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Originally published July 8, 2018. Completely updated July 2026 with the current formula and clinical research. If you have ringing, buzzing or hissing in your ears, you may have heard of Lipo-Flavonoid, a supplement promoted for tinnitus and inner-ear health. I first reviewed it in 2018 after developing ringing in my left ear. I did more than read the label. I took Lipo-Flavonoid for six months to see if it worked. It did not reduce my tinnitus. Some users report better results, but the clinical evidence is weak, and the best trial did not show that Lipo-Flavonoid was an effective tinnitus treatment. Here is what the research shows and what happened when I tried it.

What Is Lipo-Flavonoid?

Lipo-Flavonoid is an over-the-counter dietary supplement promoted for ear ringing and inner-ear health. You may also see the name written as:

• Lipo Flavonoid
• Lipoflavonoid
• Lipo-Flavonoid Plus
• Lipo-Flavonoid Ear Ringing Relief

The current product contains a proprietary mixture called the Tisina Complex. The company describes it as a combination that includes bioflavonoids, B vitamins and choline. Its website says the bioflavonoids may support microcirculation and inner-ear health. These are company claims and do not prove that the product reduces tinnitus.

Lipo-Flavonoid Ingredients

The company’s current website lists these key ingredients:

• Tisina Complex
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Niacin
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Pantothenic acid
• Calcium

The proprietary Tisina Complex includes bioflavonoids and choline bitartrate. The product is associated most closely with lemon bioflavonoids, including a compound historically identified as eriodictyol glycoside.

What Are Lemon Bioflavonoids?

Bioflavonoids are plant compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Lipo-Flavonoid has traditionally emphasized lemon bioflavonoids as its key ingredient.

The way it's supposed to work is that bioflavonoids may support circulation or protect inner-ear tissues. That sounds reasonable, but is there any proof?

A 10-year observational study followed 1,217 adults aged 50 and older who did not have tinnitus when the study began. During follow-up, 222 people developed tinnitus. After accounting for other factors, the researchers concluded that dietary flavonoid consumption did not appear to protect against developing tinnitus. This was not a trial of Lipo-Flavonoid.

Does Lipo-Flavonoid Work for Tinnitus?

The best clinical trial does not prove that Lipo-Flavonoid reduces tinnitus.

The 2016 study included 40 people who had experienced tinnitus for more than six months. Researchers randomly assigned them to one of two groups:

• Lipo-Flavonoid Plus with 8 mg of manganese
• Lipo-Flavonoid Plus without manganese

Both groups took the supplements three times per day for six months. The researchers included manganese because some people had reported that it helped tinnitus, and they wanted to see whether adding manganese worked better than Lipo-Flavonoid alone.

Only 28 of the original 40 participants completed the study.

In the Lipo-Flavonoid-only group, none of the 16 participants improved based on questionnaires. Two people had a large reduction in tinnitus loudness, and one had a large reduction in annoyance. The paper does not make clear whether those results occurred in two or three different people.

When the researchers examined the Lipo-Flavonoid-only group as a whole, they found no significant improvement in:

• Tinnitus loudness
• Tinnitus annoyance
• Tinnitus handicap
• The effect of tinnitus on daily life
• Measured tinnitus loudness
• The minimum level of sound needed to mask the tinnitus

Interestingly, the manganese group had a statistically significant average reduction in self-reported tinnitus loudness. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups, and only one person in the manganese group showed a clear improvement on the tinnitus questionnaires.

This study had several weaknesses such as:

• Twelve of the 40 participants dropped out, a 30% dropout rate.
• There was no placebo group
• The study seems to be more of a test of manganese rather than Lipo-Flavonoid

Despite these limitations, the results were not encouraging. The researchers concluded that they could not show that either manganese or Lipo-Flavonoid Plus was an effective tinnitus treatment.

What About the Older Studies?

Lipo-Flavonoid is often promoted as having research dating back to the 1960s. That is true, but the older studies are much weaker than a modern placebo-controlled trial.

One of the main reports was published in 1963 by Mayo Clinic researchers. It included 197 people:

• 122 with Ménière’s disease or conditions the researchers considered closely related
• 75 with other forms of sensorineural hearing loss

Participants took three capsules of an early Lipo-Flavonoid formula three times per day. Treatment lasted at least three months and was later extended to six months or longer for some people.

Among the 122 people classified as having Ménière’s disease, the study listed:

• 50 had improved hearing
• 45 had relief of vertigo but no hearing improvement
• 24 showed no improvement
• 2 had hearing that became worse

Interesting results; however, the formula tested was not exactly the same as the supplement sold today. Three capsules contained lemon bioflavonoids, vitamin C, choline, inositol, methionine and several B vitamins.

This study also had problems including:

• Lack of placebo group
• The people did not appear to be randomized
• The study was not double-blind

Additionally, this study appeared to focus on hearing improvement, not tinnitus relief. It did not use modern tinnitus questionnaires or compare Lipo-Flavonoid with a placebo specifically for ringing in the ears.

What Does the Company’s Study Show?

The Lipoflavonoid.com website says people who completed a 60-day study reported a 32% improvement in symptoms. The company website mentions this result but does not provide enough information to evaluate the study. This means we don't know:

• Is this study published in a peer-reviewed journal?
• Was there a placebo group?
• Were participants randomly assigned?
• How many people started and completed the study?
• What measurement produced the 32% improvement?
• Who funded and conducted the study?

What Happened When I Took Lipo-Flavonoid?

I developed tinnitus in my left ear and decided to try Lipo-Flavonoid myself.

The first night, I took three caplets before bed. The ringing was still present during the night, but it had stopped when I woke up.

That immediately caught my attention.

However, the tinnitus returned the following day. I continued taking the supplement. Some days seemed better than others, but tinnitus naturally fluctuates. That makes it easy to credit a supplement when the improvement may have happened anyway.

I eventually used Lipo-Flavonoid for six months.

Unfortunately, it did not reduce my tinnitus or improve my hearing loss.

My experience cannot predict what will happen to everyone.

What Do Lipo-Flavonoid Reviews Say?

Consumer experiences are mixed.

Some reviewers said their tinnitus improved. Others reported no change, worsening tinnitus, stomach problems or anxiety.

While customer reviews may help you understand what people report, they don't prove whether the product works. This is why we should advocate for published clinical trials on this supplement that directly compare it to a placebo.

How Long Does Lipo-Flavonoid Take to Work?

The company currently tells first-time users to take:

• Two caplets in the morning
• Two caplets at midday
• Two caplets at night

That equals six caplets per day for the first 60 days, preferably after meals. The company says users may then move to a maintenance dose of one caplet three times daily after 60 days or after seeing results.

Follow the directions on the product you purchase because labels can change.

The recommended 60-day trial can make Lipo-Flavonoid more expensive than it first appears. Six caplets daily equals 360 caplets over two months. At six caplets per day, one 100-caplet bottle would last only about 16 days.

There is no good clinical evidence showing that people who fail to improve after 60 days will improve by continuing longer.

Lipo-Flavonoid Side Effects

The official website warns pregnant or nursing users to seek advice from a healthcare professional. The current ingredient list also states that the product may contain soy.

In the six-month clinical trial, eight of the 40 participants (20%) reported side effects. The reported problems were nausea, vomiting, worsening tinnitus and shaking.

However, 7 of the 8 people were taking manganese with Lipo-Flavonoid. One was taking Lipo-Flavonoid alone. The researchers did not identify which side effect occurred in each group, so the study cannot tell us which ingredient caused each reaction.

Everyone who developed side effects stopped taking the supplements, and all recovered completely.

I personally took Lipo-Flavonoid for six months and did not experience side effects. That does not guarantee that everyone will tolerate it as well.

