Dr. Berne’s S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy (S-A-GSH) is a unique form of glutathione, one of the body's most powerful antioxidants naturally produced. It has an acetyl group (COCH3) attached to the sulfur atom of cysteine in the glutathione molecule. S-A-GSH is well-suited for oral ingestion because this acetyl group protects glutathione from breaking down in the gastrointestinal tract. It is removed once absorbed and inside the cells, leaving the glutathione molecule intact. S-A-GSH helps to support immune function and to optimize glutathione-dependent hepatic detoxification pathways. It is the perfect choice when higher doses of glutathione are recommended. This product also includes N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and vitamin B6, which are important for producing glutathione.

Applicability for higher dosing

One study demonstrated the advantage of S-A-GSH in vivo and in vitro compared to GSH in regard to increasing intracellular levels of GSH. This was shown while keeping GSH and S-A-GSH plasma concentrations at similar levels. According to this study, “In cell culture, viral infection significantly decreased intracellular GSH levels. S-acetyl-GSH efficiently and dose-dependently (5 and 10 mM tested) restored intracellular GSH, and this replenishment was more efficient than with GSH supplementation."³ Therefore, S-A-GSH is the preferred choice of glutathione supplementation when an individual needs increasing glutathione levels quickly and efficiently and when higher doses may be desired.

Antiviral

The same study showed that S-acetyl-glutathione displayed antiviral properties when used in cell and animal models of herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) infection by inhibiting viral replication and improving survival better than plain GSH. “In mice, S-acetyl-GSH, but not GSH, significantly decreased HSV-1-induced mortality (P<0.05). The data suggest that S-GSH is a suitable antiviral agent against HSV-1 both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that this drug (sic) may benefit the adjunctive therapy of HSV-1 infections.”³

Capsule form

Dr. Berne’s S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy (S-A-GSH) is offered in capsule form and may be preferred by some individuals over glutathione powder. Its acetyl group protects glutathione from breaking down in the gastrointestinal tract and reduces the bitter sulfurous smell and taste that accompanies standard GSH.

Additional Highlights of S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is included in this formula, as this stable form of cysteine supplies important precursors to glutathione production. Additionally, in chronic disease, cysteine stores can become depleted, jeopardizing glutathione production. Studies have shown that ingesting glutathione precursors such as N-acetyl-cysteine is an efficient way to support normal glutathione production in some cells, while generally not as efficient as supplementing with S-A-GSH.^1,8 However, NAC is an excellent complement to supplementation with S-A-GSH. One study found that NAC supplementation in AIDS-infected cells was more efficient than GSH or S-A-GSH at reducing spleen and lymph node viral.