What was studied?
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial followed 54 nonsmoking adults for six months. It investigated oral glutathione supplementation and measured glutathione in blood-related compartments and exfoliated mouth cells.
What did the researchers report?
The investigators reported increases in glutathione stores in several measured compartments during supplementation. Some changes varied by time, compartment and group. A subset of participants was also evaluated for immune-related markers.
What are the limits?
An increase in a biomarker does not by itself demonstrate prevention or treatment of disease. This was oral supplementation, not an investigation of catalog vials or another administration route. The sample size and selected healthy population also limit broader conclusions.
Original editorial summary by Sulan Peptide. Based on the source abstract; consult the full paper for methods, analyses, funding and disclosures.