Stop taking Lipo-Flavonoid and contact a healthcare professional if you develop:

• Worsening tinnitus
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Shaking or tremors
• Rash, swelling or difficulty breathing
• Any other new or severe symptom

The product may contain soy. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medication or managing a medical condition.

Can Lipo-Flavonoid Cure Tinnitus?

No evidence shows that Lipo-Flavonoid cures tinnitus.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends that clinicians not advise patients to use dietary supplements for persistent, bothersome tinnitus. The guideline cites insufficient evidence of benefit, possible adverse effects, and unnecessary expense.

That does not mean nothing can help. Treatment depends on the cause and how tinnitus affects the person.

Options supported by professional guidance may include:

• A hearing evaluation
• Hearing aids when hearing loss is present
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Sound therapy
• Education and counseling about tinnitus management

Cognitive behavioral therapy does not eliminate the sound itself. It can reduce the distress, anxiety and disruption caused by tinnitus.

Lipo-Flavonoid Pros and Cons

Possible advantages

• Widely available in pharmacies and online
• Does not require a prescription
• Some users report improvement
• The company provides clear dosage directions

Important disadvantages

• No convincing evidence that it reduces tinnitus
• No true placebo-controlled trial of the current formula
• The main randomized trial did not show effectiveness
• Six caplets per day may be inconvenient
• A 60-day trial requires 360 caplets
• The proprietary blend limits ingredient transparency
• Side effects and allergic reactions are possible
• Positive user reviews cannot separate a true effect from natural fluctuations or a placebo response

Is Lipo-Flavonoid a Scam?

I would not call it a scam.

It is a real supplement containing listed vitamins and other ingredients. Some users sincerely believe it helps them. The problem is that the advertising sounds more convincing than the clinical research.

A more accurate conclusion is that Lipo-Flavonoid is an unproven tinnitus supplement.

The absence of proof does not establish that it can never help anyone. It means we cannot reliably predict who will improve or whether the benefit outweighs the cost.

Does Lipo-Flavonoid Work? My Verdict

Lipo-Flavonoid did not reduce my tinnitus after six months of use.  That said, some people do report improvements. However, nobody can predict who it will work for and who it might not.

I find the clinical evidence is disappointing. The most relevant randomized trial could not conclude that Lipo-Flavonoid was effective. Older research does not provide the kind of placebo-controlled evidence needed to settle the question, and professional guidelines recommend against dietary supplements for tinnitus.

The frustrating thing is that the question of whether it really works can be easily solved by doing a couple of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Why is it that since the 1960s, nobody seems to have published studies like I am asking for?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lipo-Flavonoid really work?

Lipo-Flavonoid has not been proven to work for tinnitus. A six-month randomized trial could not conclude that it was effective. Some customers report improvement, while others report no benefit or worsening symptoms.

How long should you take Lipo-Flavonoid?

The company currently recommends six caplets daily for the first 60 days, followed by three caplets daily as a maintenance dose after obtaining results. Follow the current package directions and consult a healthcare professional when appropriate.

Does Lipo-Flavonoid stop ringing in the ears?

There is no convincing evidence that it stops ringing in the ears. I used it for six months without improvement, and the most relevant clinical trial did not establish that it works.

Can Lipo-Flavonoid make tinnitus worse?

Some online reviewers report worsening tinnitus, but customer reports cannot prove that the supplement caused it. Stop taking the product and contact a healthcare professional if symptoms noticeably worsen after starting it. When I took the supplement, it did not worsen my tinnitus.

Is Lipo-Flavonoid FDA-approved?

Lipo-Flavonoid is sold as a dietary supplement, not an FDA-approved treatment for tinnitus. Dietary supplements do not have to obtain FDA approval for effectiveness before being sold to the public.

Do you have any questions?

Update 7/3/19  Halo Beauty hair skin and nails booster by Tati Westbrook is touted to be the best supplements in the world. Skin, hair, and nails share some common nutrients and so in this review, I'll look at the logic and science behind the use of the ingredients in Halo Beauty and along the way, answer your questions too. I will also address the drama about its use of saw palmetto too. Does Halo Beauty really work or is it a scam? Let's see what we can discover.

Other Hair Reviews

1. Sugar Bear Hair vs. Halo Beauty
2. Viviscal Review
3. Nutrafol vs. Viviscal Review
4. Vegamore Review

In her own words, “everyone is under the halo and no one is left out.” Also, the halo is meant to convey something is pure.  Tati is also on Instagram as well as everywhere else. Just google her name or “GlamLifeGuru” and she will pop up.

Halo Beauty Benefits

From HaloBeauty.com, we learn the product is touted to provide the following benefits:

• Promotes Thick and Luxurious Hair Growth
• Minimizes Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Supports Collagen and Keratin Production
• Promotes Strong and Healthy Nails
• Contains Anti-Gray Fighting Enzymes

Remember these are the claims of the company. Like all supplement claims, they have not been confirmed by the FDA. Still, there is research on some of the key ingredients which will be covered below.

Halo Beauty Clinical Evidence

At the time this review was created, Halo Beauty Booster did not appear to have any human clinical trials. Lack of evidence doesn't automatically mean something doesn't work. It means we have to look at the evidence for the ingredients in Halo Beauty.

Let's do that next…

Halo Beauty Ingredients

In 2 capsules of Halo Beauty, we find the following ingredients:

In the table above, “N/A” means no daily value for the nutrient has been established.

Other ingredients in the product are:

• microcrystalline cellulose
• hydroxymethyl-propyl cellulose (the veggie capsule)
• silicon dioxide
• vegetable magnesium stearate

These other ingredients play no role in the effectiveness or benefits of Halo Beauty. They make up the capsules and help the ingredients mix well together.

Let's now take a look at the clinical evidence for the main ingredients.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant but it also does many other things too including helping to make the protein collagen. Collagen is a key protein in hair, skin, and nails. So, it makes sense this vitamin would be in a supplement of this type.

While most people in the US are probably not deficient in vitamin C, Halo Beauty provides 60 mg which is a good amount, just in case. The antioxidant ability of vitamin C – along with the other antioxidants in the supplement – might, in theory, help reduce split ends too.

Halo Beauty also contains rose hips. This term refers to the fruit of the rose plant. The fruits are called the “hips” of the rose plant. Rose hips provide a lot of vitamins A and C as well as several minerals. If you were to eat the rosehip fruit, you also get a good source of fiber too.

Vitamin D3

There are 2 main types of vitamin D: vitamin D 2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is the form of the vitamin we make when we are exposed to sunlight. This is the form that Halo contains.

Vitamin D is actually more of a hormone than a vitamin and like all hormones has global effects in the body. By global, I mean it does MANY things. While often being associated with keeping bones strong, it's important to know that there are vitamin D receptors on every cell in your body -including your hair follicles.

While studies have not yet proven whether vitamin D can grow hair, the evidence does show an association between hair loss and low vitamin D3 levels in women. In other words, the lower the vitamin D3 levels, the more hair loss experienced.

This is important because odds are, most people reading this are deficient in vitamin D. Lab animal research has also shown vitamin D may play a role in the health of hair follicles.

Vitamin D tip: As a rule of thumb, every 1000 IU of vitamin D will raise blood levels of the vitamin by 10. So, if you had a blood level of 30 ng/ml, a supplement providing 1000 IU would help boost that to about 40 ng/ml.

While a level of 30 ng/ml is often seen to be OK on a blood test, this amount is only for bone health. What about immune health? What about hair health?

While optimal vitamin D levels differ depending on who you talk to, many experts recommend a vitamin D range of 30-80ng/ml. Given the possibility of rampant vitamin D deficiency, I was pleased to see Halo Beauty providing 1000 IU of vitamin D3.

