Glutathione stands out from other antioxidants because it is found in nearly every cell in the body and plays a crucial role in cell protection, immune function, and detoxification. For this reason it's called the "master antioxidant." But it stands out from other antioxidants in another way too: It requires special preparation and packaging to ensure it remains potent and absorbable. This is why a quality glutathione supplement will be found in a wafer, which is in turn sealed snugly in a tube. This packaging, along with other careful steps, will help protect the sensitive molecules in glutathione. Essential Glutathione from Optimal Health Systems is a perfect example of this. While many types of antioxidants, such as those found in Fruit & Veggie Complete, remain stable when being combined together in a bulk powder mix, it is not a good way to deliver glutathione. Doing so will cause a dramatic reduction in efficacy. The core issue stems from the fact that glutathione is a tri-peptide (containing a reactive sulfhydryl group, -SH) that is notoriously unstable when exposed to the environment. Oxidation, interaction and uniformity The first challenge to overcome is oxidation. Every time a large canister of powder is opened, the glutathione is exposed to atmospheric oxygen and humidity. This promotes the oxidation of the glutathione into its inactive, oxidized form. This greatly limits effectiveness, even before the first gram is swallowed. The next challenge to overcome is chemical interaction. In an antioxidant powder mix, the glutathione is in constant contact with other compounds. Many of these, such as plant-based tannins, metals, or acidic compounds, can interact with the glutathione molecule, leading to degradation. Some antioxidants—such as minerals that help with absorption—are synergistic and beneficial, but that is not the case with all antioxidants. Lastly, a quality glutathione supplement needs to overcome the lack of uniformity. Because glutathione is sensitive to light, heat and moisture, ensuring that every serving in a large bulk container maintains consistent potency is scientifically difficult. The active ingredient will degrade unevenly depending on how much air enters the canister over the weeks it is being repeatedly opened. The advantages of the wafer and sealed cap system Utilizing individual wafers in a tube with a tightly-sealing cap acts as a protective barrier that maintains the "reduced" state of the molecule until the exact moment of consumption. This methodology provides "freshness on demand." By isolating the glutathione in a sealed environment until it is ready to be used eliminates pre-consumption degradation. The consumer is essentially "activating" the supplement at the time of intake. No chemical reactions occurs between glutathione and a "problem" ingredient while the product is sitting on the shelf. And since the molecule remains in its stable, reduced state it maintains its redox potential. The redox function This allows the glutathione to actually perform its function as an electron donor once it is absorbed by the body; otherwise, it would act as an inert, oxidized molecule that the body has to spend energy converting back—or simply excreting. In short, the "sealed system" is designed to combat the specific molecular fragility of glutathione. Mixing it in bulk with other antioxidants may be cheaper, but it's scientifically proven to be ineffective! Taking it to the next level The wafer technology also addresses the biochemical synergy between glutathione and Vitamin C, which is a classic example of "redox recycling." Vitamin C and glutathione can be thought of as a synergistic "power couple." Combining them is highly effective, provided they are kept separate from other ingredients until the moment of use. Here is how it works: When glutathione performs its job as an antioxidant, it donates an electron and becomes oxidized. Vitamin C then acts as a synergistic partner; it effectively helps "recycle" the glutathione, donating an electron to help convert the spent (oxidized) glutathione back into the active form. By having them both nutrients in the same wafer, the body is provided both "the fuel" (glutathione) and the "repair mechanic" (Vitamin C) simultaneously. Vitamin C also helps stabilize the environment in the stomach during the brief window before absorption, creating a slightly acidic, protected environment that can help keep the tri-peptide form of glutathione stable until it reaches the small intestine. Effervescence: The ultimate complement The final step in perfecting delivery of a nutrient that requires special treatment is making the wafer effervescent (a fizzing action). Effervescence provides "activated delivery"—a "just in time" delivery vehicle. First, effervescence creates rapid dissolution: It ensures the molecules are evenly dispersed in the water immediately. Next, effervescence encourages efficient gastric emptying. Effervescent formulations have been proven to speed up transit, which helps move the delicate glutathione tri-peptide through the harsh acid of the stomach and into the small intestine. In this way it is efficiently absorbed with a minimal time being exposed to stomach acid. Keeping glutathione and Vitamin C separate from other nutrients via the wafer/tight lid/effervescence system is not just a marketing gimmick—it is a functional requirement to prevent the degradation that makes glutathione less absorbable and less effective. To dig deeper into a premium product that delivers glutathione using this preferred delivery method, check out Essential Glutathione from Optimal Health Systems. Click image below for more information.
