Glutathione vs Astaxanthin: Which One Is Best for Immunity?

If you’re not familiar with the world of antioxidants, in this article we’re talking about two of the most powerful—glutathione and astaxanthin—and their roles in supporting immune function.

We’re covering what they are, their functions in the body, and which ones take the reins for the best immune-supporter. We also recommend some high-quality supplements that deliver these antioxidants. Let's get to it!

Key Takeaways

• Both glutathione and astaxanthin offer robust antioxidant support to protect cells, and may support various aspects of overall wellness.
• Glutathione is more focused on detoxification, immune support, cell health and athletic performance. It's the better choice for immune function.
• The best immune supplement with glutathione is Performance Lab Immune.
• The best sports nutrition glutathione supplement is Pre Lab Pro, which features Setria Performance Blend (a patented glutathione + citrulline blend)
• Astaxanthin stands out for its antioxidant and inflammation-modulating benefits for skin health and eye health.
• If you're considering astaxanthin supplementation, check out our top-recommended vision health supplement with astaxanthin: Performance Lab Vision.

What Is Glutathione?

Glutathione is an essential antioxidant and sulfur compound that’s composed of three amino acids—cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid—and is the major non-protein thiol in most organisms, including humans. ⁽¹⁾

As an endogenous antioxidant, glutathione can be produced by the human body. Supplementing glutathione augments your endogenous antioxidant status.

Antioxidant glutathione (GSH) is found in high concentrations in many tissues within the human body and has been shown to play roles in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, maintaining redox balance, enhancing metabolic detoxification processes, and regulating immune function. ⁽²⁾

Glutathione also plays additional key roles across many areas of human health: ⁽³⁾

• Neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), including harmful age-accelerating free radicals
• Serving as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes
• Regenerating other antioxidants ( vitamin C and vitamin E) to fight free radicals again
• Helping to remove toxins and heavy metals from cells and the brain
• Supporting mitochondrial function and maintaining mitochondrial DNA for healthy energy

As for its role in the immune system, aside from protecting cells from free radical damage, glutathione also protects human health in two ways: ⁽⁴⁾

1. Supports proper function of the T-cell lymphocytes to enable frontline soldiers of the immune system to increase in numbers
2. Stimulates production and activation of natural killer (NK) cells

It’s also been shown to have a pivotal role in establishing innate immune responses, possibly acting as a signaling molecule with a mechanism different from simply scavenging reactive oxygen species. ⁽⁵⁾

For these reasons, glutathione is regarded as a top immune-boosting nutrient to look for in dietary supplements for immune support this year.

Did you know? Glutathione is found in foods that are rich in selenium, another natural nutrient – this time, a mineral – shown to support healthy immune function. Foods with glutathione + selenium include Brazil nuts, eggs, sunflower seeds, and fatty fish like tuna and sardines.

Glutathione plays a crucial role in fat oxidation through its impact on mitochondrial function and detoxification processes.

As a powerful antioxidant, glutathione helps protect mitochondria, the cellular structures where fatty acids are oxidized to produce energy, from oxidative damage. This protection ensures that mitochondria function efficiently and impact fat oxidation positively.

Research has shown that fat oxidation decreased as exercise intensity increased. In theory this is because circulation during exertion was directed to muscles instead of fatty tissues.

Glutathione may help to fight this fat-preserving effect by maintaining robust circulation. Which in turn supports fat oxidation and peak performance during exercise, so you can get the most out of each and every workout.

Taking a quality pre-workout supplement with glutathione may help to fight muscle fatigue. This assertion is backed by some early animal research. ⁽⁶⁾

Additionally, glutathione supports liver detoxification by helping to neutralize toxins and free radicals. A well-functioning liver is essential for fat metabolism, as it processes and breaks down fats for energy use.

By maintaining mitochondrial health and aiding liver detoxification, glutathione further enhances the body's ability to oxidize fats.

It all adds up to an overall metabolic health enhancement and stim-free boost in energy production.

Did you know? Oxidative stress markers are indicators of oxidative damage in the body, often measured to assess the balance between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glutathione levels (GSH/GSSG ratio) are used as an oxidative stress marker that reflects redox state and antioxidant capacity. Supplements can affect oxidative stress markers, including glutathione levels.

Advanced Glutathione for Athletes: Setria Performance Blend

Setria Performance Blend is a specialized formulation that combines Setria Glutathione, a highly pure and bioavailable form of the antioxidant glutathione, with the sport nutrient L-Citrulline.

The resulting blend has been shown in clinical research to boost and sustain muscle-pumping nitric oxide levels more effectively than glutathione or L-Citrulline alone, which in turn has been suggested to enhance aerobic exercise performance. ⁽⁷⁾

This blend is designed to boost the body's antioxidant defenses, support immune function, and improve athletic performance by reducing exercise-induced oxidative stress and boosting circulation.

Setria Performance Blend is an ideal supplement for athletes and active individuals seeking to enhance recovery, endurance, and overall physical performance. We discuss a high-quality pre-workout with Setria Performance Blend below (Pre Lab Pro).