For the vegans reading this, vitamin D in Halo Beauty is plant-based and comes from lichens. No animal sources are used anywhere in this product.

See the Vitamin D review.

Vitamin B1, B2 & B6

Halo Beauty Booster contains 3 of the B complex family of: Vitamin B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin) and B6 (Pyridoxine). All of the B vitamins take part in a variety of functions. These vitamins help us produce the connective tissues and collagen and elastin which are important to hair, nails, and skin.

Most healthy adults may not be deficient in these vitamins but they do make sense from hair skin and nail health perspective. They are good insurance.

Biotin

Biotin (sometimes called vitamin H) is a common vitamin to hair growth supplements and even some shampoos. This makes sense given that a lack of biotin is can lead to hair loss. While biotin probably doesn't grow hair that's already been lost, it can help existing hair grow faster. The same goes for nails too.

While we can't make biotin ourselves, – our microbiome makes it for us. While deficiency is rare, some medications might make deficiency more likely. Medications associated with biotin deficiency include anti-seizure and some antibiotics. This supplement contains 3 grams (3000 mg) of biotin. That's a good amount and in line with what I'd expect in hair, nails and skin supplement.

See the Sugar Bear Hair Gummy Review

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that takes part in many cellular reactions including hair health. One study noted lower zinc levels in men and women who were experiencing hair loss.

Reports are zinc and hair loss is complex and interesting. One report describes the case of a woman experiencing hair loss, which did not stop even after she started taking levothyroxine (hypothyroid medication). She was later determined to also be low in zinc.

Only after a zinc supplement was added to her diet did her hair loss stop and even regrew. In another study, boys seemed to show an association between zinc concentration and hair color. Zinc seems to be associated with melanin, the pigment which gives hair its color.

Research suggests zinc may help acne too.

Copper

The mineral copper is needed for the production of melanin which gives skin and hair its color. We also use copper to make the connective tissues, collagen, and elastin. In addition, copper helps make an important antioxidant called super-oxide-dismutase (SOD) which, among other things, breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

The build-up of hydrogen peroxide is one of the things thought to be associated with gray and white hair. While it's unlikely eating extra copper restores gray hair color, this mineral is very important to our health.

Two capsules of Halo Beauty provides 50 mg of copper. That's 50% of the RDA. I like this because it still leaves room for us to get copper from foods too.

Catalase

Catalase is an enzyme, an antioxidant enzyme which, like SOD mentioned above,  breaks down hydrogen peroxide, which is a free radical. Free radicals are known to promote wrinkles and a host of other things too (even the aging process!).

I sometimes see catalase in anti-gray hair supplements. In theory, it makes sense because if catalase can reduce hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles, hair color might be restored or maybe we could at least slow down the graying process.

One problem is I can't find proof catalase supplements work or not. Nobody seems to have looked into it. There is however research on a cream called Pseudo-Catalase which does seem to restore the color of skin and maybe our hair too. This hints that the idea of restoring hair pigment by way of reducing hydrogen peroxide may have some merit.

See the gray hair supplements review

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a popular ingredient in arthritis supplements. With respect to Halo Beauty, one interesting study noted that MSM supplements seemed to reduce wrinkles. This study lasted 16 weeks and involved 20 women who took 3 grams of MSM or a placebo.

OptiMSM was the supplement used in this study.

At the end of the study, researchers noted a significant reduction in wrinkles and crow feet compared to the placebo. It was stated that MSM seemed to alter genes related to inflammation. I'd like to see this study duplicated to see if the same effect is observed again.

Saw Palmetto

While on the surface, saw palmetto (serenoa repens) might seem an odd choice for a nutraceutical like Halo Beauty because it's often found in prostate supplements. But, I understand the logic of why it's present. What's good for the prostate might also be good for hair too.

How so?

The science is a bit complicated but here's the summary:

• Saw palmetto contains an extract called Beta-sitosterol (pronounced beta-sight-toe-stair -all)
• Beta-sitosterol decreases a hormone called DHT (di-hydro-testosterone) which is linked to hair loss
• Reducing DHT levels might help hair growth

Sounds good, so, is there any proof?

Well, one study involving both men and women noted that a shampoo containing saw palmetto caused a 35% increase in hair density when it was used for 3 months.

In another study, 60% of the men reported their hair growth improved after they used a  200 mg saw palmetto supplement (containing 50 mg beta-sitosterol).

If you think this sounds crazy, remember, the prescription hair growth medication called Propecia (finasteride) also works by reducing DHT levels.

Halo Beauty Saw Palmetto Controversy

When Halo Beauty made its debut, lots of women complained it was a bad choice because they said it interfered with birth control pills and increased risk of getting pregnant.

A click bate article in Allure Magazine didn't help matters. Let me set this record straight. I have been investigating supplements for over 20 years, I've never seen ANY proof of saw palmetto causing a woman to get pregnant.

Saw palmetto and pregnancy is a myth.

While I can understand medical websites mentioning this possibility –I'm looking at you webmd – they usually don't tell women there is no human proof. The evidence linking saw palmetto to pregnancy is based on test-tube studies.

There is no human proof women will get pregnant if they take saw palmetto supplements. I discussed this further in the Side Effects section below and I've written an entire review on this too.

Saw Palmetto and Birth Control Review

Emblica Officinalis (Amla fruit)

Amla fruit, also known as Indian gooseberry is thought of as similar to saw palmetto by reducing DHT levels. While lab animal research has documented this effect, human evidence needs to confirm this. My hunch is that saw palmetto and amla fruit would work together to cause an even greater decrease in DHT levels.

See the Amla Fruit Review for more insights.

Grape Seed Extract

Grape seeds contain an abundance of nutritional extracts. The label of Halo Beauty specifically mentions an extract called polyphenols. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants. While human proof is lacking, some animal evidence suggests grape seed extract might promote hair growth.

Pumpkin Seed

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of magnesium, zinc, and potassium as well as various antioxidants.  The oil in pumpkin seeds also appears to reduce the same enzyme involved in DHT production as saw palmetto does. That enzyme is called 5-alpha reductase.  Blocking this enzyme, in turn, helps reduce DHT levels, which in theory might mean less hair loss. This is the same enzyme that saw palmetto blocks.

So, halo beauty contains at least 3 DHT blocking ingredients

1. Saw palmetto
2. Amla fruit
3. Pumpkin seeds

I think I know what they are doing. Given the proof DHT causes hair loss, they are trying to combine different DHT blocker ingredients to produce a greater reduction in DHT levels.

In a study lasting 24 weeks, men who used pumpkin seed oil reported 40% more hair than men who used a placebo oil. Pumpkin seeds also contain essential fatty acids which might help skin retain moisture.

Ceramide RX Phytoceramides

Ceramides are a type of fat found in the skin. As we get older, we tend to make less of them. Ceramides help keep skin cells together. Imagine a brick wall. Ceramides are like the cement between the bricks.

Thus, as we make fewer ceramides, skin can lose moisture, wrinkle, and sag.  Laboratory studies suggest ceramides stimulate the growth of fibroblasts, a type of skin cell as well as elastin.

Ceramide PCD is a product from a company called True Body Wellness. I believe Ceramide RX is the name Tati Westbrook's company (Inside Out Beauty Labs ) is calls this ingredient.

I believe Ceramide PCD and Ceramide RX are the same thing. The ceramides used in Halo Beauty come from rice (good news for vegans).

See the Ceramide Review

Ceramide Skin Wrinkle Research

Ceramides do have research showing they may help wrinkles. Here's a summary of that research.

