As advances in science and modern medicine increase, the lifespan across the globe does, too. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more older people on our planet than younger for the first time in history; 20% of the world population will be over 60 years old.^1,2

So, what does this mean for consumers? As the older global population continues to skyrocket, how will this affect the health industry? The short answer: more emphasis on investing in healthy aging earlier in life.

For those in the health industry trying to reach consumers, the conversation needs to be reframed. It’s no longer just about living longer for consumers — it’s about reshifting focus onto how the later years can be enjoyed just as much as our younger ones.

A major avenue of supporting healthy aging among consumers is finding the products that help them achieve this goal. Roughly 70% of consumers in the U.K. and U.S. and 85% in China indicated that they have purchased more products in this category in the past year than in prior years.³ And now, healthy aging is no longer a concern solely for the aging population — Millennials and Gen Z have started to carve their consumer spot within the space. These two groups now purchase more wellness products than older generations.

Enjoying our younger years just as much as our older years isn’t the only driving force behind increased consumer interest. COVID-19 changed many things for many people, but for the U.S. supplement consumer, it seems their attitudes and behaviors surrounding their personal health considerably shifted. In a recent study by Kyowa Hakko, maker of the standout glutathione Setria^®, supplement consumers reported they are more concerned than ever about their immune health.

Since the pandemic, 43% of U.S. supplement consumers report spending more on maintaining good immune health and 74% agree that getting older is one of the largest negative effects on their immune health. These consumers also see a clear connection between their immune health and appearance — 70% say bright, glowing skin is a sign of strong immune health.

Another connection consumers make with immune health is respiratory health. Eight in 10 say “clear, easy breathing” is a sign of a strong immune system. But when it comes to aging and the signs we see accompany this process, some of the best defenses are actually found within our bodies.

One of the “signs” of aging is attributed to cellular metabolism, a process where cells make energy to perform life processes, involving the chemical breakdown of oxygen molecules. This reaction inevitably causes the production of unstable molecules called free radicals. It’s important to note that there are lifestyle factors that can also cause these levels to rise: diet, exercise, medications, and exposure to radiation, pollution, or tobacco smoke. But if left unneutralized, free radicals accumulate in our body and cause oxidative stress, a type of cell damage that can harm DNA, proteins, and other vital molecules.

Oxidative stress is associated with the development of numerous diseases, immune disorders, and aging. Chronic degenerative diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, and cancer are linked to oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Mechanisms to get rid of free radicals are in nearly every cell in the body and are especially concentrated in the liver. Enzymes that use the powerful antioxidant glutathione to reduce the effects of oxidative stress are a major component of these cellular defense mechanisms.

Studies have shown that the body’s natural defenses against free radicals can be supported by increasing levels of glutathione in the body. Glutathione is an antioxidant found in the body — necessary for healthy immune systems. The peptide is important in the production and maintenance of T-cell lymphocytes, or white blood cells. Glutathione also supports the function of NK cells, which contain cytotoxic proteins that kill damaged cells. NK cells are essential for eliminating tumorigenic cells and cells infected by viruses.

Our body’s natural glutathione levels fluctuate constantly throughout the day. According to researchers at Emory University, levels of glutathione vary over a 24-hour period, spiking about six hours after each meal and hitting their lowest point in the morning hours. Exposure to toxins, ingested and environmental chemicals, and even things as healthy as exercise can all increase free radicals and ramp up our body’s need for glutathione.

Young, healthy people tend to have enough glutathione within their bodies. However, glutathione levels naturally start to decline at around age 45 and continue to decline until death. The best dietary sources of glutathione are freshly prepared meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables (both raw and cooked). Most processed foods have little to no glutathione.

It’s important to note that certain foods such as cereals, bread, and dairy products are not only lacking glutathione, they actually act as “glutathione antagonists.” Common beverages like tea and coffee also contain glutathione-destroying compounds. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can also lower glutathione levels.

Fortunately, combating the negative effects associated with depleting glutathione and signs of aging can be negated with a proactive approach, starting in your 30s. With a nutritional supplement like Setria^® Glutathione by Kyowa Hakko, you can proactively support your body’s primary defense while fighting off oxidative stress. By supporting immune health and replenishing the body’s primary defense system, it helps fight oxidative stress, support healthy respiratory function, and promote healthy aging and overall health.

As the world’s top-selling branded glutathione ingredient, Setria^® stands out from generic glutathione options with its long-standing reputation, high-quality manufacturing, clinical studies, and established safety record. It also supports the body’s detoxification process by aiding the function of your liver, kidneys, GI tract, and intestines — our body’s major detoxification pathways.

Daily glutathione supplementation has been shown to increase glutathione levels in the body. Clinical studies suggest that Setria^® is effective for raising glutathione blood levels. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, healthy adults were given either low (250 mg/day) or high (1000 mg/day) oral dosages of Setria^® Glutathione.⁴ After six months of daily consumption, the mean average glutathione blood levels in both groups rose significantly. Reductions in oxidative stress were also observed in both dose groups.

The findings also suggest that daily oral supplementation of Setria^® can support the body’s immune system by increasing the levels of glutathione needed for the optimal function of lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. The data revealed that Setria^® significantly increased participants’ glutathione levels in lymphocytes, as well as erythrocytes (red blood cells) and plasma. In the study, after three months, the cytotoxicity of NK cells increased twofold (versus placebo) among participants consuming daily high doses of Setria^® Glutathione. The finding suggests that Setria^® at high dosages may improve immune function and reduce cancer risk.

References

1. WHO. Ageing and health. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health (last accessed June 2021)

2. WHO. Ageing: Global population. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/population-ageing (last accessed June 2021)

3. “Ageing and health,” World Health Organization, October 1, 2022.

4. 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. European Journal of Nutrition. May 2014: 1436-6207. doi: 10.1007/s00394-014-0706-z