Glutathione Booster
Carlson
Glutathione Booster
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1076 ratings)
Riboflavin 5 mg
Milk Thistle 140 mg
Selenium 200 mcg
Glycine 50 mg
Glutamine 50 mg
Glutathione 20 mg
Score 65.0
This product combines various ingredients to support glutathione production and overall health, including NAC, ALA, and Milk Thistle. While comprehensive, the direct glutathione dose is very low, and several key amino acids are underdosed, potentially limiting its effectiveness for its broad range of goals.
Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 2 Capsule(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Energy
General Health
Vision Support
Skin Health
Detoxification
leaderboard Score 65.0
This product combines various ingredients to support glutathione production and overall health, including NAC, ALA, and Milk Thistle. While comprehensive, the direct glutathione dose is very low, and several key amino acids are underdosed, potentially limiting its effectiveness for its broad range of goals.
insights Analysis
The Carlson Glutathione Booster attempts to address a comprehensive range of health goals, from energy and immunity to detoxification and anti-aging, by combining precursors and cofactors for glutathione production with other supportive nutrients. Ingredients like N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), Milk Thistle, Selenium, Vitamin C, and Riboflavin are well-researched for their roles in antioxidant defense, liver health, and energy metabolism. However, the product's primary named ingredient, Glutathione, is present at a mere 20mg per serving, which is significantly lower than doses typically found in standalone glutathione supplements (often 250-500mg) or those considered effective for noticeable impact on skin or anti-aging. Similarly, the 50mg doses of L-Glycine and L-Glutamine are very minimal for their roles in muscle gain, digestive health, or even as significant glutathione precursors compared to common standalone dosages of several grams. The inclusion of Riboflavin at 5mg is also quite low when compared to dedicated B2 supplements that provide 100-400mg. The product offers a convenient multi-ingredient approach, but its potency is compromised by these low dosages, potentially leading to less impactful results across its broad array of claimed benefits. Online reviews are generally positive but don't typically delve into specific ingredient dosages, focusing more on perceived general wellness benefits. Nutritionists often recommend higher specific doses for targeted conditions.
- Contains a synergistic blend of ingredients known to support the body's natural glutathione production, including NAC, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Selenium, Vitamin C, and Milk Thistle.
- Addresses multiple health goals simultaneously, offering a convenient all-in-one supplement.
- Includes well-regarded forms of key ingredients like Selenomethionine for better absorption.
- The actual dose of glutathione (20mg) is exceptionally low and likely insufficient for direct, noticeable effects, especially given its poor oral bioavailability in non-liposomal forms.
- Dosages of L-Glutamine (50mg) and L-Glycine (50mg) are far below clinically effective amounts for most applications (e.g., muscle recovery, gut health, or as significant glutathione precursors).
- The Vitamin E dose is negligibly small (67mcg), making its contribution effectively non-existent compared to dietary intake or other supplements.
- Individuals with known allergies to any of the herbal ingredients (e.g., Milk Thistle, Garlic, Asparagus) should consult a healthcare professional before use.
- Due to the inclusion of various active compounds, consult a doctor if taking other medications, especially blood thinners or liver-affecting drugs, to avoid potential interactions.
$16.90($0.56 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 16.90 | |
 Walmart | $ 17.01 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
NAC provides L-cysteine, a precursor amino acid essential for glutathione synthesis. Supplementing with NAC can help increase intracellular glutathione levels. This makes it a key ingredient often included in formulations designed to support antioxidant defenses.
L-Glutamine, L-Cysteine (from NAC), and L-Glycine are the three amino acids that directly form glutathione. Providing these building blocks supports the body's endogenous ability to produce this important antioxidant. This combination is crucial for maintaining optimal glutathione levels.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a potent antioxidant that can directly regenerate other antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and glutathione. It supports glutathione by helping to recycle oxidized glutathione back into its active form. This contributes to the overall antioxidant capacity of cells.
Vitamin C helps regenerate Vitamin E, and both are potent antioxidants protecting cells from damage. Selenium is a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that uses glutathione to neutralize harmful peroxides. This collective action forms a comprehensive antioxidant defense system in the body.
