The aim of this study is to determine the effects of glutathione supplement on the immune cell response and symptomatology of upper respiratory health, and antioxidant capacity in healthy people in exercise-induced model.
A minimum of 60 individuals will be recruited and enrolled to complete the entire protocol in a randomized, double-blinded, 18 week placebo-controlled trial. Subjects will receive either a placebo or glutathione while participating in a stepwise exercise approach that mixes periods of high and low training volume to train subjects and improve running efficiency. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection-related health conditions will be monitored and assessed throughout the study period. Blood and saliva samples will be collected at baseline, and before and after timed 15k and half marathon runs at 12 and 16 weeks respectively.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
84
1000 mg/day Glutathione
Crystalline cellulose
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas, United States
Change in Complete Blood Count (CBC)
CBC will be drawn and white blood cell count will be evaluated as an indicator of infection.
Time frame: Evaluated at baseline, week 12 and week 16
Change in Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
ESR will be measured as a marker of systematic inflammation
Time frame: Evaluated at baseline, week 12 and week 16
Change in mucosal immunity
Salivary Immunoglobulin concentrations will be tracked as a marker of the bodies ability to mount a first line defense against viruses and other pathogens
Time frame: Evaluated at baseline, week 12 and week 16
Change in T-cell population
Shifts in the T-cell concentration and population phenotypes will be tracked as a marker for readiness to fight infection
Time frame: Evaluated at baseline, week 12 and week 16
Change in T-cell response to Group A Streptococci Antigen
Measurements will provide insight regarding the in vitro capacity of the body to respond to the most common virus causing URTI
Time frame: Evaluated at baseline, week 12 and week 16
Survey based tracking of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms
Tracking of symptoms allows for calculation of % healthy vs % sick days
Time frame: Continuous for 18 weeks
Incident specific tracking of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI)
Incidence tracking of URTI allows for evaluation of comparative number, severity and recovery time from URTI
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Time frame: Continuous for 18 weeks
Changes in Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs)
TBARs are a direct index of the state of lipid peroxidation which is a marker of oxidative stress
Time frame: Evaluated at baseline, week 12 and week 16
Changes in Glutathione (GSH)/Glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio in blood
The ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione will be analyzed as a marker of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity
Time frame: Evaluated at baseline, week 12 and week 16