What Is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is another powerful xanthophyll carotenoid antioxidant that’s been extensively studied for its role in skin health because of its powerful photo-protective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

More recently, antioxidant astaxanthin has also earned kudos for protecting the eyes and maintaining ocular health.

Researchers suggest that astaxanthin may hold promise as a safe, natural supplement helping with several different vision health concerns.

Astaxanthin's eye health benefits are mostly attributed to its antioxidant protection and inflammation-regulating properties. ⁽⁸⁾

It is found in today's best eye health supplements and may be especially effective when paired with other top carotenoids for eye health like lutein and zeaxanthin.

Unlike glutathione that’s synthesized endogenously, astaxanthin is naturally produced in various types of bacteria, microalgae, and yeasts.

It is also the dietary compound that gives certain aquatic life their characteristic pink color. ⁽⁹⁾

Because of its unique molecular structure, it’s been suggested to have antioxidant, inflammation-regulating, and cell health-supportive activities, which may suggest promise for health concerns related to oxidative stress and inflammation.

Did you know? Some research suggests that astaxanthin's antioxidant capacity may be up to 10-times more powerful than zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene, and up to 100-times more powerful than vitamin E. ⁽¹⁰⁾

As for immune function, astaxanthin has been suggested to have two roles: ⁽¹¹⁾

1. Modulating immune responses
2. Regulating bacterial load and gastric inflammation

Studies show that astaxanthin may be a powerful compound for regulating immune responses, oxidative damage, and inflammation in humans.

Dietary astaxanthin has been suggested to enhance both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses, evident through enhanced T cell and B cell mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation.

Glutathione vs Astaxanthin: What's the Difference?

Glutathione and astaxanthin are both powerful antioxidants, but they serve different roles and offer unique benefits to various areas of health.

Let's summarize with a detailed comparison of astaxanthin vs. glutathione:

Glutathione

Is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. It is produced naturally in the body and is present in every cell. Health Benefits:

1. Support the Body's Detoxification Process: Essential for the detoxification processes in the liver. Helps neutralize and eliminate environmental toxins and heavy metals.
2. Immune Support: Enhances the function of immune cells, including T-cells and natural killer cells. Glutathione is one of the top supplements for immune function.
3. Antioxidant Defense: Acts as a major antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage. Regenerates other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, for anti-aging, cardiovascular health, muscle protection and overall wellness.
4. Cellular Health: Supports mitochondrial function and energy production. Plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found in certain algae, seafood (like salmon, trout, and shrimp), and yeast. Known for its reddish color and potent antioxidant properties. Health Benefits:

Skin Health: Protects skin from UV damage and reduces wrinkles and age spots. Improves skin elasticity and hydration.

Eye Health: Supports and nourishes retinal health to help maintain defenses against degenerative eye concerns.

Balanced inflammatory responses: Helps regulate inflammation, which may be beneficial for joint and sore muscles.

Cardiovascular Health: Supports heart health by improving blood lipid profiles and reducing oxidative stress on the cardiovascular system.

Fat oxidation: Glutathione's mitochondria supportive bioactivities may also help to increase lipid peroxidation (fat oxidation rates).

Muscle Endurance and Recovery: Enhances physical performance by reducing muscle fatigue and improving muscle recovery. Helps reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Distinct Advantages of each supplement:

Glutathione: It is better than astaxanthin for liver detoxification and supporting enhanced immune response. Also a superior sports nutrient when combined with L-Citrulline as Setria Performance Blend.

Astaxanthin: It is better than glutathione for protecting skin from UV damage and supporting eye health and vision performance.

Which One is Better for Immune Support?

When we’re looking at what the better immune supplement is out of astaxanthin vs glutathione, we first need to look at the role of oxidative stress in immune function.

As we said before, oxidative stress is a major player in health concerns and aging itself. But the body has mechanisms to combat excessive oxidative stress levels and resulting damage.

Endogenous and exogenous antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals. They fight the cell damage caused by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and oxidative stress.

Immune cells are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress because of their high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the plasma membranes, along with naturally producing more oxidative products. ⁽¹²⁾

Overproduction of RONS can tip the oxidant to antioxidant balance, thereby destroying cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. As such, under conditions of increased oxidative stress (e.g., during sickness states or high-intensity physical activity), dietary antioxidants become essential for maintaining the proper balance.

While studies show major roles for both glutathione and astaxanthin in supporting immune function, which one is better?

It’s not to say that one is necessarily a stronger antioxidant than the other, but where the immune system is concerned, studies do support a greater role for glutathione in fighting oxidative damage and balancing inflammation, thereby bolstering appropriate immune responses and optimal immune function.

Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress in research and has been suggested to support immune health. However, it has stronger links to ocular and skin health. As a result, Astaxanthin is a better option for reducing antioxidant damage in the eyes, promoting visual health, and supporting proper function and health of the skin.

