Home Ingredients Setria® Glutathione
AntioxidantImmune SupportHair, Skin & NailsDetox & Cleanse

Setria® Glutathione

Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Setria® is a branded form of reduced L-glutathione (GSH), made by fermentation and supplied by Kyowa Hakko Bio. Glutathione is a small molecule built from three amino acids. It is found in most cells, where it helps neutralize reactive oxygen species and binds reactive compounds so the body can clear them. Oral glutathione has often been described as poorly absorbed. In a 6-month placebo-controlled trial funded by the maker, daily Setria raised glutathione in whole blood and red blood cells at 250 mg, and also raised plasma, lymphocyte and cheek cell levels at 1,000 mg; levels returned to baseline after a month off. A 12-week skin trial found lower wrinkle readings at some sites, while changes in skin tone did not reach statistical significance. A separate 4-week trial of oral glutathione found no change in oxidative stress markers.

Studied Dose 250 mg/day or 1,000 mg/day for 6 months in the main blood-level trial (250 mg raised blood and red cell glutathione; the larger tissue and immune changes were seen at 1,000 mg). 250 mg/day for 12 weeks in the skin trial.
Active Compound Reduced L-glutathione (GSH), Setria® brand, made by fermentation (Kyowa Hakko Bio)

Benefits

Raises glutathione levels in blood and body cells

In a 6-month placebo-controlled trial in 54 healthy non-smoking adults, 1,000 mg/day raised glutathione from baseline by 30 to 35% in red blood cells, plasma and lymphocytes and by 260% in cheek cells. At 250 mg/day, whole blood rose 17% and red blood cells 29%. Levels returned to baseline after a 1-month break. The maker supplied the product and, per trade press, supported the study.

Supported by Trial 1

Natural killer immune cell activity

In the same 6-month trial, a set of immune markers was measured as a secondary outcome in a subset of participants. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity, a measure of how well these immune cells kill target cells, more than doubled with 1,000 mg/day versus placebo at 3 months. The abstract reports this result only for the higher dose.

Supported by Trial 1

Glutathione redox balance (antioxidant status)

After 6 months, both Setria doses lowered the ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione in whole blood, a sign of lower oxidative stress. A separate 4-week placebo-controlled trial of 1,000 mg/day oral glutathione in 40 healthy adults found no change in urinary 8-OHdG, F2-isoprostanes or red blood cell glutathione.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Skin tone and wrinkle measures

In a 12-week placebo-controlled trial in 60 healthy Thai women (57 analyzed), 250 mg/day of Setria tended to lower melanin index and UV spots versus placebo, but these differences were not statistically significant. Wrinkle readings were significantly lower than placebo at some measured sites. The trial was funded by the maker.

Supported by Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Direct cellular antioxidant activity

Glutathione (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) is used by glutathione peroxidase enzymes to reduce hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides to water and alcohols. This produces oxidized glutathione (GSSG), which glutathione reductase converts back to the reduced form (GSH). In most cells GSH is present at about 1 to 2 mM.

2

Phase II detoxification conjugation

Glutathione S-transferase enzymes attach glutathione to reactive electrophilic compounds, including some drug and environmental chemicals, which helps neutralize them and prepare them for removal from the body.

3

Melanin pathway effects (skin tone)

Laboratory studies suggest glutathione shifts melanin production toward lighter pheomelanin rather than darker eumelanin and interferes with the movement of tyrosinase and related enzymes into pigment-making organelles. These effects come from cell studies; in the human Setria trial, skin tone changes were not statistically significant.

Clinical trials

1
Setria® and Body Glutathione Stores: 6-Month Trial
PubMed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Setria® at 250 mg/day or 1,000 mg/day for 6 months, followed by a 1-month washout. Outcomes: glutathione in whole blood, red blood cells, plasma, lymphocytes and cheek cells; immune markers in a subset. Funded by Kyowa Hakko Bio, which supplied the product and placebo. (Richie et al. 2015, Eur J Nutr)

54 healthy non-smoking adults.

Blood glutathione rose versus baseline at 1, 3 and 6 months at both doses. At 6 months, the 1,000 mg group had 30 to 35% higher glutathione in red blood cells, plasma and lymphocytes and 260% higher in cheek cells; the 250 mg group had 17% higher whole blood and 29% higher red blood cell glutathione. Levels returned to baseline after washout. The oxidized to reduced glutathione ratio fell in both groups, and natural killer cell cytotoxicity more than doubled versus placebo at 3 months in the 1,000 mg group.

2
Setria® and Skin Properties: 12-Week Trial
PubMed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-arm trial of reduced glutathione (Setria®, 250 mg/day), oxidized glutathione (250 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Primary outcome: melanin index. Funded by Kyowa Hakko Bio. (Weschawalit et al. 2017, Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol)

60 healthy Thai women aged 20 to 50 enrolled; 57 analyzed.

