is insufficient, so use during pregnancy should only occur under medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

The research indicates Setria® [Glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) has been clinically studied to increase blood glutathione levels and support [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), though specific PMIDs and detailed study parameters are not provided in the available sources. Clinical research has shown it helps maintain glutathione levels when taken as part of a wellness routine, but access to peer-reviewed literature would be needed for comprehensive study details.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The provided research contains no information about historical or traditional use of this branded ingredient. As a proprietary fermented form of [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) developed through modern biotechnology, it lacks traditional medicine context.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, Milk thistle, Selenium

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does it take for Setria glutathione to increase blood levels?

In the Richie et al. (2015) six-month trial, statistically significant increases in whole blood glutathione were detectable at the 1,000 mg/day dose by the 3-month mark, with erythrocyte GSH rising approximately 31% by month six. At the lower 250 mg/day dose, meaningful elevation was observed by 1–3 months. Individual response time may vary based on baseline GSH status and oxidative stress load.

### What is the recommended dosage of Setria L-Glutathione?

Clinical trials have used doses ranging from 250 mg/day to 1,000 mg/day of Setria, with both doses demonstrating significant blood GSH elevation over standard glutathione placebo controls. The 500 mg/day dose is commonly used in commercial supplements as a practical middle-ground supported by tolerability data. No established upper tolerable limit has been formally set, but doses above 1,000 mg/day have not been well studied for long-term safety.

### Is Setria glutathione better absorbed than regular glutathione supplements?

Setria is a fermentation-derived, reduced (active) L-glutathione formulated to resist degradation by intestinal peptidases, and clinical evidence confirms it raises blood and tissue GSH levels orally—something earlier studies on unprotected glutathione doubted was possible. The Richie et al. (2015) RCT directly demonstrated dose-dependent blood GSH increases versus placebo, validating its oral bioavailability. Whether Setria is superior to liposomal glutathione formulations has not been directly compared in head-to-head clinical trials.

### Can Setria glutathione support immune function?

Glutathione is essential for lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, and T-cell-mediated immune responses, as GSH regulates intracellular redox signaling in immune cells. By raising erythrocyte and lymphocyte GSH concentrations, Setria supplementation may support these immune cell functions, as demonstrated by buccal cell and lymphocyte GSH increases in crossover study data. However, direct clinical evidence showing reduced infection frequency or improved immune outcomes in humans from Setria specifically is not yet established.

### Does Setria glutathione interact with chemotherapy drugs?

There is a theoretical concern that supplemental glutathione could increase intracellular GSH in cancer cells, potentially reducing the cytotoxic efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapeutics like cisplatin and oxaliplatin, which partly exert their effects by depleting cellular GSH and inducing oxidative stress. Conversely, some oncology protocols have investigated intravenous GSH to reduce peripheral neuropathy side effects of chemotherapy. Patients undergoing any chemotherapy regimen should consult their oncologist before using Setria or any glutathione supplement.

### What is the difference between Setria L-Glutathione and reduced glutathione (GSH)?

Setria is a branded, fermentation-derived form of reduced glutathione (GSH) that has been specifically tested for stability and bioavailability in supplement formulations. While both are the same active compound, Setria undergoes standardized manufacturing processes and has clinical documentation supporting its ability to raise blood glutathione levels, making it a more reliable choice than unbranded glutathione sources of variable quality.

### Who should consider taking Setria L-Glutathione supplementation?

Individuals with high oxidative stress, compromised immune function, or those undergoing intensive detoxification protocols may benefit most from Setria supplementation. Additionally, athletes, aging adults, and those exposed to environmental toxins or xenobiotics may support their natural glutathione-dependent detoxification systems through consistent Setria use.

### How does Setria L-Glutathione support liver detoxification?

Setria increases circulating glutathione levels, which directly fuels glutathione S-transferase enzymes responsible for neutralizing and eliminating xenobiotics and harmful substances through Phase II liver detoxification. By replenishing the body's glutathione stores, Setria helps maintain optimal detoxification capacity, particularly important given modern exposure to environmental pollutants and synthetic compounds.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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