If you want the best form of this antioxidant, Setria Glutathione is it. It’s one of the most powerful forms of L-glutathione produced from a unique fermentation process, leaving you with the cleanest, purest, and most effective form of glutathione.

Research suggests supplementing 1,000mg/day of Setria® Glutathione can increase whole blood levels by 30%, red blood cell levels by 35%, and buccal cell glutathione levels by 260%.

In addition, one study even found that after three months of supplementation with1,000mg of Setria® glutathione, there was a 2-fold increase in NK cell activity. Learn more about Setria Research here.

Basically, it’s a well-documented immune support nutrient with additional benefits as a sports nutrient for athletes.

Since intense training and gym environments both weaken the immune system, it makes sense to take Glutathione in either immune supplements or sports nutrition formulas.

We recommend one of each in our next section.

Best Immune Supplement with Glutathione: Performance Lab® Immune

Today’s most dynamic immune performance supplement: Broad-range support for complex immune challenges.

Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (liposomal from lichen), Vitamin C (via NutriGenesis®), Selenium (via NutriGenesis®), Zinc (via NutriGenesis®), Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (Postbiotic), Glutathione.

Performance Lab® Immune supplies 250 mg of Setria® Glutathione in each serving of 1 NutriCap®.

Performance Lab® Immune first helps restore immune defenses that are weakened by nutritional shortfalls, stress, toxins and overtraining. Then it activates 5 types of immune cells, helping them to coordinate, multiply and perform. From day to day and season to season, Performance Lab® Immune helps your immune system to fight, adapt and evolve to best defend your health.

Shop Performance Lab® Immune

Best Pre-Workout with Glutathione: Pre Lab Pro®

“World’s smartest pre-workout drink": smooth energy, focus and peak performance with no jitters or crashes.

Ingredients: Red Beetroot Powder; Setria® Performance Blend; Natural Caffeine; L-Theanine; L-Tyrosine; Vitamin D3, Potassium and Iron (all as NutriGenesis®), Himalayan Pink Salt. Delicious natural berry flavor.

Pre Lab Pro® supplies 2200 mg of Setria® Performance Blend [L-Citrulline (Kyowa Quality®), L-Glutathione (Setria®)] in each scoop.

Pre Lab Pro® is a nootropics-enhanced pre-workout formula developed by Opti Nutra. It supplies a moderate dose of sport-tuned caffeine with amino acids that balance energy with calm control. Bust through exercise induced fatigue in-workout while easing muscle soreness afterwards. Increase endogenous antioxidant status with glutathione to protect muscles against exercise-induced damage.

With an additional nitric oxide boost for blood flow plus natural hydration support, Pre Lab Pro® enhances intensity, motivation and mental sharpness throughout your session -- for better gym performance, muscle growth and muscle gains overall.

Shop Pre Lab Pro®

Best Eye Formula with Astaxanthin: Performance Lab® Vision

Competitive eyesight enhancer with macular health support for long-range eye health.

Ingredients: European Black Currant, powder and extract (Extract 25% anthocyanins and 2.2% C3G); European Bilberry Extract (25% anthocyanosides); Lutein and Zeaxanthin; Astaxanthin; Saffron (0.3% safranal)

Performance Lab® Vision supplies 4 mg Astaxanthin (as Haematococcus pluvialis algal extract) in each serving of 1 NutriCap®.

Astaxanthin supplementation can benefit eye health in a few different ways. That's why Performance Lab® Vision -- designed to enhance high-speed focus, motion detection, dark adaptation, contrast sensitivity, glare recovery and night vision -- includes 5 mg astaxanthin in every serving.

It is loaded with powerful antioxidant activity to protect the eyes from the damaging effects of free radicals generated by blue light (screens, devices) and sunlight, nourishing the eyes to uphold macular health.

Shop Performance Lab® Vision

Conclusion

In the realm of immune support, antioxidants like glutathione and astaxanthin often do not receive the recognition they deserve. These compounds play crucial roles in neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, which is integral to maintaining a healthy immune response.

In the astaxanthin glutathione debate, consider how each contributes unique advantages that cater to different health needs.

Glutathione stands out for its role in detoxification, immune support, and cellular health. It enhances the function of immune cells, aids in detoxifying the liver, and regenerates other antioxidants. All these benefits are helpful for protecting cells and maintaining overall cellular balance. Combine it with L-Citrulline, and it's a fantastic workout performance-booster, too.

On the other hand, astaxanthin shines in promoting skin and eye health, as well as regulating inflammation. Its strong antioxidant properties help protect skin from UV damage, support retinal health, and enhance muscle endurance and recovery.

Ultimately, while both antioxidants are powerful in their own right, glutathione emerges as the superior choice for supporting immune function.

However, for targeted support in skin, eye health, and physical performance, astaxanthin is the better option.

Incorporating both into your wellness regimen, especially under the direction of your healthcare professional, can provide comprehensive antioxidant protection and support for various aspects of health.