Melanin index and UV spots tended to be lower with both glutathione forms than with placebo, but the differences were not statistically significant. Wrinkle readings were significantly lower with Setria than placebo at some sites, and skin elasticity showed a nonsignificant upward trend. Two volunteers withdrew because of raised liver enzymes, which returned to normal within a few weeks; no serious adverse events occurred.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

In the 12-week Setria skin trial at 250 mg/day, no serious adverse events were reported, and a 1-month study of a liposomal glutathione at 500 to 1,000 mg/day also reported only minor events.
In the skin trial, 2 of 60 volunteers withdrew because of temporarily raised liver enzymes, which returned to normal within a few weeks.
Minor reactions such as itching, skin redness, small red spots and tiredness were no more common with glutathione than with placebo in that trial.

Important Drug interactions

Platinum chemotherapy such as cisplatin: laboratory research links glutathione in tumor cells to cisplatin resistance. Whether oral glutathione affects treatment is not known, so people in cancer treatment should ask their oncologist first.

More Antioxidant Ingredients

Antioxidant
Green Tea
Green tea comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis and is rich in catechins, especially…
Antioxidant
Lutein
Lutein is a yellow carotenoid that collects in the retina, where, together with zeaxanthin…
Antioxidant
Curcumin/Turmeric
Curcumin, the main bioactive compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa), is usually taken as a s…
Antioxidant
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine. The body uses cystei…

Explore Other Ingredients

Bone Health
Collagen
Collagen is the main structural protein of skin, bone, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. S…
Hair, Skin & Nails
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, primarily found in connect…
Hair, Skin & Nails
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a red-orange carotenoid antioxidant. It is naturally produced by the microa…

Frequently asked questions about Setria® Glutathione

Does oral glutathione actually raise glutathione levels?

In a 6-month placebo-controlled trial of Setria, blood glutathione rose from baseline at both 250 mg and 1,000 mg per day, with larger gains in plasma, lymphocytes and cheek cells at 1,000 mg. Levels returned to baseline a month after stopping. A shorter 4-week trial of oral glutathione at 1,000 mg per day found no change in red blood cell glutathione or oxidative stress markers, so results may depend on how long it is taken and on the product used.

How much Setria was used in studies?

Trials used 250 mg or 1,000 mg per day. The 250 mg dose raised whole blood and red blood cell glutathione, while the larger tissue and immune cell changes were seen at 1,000 mg per day.

Does Setria lighten skin?

In a 12-week trial in Thai women taking 250 mg per day, skin tone measures tended to be lower than placebo, but the differences were not statistically significant. Wrinkle readings were lower than placebo at some sites.

What is Setria Glutathione?

Setria® is a branded form of reduced L-glutathione (GSH), made by fermentation and supplied by Kyowa Hakko Bio. Glutathione is a small molecule built from three amino acids. It is found in most cells, where it helps neutralize reactive oxygen species and binds reactive compounds so the body can clear them.

What is Setria Glutathione used for?

Setria Glutathione is researched primarily for Antioxidant, Immune Support, and Hair, Skin & Nails. In a 6-month placebo-controlled trial in 54 healthy non-smoking adults, 1,000 mg/day raised glutathione from baseline by 30 to 35% in red blood cells, plasma and lymphocytes and by 260% in cheek cells.

Is Setria Glutathione safe, and does it have side effects?