Milk Thistle extract, particularly its active compound silymarin, is widely studied for its hepatoprotective properties. It supports liver health through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. A healthy liver is essential for detoxification, a process closely linked to glutathione activity.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
NAC can generally be taken with or without food. Some suggest taking it between meals for optimal absorption, while others recommend taking it with food to reduce potential mild digestive upset. Adherence to label instructions is typically advised.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is often recommended to be taken on an empty stomach, approximately 30 minutes before a meal or two hours after a meal, as food can potentially interfere with its absorption. However, if stomach upset occurs, taking it with a small amount of food might be an alternative.
Standardized Milk Thistle extracts are commonly taken once or twice daily, depending on the concentration and desired benefits. Following the specific instructions on the supplement label is important to ensure appropriate intake.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E are often taken together due to their complementary antioxidant properties; Vitamin C can help regenerate Vitamin E. There are no specific timing constraints when taking them in combination, and they can generally be consumed with meals.
L-Glycine and L-Glutamine can generally be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Some individuals prefer to take them before bedtime due to potential effects on sleep, while others use them post-workout or at other times.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
NAC may interact with certain medications, such as nitroglycerin, by potentially increasing its effects. It can also influence blood clotting, so caution is advised with blood-thinning drugs. Individuals on prescription medications should consult a healthcare professional.
Milk Thistle can affect the activity of liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing various drugs, including some statins, benzodiazepines, and oral contraceptives. This interaction may alter the effectiveness or clearance of these medications.
Alpha Lipoic Acid may influence blood glucose levels, potentially enhancing the effects of antidiabetic medications. It can also interfere with the absorption or efficacy of thyroid hormones when taken concurrently.
Garlic possesses properties that may inhibit platelet aggregation, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinning medications. Individuals on such drugs should discuss garlic supplementation with their doctor.
When selenium is consumed within recommended daily allowances, it is generally safe to combine with other antioxidants like Vitamin C and E. However, it is important to avoid excessive intake of any single antioxidant from multiple sources to prevent potential toxicity.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calories | 5 Calorie(s) |
Total Carbohydrates | 1 Gram(s) |
Protein | 1 Gram(s) |
Vitamin C | 200 mg |
Vitamin E | 67 mcg |
Riboflavin | 5 mg |
Selenium | 200 mcg |
N-Acetyl Cysteine | 200 mg |
Milk Thistle extract | 140 mg |
Garlic | 100 mg |
Alpha Lipoic Acid | 50 mg |
L-Glutamine | 50 mg |
L-Glycine | 50 mg |
Asparagus concentrate | 25 mg |
Glutathione | 20 mg |
Categories
Selenium 90.0
The product provides 200mcg of Selenium in the well-absorbed Selenomethionine form, which is an excellent and common dosage for this essential trace mineral, comparable to many high-quality standalone selenium supplements.
Milk Thistle 70.0
The 140mg of Milk Thistle extract is a decent supportive dose for liver health, though some alternative products offer higher concentrations of the active compound silymarin for more intensive liver support.
Riboflavin 55.0
The 5mg of Riboflavin is a low dose compared to many B-complex supplements or standalone Riboflavin products available (e.g., NOW B-2 100 mg, NaturesPlus Vitamin B2 250 mg), which offer significantly higher potencies for targeted benefits.
Goals
Detoxification 80.0
This product excels in detoxification support due to the presence of Milk Thistle (liver support), NAC (glutathione precursor), Selenium, and Alpha Lipoic Acid, all critical for Phase I and Phase II liver detoxification pathways.
General Health 75.0
The product offers a broad spectrum of antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, Selenium, ALA, Glutathione precursors) and liver support from Milk Thistle and NAC, contributing to overall cellular health and detoxification, making it a good general wellness supplement.
Immunity 70.0
Ingredients like Vitamin C, Selenium, Garlic, and NAC are well-known for their immune-modulating and antioxidant effects, providing a solid foundation for immune system support.
Recommended Alternatives
80 Value 
Glutathione 500 mg
NOW
4.6
★★★★★
(50447 ratings)
This alternative provides a powerful 500mg dose of direct glutathione for 34 cents per serving, representing significantly better value for high-dose glutathione supplementation compared to the very low direct glutathione content in the Carlson product.
