Kyowa Hakko’s glutathione approved as health ingredient in Brazil

By Asia Sherman

- Last updated on GMT

© dabldy / Getty Images
© dabldy / Getty Images

Related tags Glutathione Antioxidant Kyowa hakko usa Brazil ANVISA

The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) has approved Kyowa Hakko’s Setria ingredient, making it the first glutathione authorized for use in dietary supplements and functional foods in the country.

“We are delighted that Brazilian consumers looking to fight free radical damage will now have access to Setria,” said Karen Todd, vice president of global brand marketing at Kyowa Hakko USA, Inc. “This is a milestone we’ve been eager to reach, and we look forward to working with our customers in Brazil to bring innovative products to market containing this high-quality ingredient.”  

Setria has been incorporated as ingredient in a wide range of applications including liver detoxification, beauty from within, blood flow, immunity, eye health, sports performance and mood boosting products. It is already marketed across the U.S., Asia, Australia and Europe.

Master antioxidant

Often referred to as the “master antioxidant", glutathione is a tripeptide of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine – three essential amino acids produced in the human body. It is found in every cell of the body, as well as in foods like onions, garlic, avocados, dark green leafy vegetables, asparagus and watermelon. 

A large body of research supports the compound’s central role in good health as a critical regulator of oxidative stress and immune function, and key findings link high glutathione levels to longer lifespans, healthier organ function and improved markers of metabolic health.

“Setria plays a key role in protecting all kinds of cells from the damaging effects of ingested chemicals and potential carcinogens the body has already absorbed,” Kyowa Hakko explains. “It also assists in protein synthesis, DNA repair, enzyme function, transport, and cell maturation.”

The ingredient supplier’s own clinical research​ shows that daily supplementation with Setria may dramatically increase glutathione levels in cells and tissue.

Growth of glutathione

Market research firm Stratview Research projects that the global glutathione market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 7% during the 2022-2028 forecast period to surpass $576 million, with applications across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical and food segments.

Within this market, Setria is positioned as a pure and bioavailable glutathione – produced through a propriety fermentation process – that replenishes reserves increasingly depleted by poor diet, stressed schedules and natural aging.

Todd told NutraIngredients-USA that the Brazilian focus on health and supplement habits is driven by a combination of factors, including an aging population, rising rates of chronic disease, and a growing interest in natural and plant-based health solutions. 

“As such, the market for dietary supplements, and especially antioxidants like Setria, in Brazil is likely to continue to grow in the years ahead,” she added.

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