Side effects and cautions reported for Setria Glutathione include: In the 12-week Setria skin trial at 250 mg/day, no serious adverse events were reported, and a 1-month study of a liposomal glutathione at 500 to 1,000 mg/day also reported only minor events. It may also interact with some medications. Setria Glutathione is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Setria Glutathione interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Platinum chemotherapy such as cisplatin: laboratory research links glutathione in tumor cells to cisplatin resistance. Whether oral glutathione affects treatment is not known, so people in cancer treatment should ask their oncologist first. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Setria Glutathione?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Setria Glutathione as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 2 study summaries and 10 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(10 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Lomaestro BM, Malone M. Glutathione in health and disease: pharmacotherapeutic issues. Ann Pharmacother. 1995;29(12):1263-73. doi: 10.1177/106002809502901213.PubMedUsed to support: Review of glutathione for clinical pharmacists: describes it as a tripeptide that acts as a catalyst, reductant and reactant, and lists areas of active research including acute respiratory distress syndrome, toxicology, AIDS, aging, oncology and liver disease.
  2. Forman HJ, Zhang H, Rinna A. Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Mol Aspects Med. 2009;30(1-2):1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006.PubMedUsed to support: Review describing glutathione as the most abundant low molecular weight thiol made in cells, its roles in protecting cells from oxidants and reactive electrophiles, its use by glutathione peroxidases and recycling by glutathione reductase, typical cell levels of about 1 to 2 mM, and how it is made and measured.
  3. Richie JP Jr, Nichenametla S, Neidig W, Calcagnotto A, Haley JS, Schell TD, Muscat JE. Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. Eur J Nutr. 2015;54(2):251-63. doi: 10.1007/s00394-014-0706-z.PubMedUsed to support: 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Setria at 250 or 1,000 mg/day in 54 non-smoking adults. Blood glutathione rose versus baseline at both doses; at 6 months the high dose raised glutathione 30 to 35% in red blood cells, plasma and lymphocytes and 260% in cheek cells, and the low dose raised whole blood 17% and red cells 29%. Levels returned to baseline after washout. Natural killer cytotoxicity more than doubled versus placebo at 3 months in the high-dose group. Product, placebo and funding came from Kyowa Hakko Bio.
  4. Schmitt B, Vicenzi M, Garrel C, Denis FM. Effects of N-acetylcysteine, oral glutathione (GSH) and a novel sublingual form of GSH on oxidative stress markers: A comparative crossover study. Redox Biol. 2015;6:198-205. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2015.07.012.PubMedUsed to support: 3-week randomized crossover study in 20 volunteers with metabolic syndrome comparing a sublingual glutathione tablet (450 mg/day), oral glutathione capsules (450 mg/day) and NAC (200 mg/day). The sublingual form raised plasma glutathione and the GSH/GSSG ratio more than oral glutathione. The study did not use Setria, and it was sponsored by Laboratoires Le Stum, the maker of the sublingual product, which employed two of the authors.
  5. Weschawalit S, Thongthip S, Phutrakool P, Asawanonda P. Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:147-153. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S128339.PubMedUsed to support: 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 60 healthy Thai women (57 analyzed) of Setria reduced glutathione (250 mg/day), oxidized glutathione (250 mg/day) or placebo. Melanin index, the primary outcome, and UV spots tended to be lower with glutathione but not significantly; wrinkles were significantly lower with Setria at some sites. Two volunteers withdrew with temporary raised liver enzymes. Funded by Kyowa Hakko Bio.
  6. Sinha R, Sinha I, Calcagnotto A, Trushin N, Haley JS, Schell TD, Richie JP Jr. Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018;72(1):105-111. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2017.132.PubMedUsed to support: 1-month pilot study of a liposomal glutathione (not Setria) at 500 or 1,000 mg/day in 12 healthy adults, with no placebo group. Glutathione rose in blood and immune cells, plasma 8-isoprostane fell 35% and natural killer cell cytotoxicity rose up to 400% versus baseline. Funded by Researched Nutritionals, which sells the liposomal product.
  7. Kalamkar S, Acharya J, Kolappurath Madathil A, Gajjar V, Divate U, Karandikar-Iyer S, Goel P, Ghaskadbi S. Randomized Clinical Trial of How Long-Term Glutathione Supplementation Offers Protection from Oxidative Damage and Improves HbA1c in Elderly Type 2 Diabetic Patients. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(5):1026. doi: 10.3390/antiox11051026.PubMedUsed to support: 6-month pragmatic study in India: 250 adults with type 2 diabetes on usual treatment were allocated by coin toss to continue treatment alone or add 500 mg/day oral glutathione (Jarrow Formulas, not Setria), with 104 adults without diabetes as a reference group. There was no placebo, and the authors describe the design as a case-control cohort study. Blood glutathione rose and 8-OHdG fell within 3 months; HbA1c was maintained overall and fell only in a post hoc subgroup over age 55.
  8. Allen J, Bradley RD. Effects of oral glutathione supplementation on systemic oxidative stress biomarkers in human volunteers. J Altern Complement Med. 2011;17(9):827-33. doi: 10.1089/acm.2010.0716.PubMedUsed to support: 4-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral glutathione (500 mg twice daily) in 40 healthy adults. Urinary F2-isoprostanes and 8-OHdG did not change versus placebo, and red blood cell glutathione levels and ratios were also unchanged.
  9. Brozovic A, Ambriović-Ristov A, Osmak M. The relationship between cisplatin-induced reactive oxygen species, glutathione, and BCL-2 and resistance to cisplatin. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2010;40(4):347-59. doi: 10.3109/10408441003601836.PubMedUsed to support: Review of how glutathione and BCL-2 protect tumor cells against cisplatin-induced reactive oxygen species and contribute to cisplatin resistance. Laboratory evidence; it does not test oral glutathione supplements.
  10. Kyowa Hakko U.S.A., Inc. Setria® Glutathione: Clinically Studied, Patented Fermentation. Manufacturer website. 2026;Accessed October 2026..SourceUsed to support: Maker's product page, not PubMed-indexed: states that Setria glutathione is made by a patented, controlled fermentation process. It gives no numerical purity figure.