75 Value 
Micronized L-Glutamine 1000 mg
Natural Factors
4.8
★★★★★
(1738 ratings)
With 1000mg of L-Glutamine per serving for just 13 cents, this product offers a substantially higher and more effective dose of this critical glutathione precursor at a much better value than the 50mg provided by the Carlson blend.
78 Value 
Glycine 500 mg
Solgar
4.8
★★★★★
(2669 ratings)
This alternative delivers 500mg of Glycine, a crucial glutathione precursor, for 10 cents per serving. This provides a significantly more impactful dose at a better value for supporting glutathione synthesis than the small amount in the original product.
90 Performance 
Glutathione 500 mg
NOW
4.6
★★★★★
(50021 ratings)
This product delivers a substantial 500mg dose of reduced L-Glutathione, along with Milk Thistle and Alpha-Lipoic Acid, offering a much more direct and potent approach to increasing glutathione levels than the Carlson product's minimal 20mg.
85 Performance 
Anti-Alcohol HepatoProtection Complex
Life Extension
4.5
★★★★★
(3351 ratings)
This alternative provides a comprehensive liver and detoxification blend with significantly higher doses of key ingredients like NAC (1200mg) and a decent amount of direct Glutathione (50mg), along with Milk Thistle, offering superior protection and support.
88 Performance 
Glutathione-SR
Thorne
4.6
★★★★★
(2996 ratings)
This product offers 175mg of sustained-release glutathione, which can lead to improved absorption and longer-lasting effects compared to the standard, low-dose glutathione in the original product, making it a more effective choice for direct glutathione supplementation.
70 Budget 
Selenium Complex 200 mcg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(5383 ratings)
This alternative offers 200mcg of Selenium at a price per serving of 4 cents, significantly cheaper than the original product's 56 cents, providing a cost-effective way to get a key glutathione cofactor.
75 Budget 
Riboflavin 100 mg
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(765 ratings)
This product provides a pure Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) supplement at a very low price per serving (4 cents), making it a much more economical option for this specific nutrient that aids in glutathione recycling.
70 Budget 
Milk Thistle Extract 175 mg
Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(5433 ratings)
Offering 175mg of Milk Thistle extract for 7 cents per serving, this product provides excellent value for focused liver support compared to the original, making it a much more economical choice for this specific ingredient.
80 Value
Glutathione 500 mg
NOW
4.6
★★★★★
(50447 ratings)
This alternative provides a powerful 500mg dose of direct glutathione for 34 cents per serving, representing significantly better value for high-dose glutathione supplementation compared to the very low direct glutathione content in the Carlson product.
75 Value
Micronized L-Glutamine 1000 mg
Natural Factors
4.8
★★★★★
(1738 ratings)
With 1000mg of L-Glutamine per serving for just 13 cents, this product offers a substantially higher and more effective dose of this critical glutathione precursor at a much better value than the 50mg provided by the Carlson blend.
78 Value
Glycine 500 mg
Solgar
4.8
★★★★★
(2669 ratings)
This alternative delivers 500mg of Glycine, a crucial glutathione precursor, for 10 cents per serving. This provides a significantly more impactful dose at a better value for supporting glutathione synthesis than the small amount in the original product.
90 Performance
Glutathione 500 mg
NOW
4.6
★★★★★
(50021 ratings)
This product delivers a substantial 500mg dose of reduced L-Glutathione, along with Milk Thistle and Alpha-Lipoic Acid, offering a much more direct and potent approach to increasing glutathione levels than the Carlson product's minimal 20mg.
85 Performance
Anti-Alcohol HepatoProtection Complex
Life Extension
4.5
★★★★★
(3351 ratings)
This alternative provides a comprehensive liver and detoxification blend with significantly higher doses of key ingredients like NAC (1200mg) and a decent amount of direct Glutathione (50mg), along with Milk Thistle, offering superior protection and support.
88 Performance
Glutathione-SR
Thorne
4.6
★★★★★
(2996 ratings)
This product offers 175mg of sustained-release glutathione, which can lead to improved absorption and longer-lasting effects compared to the standard, low-dose glutathione in the original product, making it a more effective choice for direct glutathione supplementation.