What is Glutathione with Cofactors and who is it for?

Glutathione with Cofactors is a practitioner-formulated supplement designed for individuals navigating modern environmental exposures, from chlorine in tap water and pools to formaldehyde in new furniture, exhaust fumes during commutes, and chemical residues in everyday products. Unlike basic glutathione supplements, this formula includes the critical cofactors many people lack, making it particularly valuable for those who have struggled to tolerate standalone glutathione or who want comprehensive support for their body’s natural detoxification system.

Whether you’re frequently exposed to chemical fumes, travel regularly, exercise intensively, or simply want to support healthy glutathione recycling, this product addresses a fundamental gap: glutathione alone isn’t enough. Your body needs selenium, riboflavin, and molybdenum to actually use and recycle it effectively.

Why choose this specific approach or formulation?

Most glutathione supplements on the market are incomplete. They provide the glutathione molecule but ignore the enzymatic cofactors required to activate and recycle it. This is why some people experience headaches, irritability, or poor tolerance – it’s not the glutathione itself, but rather the metabolic bottleneck created when cofactors are missing.

S-acetyl-L-glutathione (Emothion®) is a clinically researched, stabilised form that survives stomach acid better than reduced glutathione (L-glutathione), making it more bioavailable in oral form. The lozenge delivery avoids the taste and refrigeration challenges of liposomal versions while remaining effective. The formula’s inclusion of molybdenum is particularly important for individuals sensitive to sulfites – a common side effect of glutathione supplementation when sulfite oxidase (SUOX) enzyme activity is compromised.

How does it work?

Think of glutathione as your cellular security system. It patrols your cells, neutralising free radicals and binding to harmful compounds—heavy metals like mercury and arsenic, volatile organic compounds from cleaning products, and metabolic waste products. But here’s the critical part: once glutathione does its job, it becomes “used up” and needs to be recycled. Without the right cofactors, your body can’t recycle it, and you’re left with a depleted antioxidant defence system despite taking the supplement.

Selenium activates glutathione peroxidase (GPX). This enzyme is the primary mechanism by which glutathione neutralises hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides—dangerous free radicals created during normal metabolism and in response to environmental toxins. Without adequate selenium, GPX can’t function, and your glutathione sits idle. Seeking Health includes Albion® selenium, a highly absorbable chelated form that ensures your body can actually utilise it.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) recycles glutathione via the glutathione reductase (GSR) enzyme. Once glutathione neutralises a free radical, it becomes oxidised glutathione (GSSG). Your body needs GSR to convert GSSG back into active, reduced glutathione (GSH). Riboflavin is the cofactor that allows this recycling to happen. Without sufficient B2, you’re constantly depleting your glutathione pool without replenishing it—a metabolic dead-end. The formula provides adequate riboflavin to support this critical recycling pathway.

Molybdenum supports sulfite oxidase (SUOX) and prevents uncomfortable side effects. When glutathione is metabolised, it releases sulfites as a byproduct. If your body can’t efficiently eliminate sulfites, they accumulate and cause symptoms like headaches, brain fog, or irritability. Molybdenum is the essential cofactor for the SUOX enzyme, which converts sulfites into harmless sulfates for elimination. This is why some people feel worse after taking glutathione, not because glutathione is harmful, but because their SUOX enzyme is under-resourced. The inclusion of molybdenum in this formula solves that problem.

What can this support?

This formula provides nutritional support for:

• Environmental chemical exposure: Individuals regularly exposed to formaldehyde (new furniture, carpets, gas stoves), chlorine (tap water, pools, hot tubs), exhaust fumes, fragrances, paints, cleaning products, and building materials benefit from enhanced detoxification capacity.
• Travel and air quality challenges: Frequent flyers, commuters, and those in urban environments with poor air quality face cumulative oxidative stress. Glutathione with Cofactors supports the body’s natural response to these exposures.
• Heavy metal exposure: Your body uses glutathione to bind and eliminate mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. This formula provides the cofactors necessary to activate that process effectively.
• Intensive exercise and athletic recovery: High-intensity exercise generates substantial oxidative stress and free radicals. Athletes and active individuals often experience slower muscle recovery when antioxidant defences are depleted. Glutathione with Cofactors supports healthy recovery and normal inflammatory response.
• Chemical sensitivity and odour sensitivity: Individuals who experience strong reactions to smells, fragrances, or chemical exposures may benefit from enhanced detoxification capacity. This isn’t psychological—it reflects real metabolic stress from processing these compounds.
• Cooking-related exposures: Regular use of gas stoves, BBQs, smokers, or open flames without adequate ventilation creates cumulative exposure to combustion byproducts. Glutathione with Cofactors supports the detoxification pathways activated by these exposures.
• Glutathione deficiency and low GGT enzyme status: Lab testing showing low glutathione levels or elevated GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) indicates compromised glutathione metabolism. This formula addresses the nutritional substrate needed to restore healthy glutathione status.
• Tolerance issues with other glutathione supplements: If you’ve experienced headaches, irritability, or poor sleep after taking glutathione, the cofactors in this formula may resolve those side effects by supporting complete glutathione metabolism.

Common Questions

How much glutathione do I need daily?
Glutathione isn’t a “take the same dose every day” supplement. Your need fluctuates based on your chemical exposures, stress levels, physical activity, illness, and diet. Days when you’re travelling, cooking without ventilation, exposed to new materials, or recovering from illness warrant 1 capsule. Days with minimal exposures and good nutrition may require none. Listen to your body—this flexible approach aligns with functional medicine principles of personalised dosing.

Why am I experiencing headaches or irritability after taking glutathione?
These symptoms typically indicate you’re taking too much or too frequently. Excess glutathione can increase glutamate levels (an excitatory neurotransmitter), creating neurological symptoms. Reduce your frequency or pause for a few days. If symptoms persist, consider supporting healthy glutamate metabolism with additional magnesium or lithium orotate. The cofactors in this formula help prevent this issue, but individual sensitivity varies.

Can I take this with food?
Yes. Take with food for optimal tolerance. Avoid taking within 2 hours of bedtime, as glutathione may interfere with sleep in some individuals.

Is this suitable for children or during pregnancy/breastfeeding?
This formula is suitable for ages 4 and up, including during breastfeeding. However, consult your healthcare practitioner before use, especially during pregnancy or if you’re nursing.

How does this compare to liposomal glutathione?
Liposomal glutathione offers enhanced absorption but requires refrigeration and has a distinctive taste that some find unpleasant. S-acetyl glutathione (Emothion®) in lozenge form provides excellent bioavailability without refrigeration, making it convenient for travel and daily use. Both forms are effective; choice depends on your preferences and lifestyle.

Can I take this alongside other detoxification supplements?
Yes. Glutathione with Cofactors pairs well with complementary products supporting Phase 1 and Phase 2 liver detoxification, such as Liver Nutrients, Calcium D-Glucarate, and Bile Nutrients. Consult your practitioner for personalised stacking protocols.

Key Features

• S-acetyl-L-glutathione (Emothion®): Clinically researched, stabilised form with superior oral bioavailability compared to reduced glutathione.
• Complete cofactor support: Selenium (Albion®), riboflavin, and molybdenum—the three nutrients your body needs to activate, recycle, and eliminate glutathione metabolites effectively.
• Convenient lozenge format: No refrigeration required, small and portable, no liquid taste issues, easy to take with you.
• Suitable for sensitive individuals: Formulated specifically to prevent the headaches and irritability some experience with basic glutathione supplements.
• Third-party tested: Quality assurance and purity verification.

Suggested Use

Take 1 capsule as needed with food, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Avoid taking within 2 hours of bedtime. Glutathione with Cofactors is not a daily fixed-dose supplement, adjust frequency based on your environmental exposures, stress levels, and how you feel. If you experience headaches, irritability, or sleep disturbance, reduce frequency or pause for a few days.

Ingredients (per serving)

• S-acetyl-L-glutathione (Emothion®) – 100 mg
• Selenium (Albion® Selenium Chelate) – 5 mcg
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – 5 mg
• Molybdenum (Albion® Molybdenum Glycinate Chelate) – 25 mcg

Other Ingredients: Xylitol, gum arabic, natural flavours, stevia leaf extract, silica, vegetable stearate.

Allergen Information: Free from major allergens. Suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with bariatric considerations. No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the TGA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any new supplement protocol, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a pre-existing health condition.