Study 1

In one unpublished study, Ceramide PCD seems to help improve skin moisture. In this investigation, 33 people with rough skin were given either 44 mg of Ceramide RX or a placebo for 6 weeks. Those taking Ceramide RX reported less rough skin. Click here to download a PDF of that study. Halo Beauty containing a similar amount of ceramide as was used in this study.

Study 2

Researchers in 2011, published a study, where 51 (age 20-60) received either

• a placebo
• 350 mg of a ceramide supplement

Each day for 3 months.

Women taking the ceramide supplement had better skin hydration in the arms and legs than those taking the placebo.

Study 3

Another study, published in 2019 has also shown ceramides work. In this investigation, 66 healthy women (age 45-60) were given either

• a ceramide supplement (350 mg)
• placebo

for 12 weeks (3 months)

The supplement used was called LipoWheat. Another name for this supplement is “Ceratiq.”

Before and after, the women were seen by a dermatologist.

After only 8 weeks of use, women the LipoWheat supplement, women had significantly less noticeable crows-feet around their eyes.  The women had better hydration on their face and legs as well.

Heres LipoWheat on Amazon

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a type of plant nutrient called a carotenoid.  Astaxanthin has a reddish color which contributes to the colors of some foods. As a carotenoid, it's also an antioxidant so it can neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.

In the skin, research suggests astaxanthin might have a sun protective effect against UVA rays. Ultraviolet A rays cause wrinkles and skin aging. Another interesting study noted that 6 weeks of topical astaxanthin supplementation improved crowfeet, the size of age spots and skin elasticity.

An even more interesting study compared astaxanthin supplements to a placebo in 65 women. This study noted astaxanthin was associated with fewer wrinkles and better skin moisture thank women taking a placebo. This hints astaxanthin might offer some protection against skin aging.

Glutathione And Alpha Lipoic Acid

Glutathione is one of the master antioxidants in the body. Just a few of the things glutathione does include:

• neutralize free radicals
• regenerates vitamins C and E
• protects cells from stress
• helps our mitochondria (fat burning batteries) work better

Evidence also suggests a lack of glutathione may be related to the loss of hair color. Glutathione levels also tend to drop as we get older. As such, anything that could bolster glutathione levels would be a good thing.

Alpha-lipoic acid is another antioxidant found in Halo Beauty.  Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to improve sun-induced photo-aging and might even help reduce smoking-induced skin damage too. It might also improve blood flow as well.

Halo Beauty Questions

Now let's address several questions women might have about this supplement. If I missed anything, leave a comment below and I'll personally investigate it for you and get back to you promptly.

1 Is Halo Beauty Gluten-Free?

Yes. The supplement is gluten-free. It's also:

1. soy-free
2. sugar-free
3. vegan
4. cruelty-free

I can appreciate Tati Westbrook mentioning it's cruelty-free. I like the fact the product did not involve cruelty to animals. I don't see this mentioned much in the supplement world.

2 Does Halo Beauty Have Shark Cartilage?

Halo Beauty is vegan, so it contains nothing from animals -including sharks.

3 Can Women of Color Use It?

I believe so. I see nothing in Halo Beauty which would be contraindicated for women of different ethnic backgrounds.

4 Does Halo Beauty Contain Any Drugs?

There are no prescription mediations in this supplement. Given the lack of oversight in the supplement industry, I was glad to see Tati addressing this issue upfront when she launched her supplement.

5 Why Doesn't Halo Beauty Have Collagen?

Collagen is popular for just about everything these days but honestly, I was glad to see that Halo Beauty did not contain it? But why you ask; Isn't collagen important?  Yes, it is, but when you eat collagen, it's really not absorbed as collagen. Rather, it's absorbed as individual amino acids -just like any other protein is. Your body treats it like any other protein.

See the review of weight loss scams for more insights.

6 Halo Beauty Cost

A bottle of Halo Beauty is  $39.95 for a one month supply. Tax and shipping may be extra. Free shipping is offered when purchasing 3 or more bottles at a time.

7 Buy Halo Beauty

Currently, you can only get it at HaloBeauty.com. It's not available in stores like Costco, Kholes, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Target or Sam's Club, although I would not be surprised if it eventually was.
Here it is on ebay

It may be on Amazon too

8 Is It Sold Internationally?

Yes, the supplement sold internationally to countries like Canada, etc. Shipping to other countries may add extra to the cost.

9 Is There An Auto-Ship Program?

No. Halo Beauty does not have an auto-ship program. Many supplement companies these days sign people up for automatic shipments when they order the product. More than one person has been slapped with a big bill if they don't cancel auto-shipments before a pre-determined time.

I was glad to see no auto-ship program with Halo Beauty.

10 How Do You Take It?

Take 2 capsules per day. If you don't like swallowing capsules, open them up and add the contents to juice or water.

11 Will It Grow Hair All Over The Body?

There is no evidence Halo Beauty causes hirsutism  – the medical term for excess body hair growth. I've never seen cases of excess body hair associated with any of the ingredients.

12 Does It Help Acne?

I can't say for sure it would help everybody but I've seen before and after pictures on Instagram which show it might. Several people have told me it helps too. Some of the ingredients like zinc have some efficacy for improving acne. If it helped you, let me know below.

See the Halo Kiwi Review.

13 Can Men Use Halo Beauty?

I get a lot of emails from men looking for anti-aging supplements. Can they use Halo Beauty too? Sure. I see no reason why not. There are no “women-only ingredients” men need to worry about.  It's not going to raise a man's estrogen levels or lower testosterone either. This is a gender-neutral supplement.

14 Can You Use It While Tanning?

None of the ingredients are thought to be bad for someone who goes to a tanning salon or lays out on the beach.  I think in most people it should be OK. That said since tanning causes wrinkles, I'd think you should not tan.

15 What About Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a medical condition where people make too much of a protein called keratin, which blocks hair follicles, causing little bumps to show up on the skin.

I have not seen any research on Halo Beauty treating keratosis pilaris. If you have this condition and Halo helped, leave a comment below and let me know.

Halo Beauty vs. Halo Kiwi Seed Booster

The Kiwi Seed Booster review has is a table that compares the ingredients to each other.

Halo Beauty vs. The Competition

One thing I can say about Halo Beauty is it's different from many of the other skin, nail and hair supplements I've seen. Most hair growth nutraceuticals tend to contain only one ingredient – biotin. By providing more than just biotin, Halo Beauty is at the least, a more broad-spectrum supplement. That said, let's take a quick look at how it compares to other supplements.

Halo Beauty vs. Viviscal

Viviscal is arguably the most popular hair growth supplement on Earth. While Viviscal does have hair-growth research, no head-to-head clinical studies have tried to see which might work best. Because their ingredients are so different, I could not say which was better.

See the Viviscal review for more insights.

Halo Beauty vs. Nutrafol

Another popular supplement for hair growth is Nutrafol. Like Halo Beauty, Nutrafol also contains saw palmetto. While there are similarities in their ingredients, no research study -so far- has compared these two supplements to each other.

Halo Beauty vs. PHYTO Re 30

PHYTO Re 30 is a topical cosmetic touted to reverse gray hair. Halo Beauty does not make this claim. They are different products.

See the PHYTO Re30 review for more insights.

Halo Beauty Side Effects

Halo Beauty is expected to be safe in healthy people. No side effects are known. With healthy people, I doubt there would be any bad side effects. With any new supplement, start with less than is recommended for the first week, to see how you respond.

Like all supplements, a few other things to consider include:

• Stop taking Halo Beauty at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Start with less than recommended for the first week to see how you respond
• Taking with food may reduce nausea in some people
• Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant/nursing
• Speak to your pharmacist/doctor if you take any medications or have health problems
• Not intended for people younger than 18 – and if you are that young, odds are you don't need it anyway

Someone in the comments section mentioned her urine changed color after taking Halo. She described her urine as looking yellowish /neon green. Halo Beauty contains a good amount of the yellow-colored vitamin, riboflavin (vitamin B2) which is known to change urine color. This is harmless and should go away if you stop taking the supplement.

Again, if none of this applies to you, I see no issues with this supplement.

What About Saw Palmetto and Birth Control Pills?

Some women discuss the possibility of saw palmetto interfering with birth control pills and raising the risk of pregnancy. While some herbs might do this  – such as St. Johns wort – when it comes to saw palmetto, I don't see the proof.

Tati's website correctly states “There is no scientific or medical proof that Saw Palmetto makes birth control ineffective.”  I have looked into this and agree, there is no direct proof.

To be fair, there is some evidence from lab animal /test tube studies suggesting this possibility. The animal/ test tube research is where the hype is coming from.

Saw palmetto has been around a long time. I'd think if it caused unwanted pregnancy, we'd have heard of it by now. Saw palmetto is in several supplements –including many that women use.

For example, saw palmetto is in many skin, nail, and hair supplements including Nutrafol, one of the most popular hair growth supplements out there.  Nutrafol is now in business with the consumer goods giant, Unilever. Do you really think Unilever would risk a lawsuit over one of their products if it really did this?

Aside from Halo Beauty and Nutrafol, Amazon lists almost 100 different hair skin and nail supplements that contain saw palmetto.  I have not heard anybody yelling about those and birth control pills.

All that said, given the drama over this I would not be surprised if Tati eventually removed saw palmetto from Halo Beauty.

Read the Saw Palmetto and Birth Control Pills review

Does Halo Beauty Work?

In this Halo Beauty review, I gave you an honest breakdown of the ingredients and research. While I didn't try Halo Beauty, scanning Instagram and YouTube I did see several before and after pictures and videos of women saying their skin, hair, and nails had improved.

For the most part, the ingredients in Halo Beauty seem logical for a skin, hair and nails supplement. Will you look like Tati Westbrook after taking Halo Beauty for 30 days? I think the results will vary. Like all beauty supplements, don't expect miracles and you should be OK. That's sage advice for all supplements.

Any Questions or Comments?

Update 8/15/22. Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidant defenses you have. Even better, you normally make all you need. But what if you need more? This happens when we get sick or get a serious illness (like cancer) or get older. How do you raise glutathione levels? In this glutathione review, I'll show you the research on the most popular ways to raise levels in your body naturally. I'll also give you my thoughts on what's best and which supplements you should avoid. What's the best way to naturally raise glutathione? Let's find out…

What is Glutathione?

Your body is under constant attack from free radicals. To keep you healthy, your body uses many natural defenses to shield you and keep you healthy. One of those things is called glutathione (glue-ta-thigh-own).

Glutathione is mostly made in the liver. Here are some of its benefits:

1. Reducing free radical damage (oxidative damage)
2. Making DNA
3. Repairing DNA
4. Making proteins
5. Helping enzymes work better
6. Helping the immune system work better
7. Transporting amino acids
8. Plays a role in healthy nitric oxide synthesis
9. Plays a role in skin aging and wrinkle prevention
10. Breaking down toxic compounds (like acetaminophen/chemotherapy, etc.)

and many other things…

As far back as the 1990s, researchers realized both broccoli and cabbage were able to raise glutathione levels in lab animals. In fact, the more broccoli and cabbage they consumed the higher the glutathione levels were.

There, I just showed you one way to raise your levels!

Glutathione Is Composed Of

Glutathione is made up of 3 amino acids:

1. Glycine
2. Glutamic acid
3. Cysteine

So, supplementing with these amino acids -or eating foods containing them – would be expected to raise glutathione levels. As you'll see below, there is evidence for this too.

In the body, glutathione exists in 2 forms:

1. Reduced glutathione
2. Oxidized glutathione

It's the reduced form that protects us from free radicals. In healthy people, more than 90% of the glutathione in the blood is the reduced form. So, when we talk about ramping up our glutathione production, we are really talking about the reduced form and not the oxidized form.

Glutathione In Foods

Foods that contain glutathione include fruits, veggies, and meats. As a rule, bread, dairy, and cereal tend to be low in glutathione. Likewise, processed foods tend to have lower levels too. But frozen foods have similar levels as fresh foods. Overall though we don't get much of this stuff in foods. Most of what we have, we make.

Don't Confuse Glutathione With…

Glutathione is not the same thing as glutamine or glucosamine. See the reviews I linked to for more insights on those supplements.

What Decreases Glutathione?

Generally, anything that overwhelms the body with too much free radical stress has the potential to deplete glutathione levels. Some of these things include:

• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Parkinson's disease
• Preëclampsia

Acetaminophen / Tylenol is well known to decrease glutathione levels too.

We also tend to decrease production as we get older.  This is why glutathione is sometimes suggested in anti-aging therapies.

Glutathione Blood Test

If you want, your doctor can order a glutathione blood test. According to Quest Diagnostics, it's test code 90397X (CPT code 82978). Doctors can measure it in both red blood cells as well as blood plasma although it's a little murky which way is best. And then there is the question if the test is covered by your insurance. This is not a routine test.

If you are going to test your glutathione levels, it might be best to do it before you do any of the things discussed below to raise your production – and then get your levels tested after a couple of months to see if what you are doing is working.

Glutathione Dosage?

There is no RDA for glutathione. That's because it's not a vitamin or mineral. Rather, it's something you make in your body. You're making it right now (I hope!). We get the building blocks to make glutathione from various foods and supplements I'll discuss below. So, there is no best answer to “how much glutathione should I have?”

Natural Ways To Boost Glutathione Levels

OK, so how do you raise glutathione levels in your body? I read the research so you don't have to. This review is science-based. No hype. Just facts -and I hope it's easy to understand too. Notice not all of these natural methods involves taking supplements. Some of these ways don't require taking any supplements at all.

1 Exercise

Regular exercise raises glutathione levels. This should come as no surprise as exercise is well known to augment our body's natural antioxidant defenses. In one investigation, researchers in New York randomly assigned 80 healthy, unfit people to various exercise programs. (aerobic, strength training or both). Some did not exercise as a control group. The people worked out 40 minutes a day 3 days a week for 6 weeks.

Regardless of the type of exercise they performed, everybody had higher glutathione levels than when they began. It's important to realize it didn't take a lot of exercise to see these benefits.  This is good news for those who think they need to do intense exercise like HIIT programs. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is popular and while yes it will raise levels too, it's not needed.

2. Yoga

Several studies have documented that yoga can increase glutathione production and reduce free radical damage. In one study of Indian Navy recruits, 6 months of yoga training was associated with improved levels. In another investigation, 12 weeks of yoga improved glutathione as well as nitric oxide levels.

The benefits of yoga appear to be true for healthy and not-so-healthy people too. Researchers in India noted improved glutathione and SOD (another antioxidant enzyme) in 57 older adults with high blood pressure who did yoga 1 hour a day for 6 days a week for 3 months.  Similar improvements in glutathione from yoga have also been seen in diabetics.

3 Sleep

Who knew sleeping can raise glutathione? Research suggests depriving animals of sleep reduces glutathione levels in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that's critical for many biological functions.  Depriving animals of REM sleep also lowers glutathione.

So what about people? Well, we know glutathione is lower in people with sleep apnea. But, when those people use a CPAP machine -or take supplements – their levels go back up. Evidence like this reinforces how important getting enough sleep is.

4 Weight Loss

I'm including weight loss in this review because I feel it might help or hinder glutathione levels, depending on how you achieve it.  Researchers in Saudi Arabia have noted improvements in levels of type II diabetics following a 12-week weight loss intervention. There is also evidence of glutathione genes being activated after weight loss surgery. That's good.

But, other studies have noted lower glutathione levels in people undergoing rapid weight loss. Until more is known, this is another reason to avoid fad diets promising quick weight loss.

5 Eat Sulfur Rich Foods

Cysteine, one of the 3 amino acids that make up glutathione, contains sulfur. So, by eating the right foods, you can raise your glutathione levels. As you eat foods containing sulfur, you help form cysteine – and glutathione. Sulfur-rich foods include:

• Broccoli
• Kale
• cabbage
• Onions
• cauliflower
• Arugula
• Milk
• Garlic

I wish “big salad” would start marketing these foods for their glutathione-raising properties. Aged garlic extract, one supplement I take myself has also been shown to raise levels.

6 Minimize Toxic Exposure

While I wrote this review to show you how to naturally raise glutathione levels, one of the easiest ways to help you do this is to reduce your exposure to glutathione-reducing toxins. If you do this, you keep your levels high. For example, a group of compounds known to do this are called POPs –persistent organic pollutants.

Some of the most well-known POPs include dioxins, DDT, and PCBs. These are chemicals used in insecticides and pesticides. One problem though is everybody reading this has some POPs in their body. POPs are persistent – they last a long time in your body.

Opting for organic foods is one way to reduce exposure but since organic can be expensive, I know it's not always in the budget. Since POPs last so long in the body, the best we can do is try to minimize further exposure – and do some of the things outlined in the rest of this review.

7 Drink Coffee

Several research studies have noted coffee's ability to raise glutathione. For example, researchers in Italy noted 5 cups of “Italian style coffee” plasma increased glutathione by 16% after only 1 week. After the people stopped drinking coffee, their levels returned to where they were before the study.

So why would coffee raise glutathione? While coffee contains thousands of compounds, researchers in Italy wondered if the caffeine in coffee played a role. For 1 week, they gave diabetics just caffeine (5 mg per kilogram of body weight). Results showed caffeine significantly improved glutathione.

How much is 5 mg per kilogram? Remember a kilogram is 2.2 pounds. So if you weighed 180 pounds (82 kilograms), this would be equal to 409 milligrams (5 X 82=409). That's about 4 cups of coffee.

8 Drink Green Tea

Both green tea and green tea extracts have been shown to improve glutathione levels. In one such study, volunteers with metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes) were given either 4 cups of green tea or two capsules of green tea extract or 4 cups of water (control group) for 8 weeks. Both green tea and green tea supplements significantly raised glutathione levels.

Personally, I prefer to tear open green tea bags (Instagram picture) and toss the contents into my breakfast smoothies.  While the above study did find favorable results with green tea supplements, I prefer green tea to green tea supplements. Click here to find out why.

9 NAC Supplements

NAC stands for N-acetyl cysteine. It's an anti-oxidant supplement. Since glutathione contains cysteine, NAC is very effective at elevating your levels. In fact, NAC supplements are probably themost well-known way to improve levels – and for good reason.

Multiple studies show taking NAC works.

Supplements often come in the 300mg -600 mg range – enough to raise glutathione levels. In one review, it was stated that 1000mg of NAC will raise it in virtually everybody.

As an aside, some people take NAC to improve exercise.  If it helps, I think its benefits would be best in those with low glutathione levels. In other words, if your levels are already adequate, NAC supplements might not help exercise.

10 Glutathione Supplements

If you are wondering how to get more glutathione, one way is to take a glutathione supplement. If you had asked me a few years ago, I would have said to save your money. That's because research tended to show supplements did not work. But, newer research is casting doubt on this.

That said, I think the results will vary. While I'll concede some research has shown these supplements can augment your levels, if you are at the vitamin store and trying to decide whether to purchase NAC supplements or glutathione supplements, I'd vote for NAC.

11 Vitamin D

Vitamin D raises glutathione.  When researchers in  Atlanta looked at 963 healthy people, they noted vitamin D was highly associated with the level of glutathione in people's blood. In a separate study, cells treated with vitamin D, cells increased the production of enzymes needed for glutathione production.

Researchers in Egypt have noted people with type II diabetes have significantly lower glutathione levels -and more oxidative stress (free radical damage) than healthy people.

To reinforce the need for this supplement in diabetes, researchers in China gave vitamin D supplements to women with gestational diabetes. The supplements not only raised glutathione levels, but they also reduced insulin resistance, one of the hallmarks of diabetes. In other words, their diabetes started to get better.

See the vitamin D review for MUCH more information.

12 Folate

The B vitamin, folate, gets its name from foliage – green leafy vegetables. Folate is the natural form of the vitamin while folic acid is the synthetic form. Folate does many things such as reduce homocysteine, a possible marker for heart disease.

Researchers in Iran gave folate supplements  (1 mg/day) to 69 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) for 8 weeks and found it significantly elevated glutathione levels. This effect was also seen in men with type II diabetes too.

13 Other B Vitamins

While vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin) and folic acid (and folate) are well known to reduce homocysteine, these and other B vitamins also seem to raise glutathione levels too. Research in older adults has noted many older folks are deficient in vitamins B6 B12 and folate. This likely contributes to their reduced glutathione production.

Researchers in Sweden noticed higher levels in dialysis patients who were given vitamin B6 and folic acid supplements. Another investigation from Ireland noted that B6 and riboflavin levels improved in healthy older adults.

While we normally think of supplements when it comes to B vitamins, we should not overlook these nutrients are found in many foods such as:

14 Alpha-lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a popular antioxidant supplement, but what most don't know is it's been shown to raise glutathione levels in both people with HIV/AIDs and in healthy people during exercise. While this is encouraging, I don't think I'd rate it as higher than NAC supplements. While it's a fine nutrient, I'd like to see more human studies on alpha-lipoic acid for this purpose.

15 Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is more technically known as silymarin and/or silibinin. No matter what name you call it, it's a plant that is often synonymous with liver protection.

Milk thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Lab research using animals and isolated cells have noted milk thistle can reduce the breakdown of glutathione.

While preventing the breakdown isn't the same thing as raising levels, preventing its depletion can help maintain your levels. Human evidence needs to confirm this, however. This is important to keep in mind. Various websites discuss the power milk thistle when it comes to boosting glutathione in the body. They make it seem like human proof supports its use.

This is incorrect.

Since we are not rats, mice or isolated cells, I cannot say for sure if milk thistle would be the supplement of choice for boosting levels of this compound. I hope it works. Regardless, I think there are better things to consider. Based on the evidence so far, milk thistle may have its place in supporting your efforts to maintain adequate levels.

Let's wait and see if future studies show it actually can raise those levels.

16 Turmeric

Both human and lab animal studies have documented the ability of turmeric to raise glutathione levels. One of the compounds in turmeric is curcumin. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, researchers in Iran and Australia gave curcuminoids (compounds in curcumin) or a placebo to 40 people with knee arthritis. They used 1500 mg per day and noted elevated levels after six weeks of use. SOD, another antioxidant enzyme, was also increased.

Another human trial also noted curcumin's ability to raise the compound in people with pancreatitis. In this investigation, 500 mg of curcumin per day was used for six weeks. The curcumin was combined with 5 mg of black pepper to increase its absorption. Turmeric has more medicinal properties than you can shake a stick at. I often add it to smoothies.

17 Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral. This means we don't need a lot of it. The RDA for selenium is only 55 micrograms per day. Even though we don't need much, it helps defend against free radicals by helping us make an enzyme called glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme breaks down hydrogen peroxide, a powerful free radical compound.

Beef is a source of selenium. This is likely why some experts advocate eating beef and beef liver to improve glutathione levels. While a steak every once in a while won't hurt, don't do it to raise your glutathione levels. The evidence mostly stems from research on lab animals. 

While selenium has been shown to raise glutathione peroxidase activity in people with kidney disease, I do not suggest selenium supplements. Selenium can become toxic when taken as a supplement and may also interact with various medications such as cholesterol medicine.

Instead of selenium supplements, I feel it's best to get this mineral from food.

Selenium Containing Foods

Remember, because the selenium RDA is so low (just 55 micrograms) it doesn't take a lot to get all you need.

18 Whey Protein

Who knew whey protein could raise glutathione levels? Gold star if you did! In a 6-month-long study, researchers randomly gave 20 g of whey protein or 20 soy protein to 32 people with Parkinson's disease. These researchers noted that 20 grams of whey protein significantly increased the reduced form of glutathione (remember, the reduced form of glutathione is what we want). This study specifically used Immunocal HMS 90 whey protein.

In another investigation, Iranian researchers found that just 1 ounce (30g )  of whey protein plus resistance exercise was better at raising glutathione than exercise alone in overweight men.

While some people like to load up on protein,  these studies tell us it does not take a lot of protein to raise levels significantly. As little as 20-30 grams per day can do the trick.

19 Casein Protein

Casein is the primary protein in milk. While whey is way more popular, it would be wrong to not mention that casein can also improve glutathione. Research finds as little as 2 cups (500 ml) of cow's milk (which only contained casein) per day can significantly raise levels.

The experiments on whey and casein tell us regular cows' milk – which contains both of these proteins – would be expected to raise glutathione levels, too.

20 Vitamin C Supplements

Studies involving isolated cells have demonstrated that exposing the cells to high doses of vitamin C results in an “immediate increase” in glutathione production. This may be due to vitamin C causing the cells to increase their uptake of cysteine, one of the amino acids that glutathione is made of.

Researchers have also shown improved levels in women with breast cancer following vitamin C supplementation. A weakness of this study, however, was the amount of vitamin C used was not given.

Regardless, if you have cancer, I believe the best way to bolster vitamin C levels is by eating vitamin C-rich foods.  Food is more than just vitamin C. People battling cancer need much more than just a single nutrient.

Foods With Vitamin C

21 Vitamin E Supplements

There was a time when vitamin E supplements were promoted to help everything! While that's not so true anymore, that doesn't mean they are worthless. At least one study has shown vitamin E can improve levels in kids with type I diabetes.

The amount of vitamin E used in this study was 600 mg, which is about 400 IU. There is not much vitamin E research in this area.  I feel there are better things out there to raise levels.

22 Glycine and Cysteine

We use both glycine and cysteine (along with glutamic acid) to make glutathione. So it makes sense that increasing the intake of these amino acids would improve levels, too. At least one study has found yes, that supplementation with both glycine and cysteine improved levels in men with HIV. This same restoration of glutathione synthesis was also seen in older adults who were given glycine and cysteine supplements.

One popular food that contains glycine is bone broth. Unless you've been living under a rock, you know bone broth is promoted to help everything – including raising glutathione levels. My guess is this is because bone broth contains glycine. While that's nice, I cannot suggest bone broth because no clinical studies have been published to show bone broth actually raises glutathione levels.

See the GlyNac supplement review

23 Melatonin

Melatonin is the antioxidant supplement/hormone some people use to go to sleep. Evidence suggests taking melatonin supplements may also raise glutathione levels too. There isn't much human research on this topic.

24 SAMe

SAMe refers to S-Adenosyl-L-methionine, a compound that helps chemical reactions to occur. While SAMe is mostly studied for its benefits on depression and arthritis, a few human trials have noted it can raise glutathione levels. In one investigation of people with liver disease, 1.2 g of SAMe per day for 6 months was shown to improve levels compared to a placebo.

While this is encouraging, there are not many studies of this. I feel there are better supplements than SAMe for this purpose.

See the Depression Supplements Review

Best Glutathione Raising Supplements

If we were having lunch and you asked me what I thought was the best way to boost glutathione with supplements, I'd put my money on the following:

• NAC Supplements
• Vitamin D
• Turmeric/curcumin
• Aged Garlic Extract

Of these, I think NAC supplements has the most evidence. The good news is NAC supplements are inexpensive too. The same goes for vitamin D and turmeric also.

In addition, I'd also encourage you to do these other things too:

• Get regular exercise
• Get enough sleep
• Stop smoking if you do
• Eat plenty of sulfur-containing foods, fruits, and vegetables
• Drink coffee or green tea (not green tea supplements)
• Lose a little weight if you need to

Don't Bother With These…

The following supplements have limited /no human evidence for raising levels or they may have side effects in high doses:

• Methionine
• Colostrum
• MSM
• Niacin
• Glutamine

Glutathione Side Effects

Generally, glutathione is pretty safe when used by healthy people. If you decide to try any of the supplements mentioned in this review, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor/pharmacist/ dietitian first if you have any health issues or take any medications. Here is a short list of things to consider when taking this supplement. This list is not complete:

• If you have high blood pressure or have low blood pressure speak to your doctor and pharmacist first before taking NAC supplements. NAC may have a blood pressure-lowering effect.
• Several of the supplements mentioned in this review may have blood-thinning effects. That can be a problem if you are taking blood thinner medicine or about to have surgery.
• Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• While cancer tends to lower glutathione levels, if you have cancer, speak to your oncologist first.  There is speculation supplementing with glutathione boosting supplements may protect cancer cells from chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Obviously, that would not be good. Again, your oncologist can give you the best advice on this.

As you can see, this is pretty complicated stuff. Seek medical advice first if you feel you need it.

Do You Need To Raise Glutathione?

In this review, my goal was to give you real answers about how to raise glutathione levels naturally in the body using both supplements and not supplements. I also told you my thoughts on which supplements were not ready for prime time.

While I think there is more evidence for NAC than most other supplements, remember, if boosting glutathione is something you're trying to do, it doesn't require expensive supplements. If you want a supplement, here's what I suggest

• NAC
• Aged Garlic Extract
• Vitamin D
• Turmeric/Curcumin 

Remember, staying healthy is more than any single supplement. If you also pay attention to the other non-supplement ways mentioned above, you should be OK.

Any Questions or Comments?

Update 7/19/22. Green Tea CR is a popular herbal antioxidant supplement advertised on TV in commercials featuring Chris Kilham, the “medicine hunter.” The supplement is said to improve not energy, and heart health and even help your joints feel better. So, does Green Tea CR really work? In this detailed review, you'll learn about the ingredients in the supplement and their proof. Does it have any side effects you should be aware of? You'll learn that too.  Let's see what we can discover.

Green Tea CR Benefits

From the website it's said Green Tea CR provides the following benefits:

• Brain Function
• Energy
• Cardiovascular Health
• Healthy Circulation
• Liver Health
• Healthy Metabolic Support
• Joint Comfort

Green Tea CR Research

I searched the website of the company which makes Green Tea CR (PurityProducts.com) for research on the product. Unfortunately, I didn't see any listed. When I searched online for “Green Tea CR Research” and “Green Tea CR Clinical Studies” I likewise didn't see anything either.

Therefore I'm forced to conclude the Green Tea CR- itself – appears to not have been clinically tested in humans. That said, there is research on its ingredients which I'll discuss below.

Green Tea CR Ingredients

The TV commercial specifically mentions these 3 ingredients in the product.

• Green tea extract
• Curcumin
• Resveratrol

This is where the “CR” in the name comes from – Curcumin and Resveratrol.

But, when I went to the product's website, I found supplement has several other ingredients. Each bottle of Green Tea CR has 30 servings. A serving is 2 veggie casuals. So, each bottle has 60 veggie caps.

Here is the Nutrition Facts label for 2 veggie caps for the supplement:

Let's briefly cover some of these ingredients below

Green Tea Extract

Green tea is the first ingredient listed in Green Tea CR and it accounts for most of what makes up the product. Each 2 veggie capsules contain 183.68 mg of green tea extract.

If I'm reading their label correct (I might not be), they tell us that this extract contains 180 mg of polyphenols (which makes up 98% of the product) and 82.65 mg of EGCG (which makes up 45% of the product). But 98% and 45% don't add up to 100%?

In addition, 180 mg + 82.65 mg = 262.65 mg which is more than the 183.68 mg listed.  I called Purity Products but unfortunately their customer service rep could not shed light on this.

In the TV commercial, it's said that “green tea antioxidants are some of the most highly beneficial of all the antioxidants in the world.”  One thing that makes understanding the research murky is comparing green tea supplements to drinking green tea itself. I don't think research on green tea supplements and drinking green tea is necessarily the same thing.

While drinking green tea is great, I have been somewhat cautious of green tea supplements in light of some strange reports that appear to link green tea-containing supplements to liver problems.

In many of the cases, green tea was in a supplement that contained other ingredients. S0, was it green tea that caused the liver problems, or is it something else? See this review for more info on green tea and liver problems.

The liver toxicity associated with green-tea-containing supplements appears to be low, but until more research is done, I speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more up-to-date and specific information.

See the review of Supplements and Liver Failure for more research.

Let me be clear. I do not write these words to disparage any supplement or alarm anyone. Rather, I just feel it's important to mention this in the hopes that it helps someone reading these words.

Green Tea And Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant compound that we make. Levels rise and fall as we need it, although some severe diseases deplete it. As we age, though, glutathione levels tend to fall. During the TV commercial, it was mentioned that green tea can raise glutathione levels. Indeed there is some evidence for this.

In one study, both green tea supplements and drinking decaffeinated Bigalow green tea were shown to raise glutathione levels in 35 overweight people who had metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes) after 8 weeks of use.

Another compound that can raise glutathione levels is N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC). For more on that supplement, see my review of Life Shotz.

Green Tea And Weight Loss

I think the TV commercial danced around the issue of green tea and “healthy weight management.” So, let me try to clear that up: Green tea won't help people lose weight.

In this review, the authors found green tea did not help people lose weight. They noted there might be a small reduction in fat mass but it was not significant -in other words, it might not be real and even if it was, most people would probably not notice it.

Curcumin

Curcumin is said to be the main active ingredient in the spice, turmeric. The stuff that makes up curcumin are called “curcuminoids.” Curcumin is an antioxidant and there is evidence that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties. This anti-inflammatory effect is likely at the root of the “joint comfort” claim for Green Tea CR. Two capsules of Green Tea CR provide 250 mg of curcumin.

Curcumin is an interesting spice (and supplement). In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, it also seems to raise nitric oxide, a compound that helps blood vessels stay healthy.

While several studies have looked at osteoarthritis, one study noted that 500 mg of curcumin also helped people with rheumatoid arthritis too.

Green Tea CR contains a specific, patented brand of curcumin called BCM-95, made by a company called Arjuna Natural Extracts, based in India. BCM-95 is a combination of curcumin and the essential oil of curcumin, called Ar-turmerone. 

Resveratrol

Like green tea and curcumin, resveratrol also has antioxidant properties. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties too. Resveratrol is a compound found in grapes as well as other foods. It's the reason why some people say red wine (and grape juice) is good for us.

I liked that Green Tea CR provides the most active form of this molecule – trans-resveratrol.

Note, “trans” has nothing to do with trans fat. The word “trans” is science talk and refers to the different shapes that a molecule can have. Different shapes can result in different effects in the body.

Resveratol, along with green tea and curcumin likely are at the center of the brain and heart health claims of the supplement. There is a LOT of research on resveratrol for many different health conditions, including even the aging process. But, how much resveratrol works best?

I don't think we have this answer to this yet.

For more on anti-aging supplements, see these reviews

• Niagen Review
• Elysium Basis Review

Grape Seed Extract

The scientific name for grapes is Vitis vinifera. While they tell us the scientific name, they don't tell us what extract of grape seeds they are using.  This makes evaluating it difficult.

Pine Bark Extract

While they don't tell us what extract from pine bark they are using, I wonder if it might be Pycnogenol. They tell us that 95% of this extract is made up of proanthocyanidins, which are a class of phytonutrients. While this is nice, these are not the only things in pycnogenol. My personal opinion is focusing on any single ingredient reduces the effectiveness of what is naturally found in foods.

Regardless, 2 capsules only provide 10 mg of pine bark extract. Will that do anything significant in people? I don't know. In this study of pycnogenol and memory, researchers gave people 150 mg.

Ellagic Acid

If you eat berries, you are likely getting some of this stuff already. It's a type of phytonutrient called a polyphenol. Ellagic acid is an antioxidant and probably has anti-inflammation properties too.

When I wrote this review, much of the research I saw for ellagic acid involved isolated cells or lab animals. That's not to say it doesn't benefit us too – I'm sure it does. I just don't think the human research is there yet.

Citrus Bioflavonoids

They tell us the bioflavonoids come from citrus fruits, but without knowing which bioflavonoids are in the product, I can't comment on it.

Licorice Root Powder

Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties.  Inflammation plays a role in many degenerative conditions. I'd need to know why this ingredient is present to speak further on it.

BCM-95

This refers to the specific type of curcumin in Green Tea CR. There are many studies involving BCM-95. I covered this ingredient above. Another product that also contained BCM-95 was Ceraplex, a brain supplement. See that review for additional information.

Other Ingredients

The product label also lists these other ingredients in Green Tea CR.

I don't believe any of these plays a significant role in how the product works.

Who Makes Green Tea CR?

Green Tea CR is a supplement from Purity Products. Their website is PurityProducts.com and their company address: 200 Terminal Drive Plainview NY, 11803. If you google this address, you can see that it does indeed show a building that says “Purity Products.” That's good.

I like that Purity Products is a real company. Not all supplement companies actually exist as a physical building. Some exist only as PO Box.

The BBB gave Purity Products a rating of “A+” when the review was updated. See the BBB file for updates and more information.

Contact Purity Products

To contact Purity Product, here is their customer service number of 888 769 7873.

The AutoShip Program

If you purchase Green Tea CR there may be an auto-ship program if you buy it directly from the company. If this is important to you, be sure to ask about it when you order. If you need to cancel the auto-shipments call the company at 888-769-7873.

Buy Green Tea CR

This supplement may be purchased at many familiar stores such as Bed Bath and Beyond, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Costco, Sams Club, and Target among others.

Who is Chris Kilham?

According to his website MedicineHunter.com Mr. Kilham is an educator and on the medical advisory board of the Dr. Oz show as well as Fox News. He's an accomplished author of several books.  

Green Tea CR Side Effects

I think if you are healthy, Green Tea CR is safe. That said here are a few things worth mentioning for those who may not be “healthy.” This list is not complete:

• Start with less for the first week to see how you respond.
• Speak to your doctor if you have issues with heart disease, blood pressure, liver problems, breast cancer, ulcers, take blood thinner medications or ANY medications for that matter.
• Stop taking the product at least 2 weeks before having surgery.
• Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Does Green Tea CR Work?

The ingredients in Green Tea CR are interesting and make some sense. That said, it would take clinical research to know for sure if the product provides its touted benefits. With respect to green tea, I prefer to drink the tea and leave the green tea supplements alone until we know more.

Do You Have Any Questions?