Researchers tested whether adding a natural compound called glutathione to mink food could improve their growth, digestion, and overall health. They fed 60 young male minks different amounts of this supplement for nine weeks. While the minks didn’t grow noticeably bigger, those receiving the supplement showed better digestion of fats and certain proteins, stronger immune system markers, and healthier intestines. The best results appeared at moderate supplement levels, suggesting this nutrient could be valuable for mink farming.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding glutathione (a natural protective compound found in cells) to mink food improves their growth, digestion, and health
  • Who participated: 60 two-month-old male minks divided into 6 groups, each receiving different amounts of the supplement over 9 weeks
  • Key finding: Minks receiving moderate amounts of glutathione (150-200 mg per kilogram of food) showed significantly better digestion of fats and proteins, plus stronger natural defense systems in their blood and liver
  • What it means for you: This research is primarily relevant to mink farmers and animal nutrition specialists. While the findings suggest glutathione supplementation could improve farm animal health and food efficiency, these results don’t directly apply to human nutrition without further research

The Research Details

Scientists divided 60 young male minks into six equal groups. Each group ate the same base diet, but with different amounts of glutathione added—ranging from none at all (control group) to 250 milligrams per kilogram of food. The minks ate these diets for nine weeks while researchers carefully measured their growth, how well they digested their food, and various health markers in their blood and organs.

This is called a ‘dose-response’ study because researchers were testing multiple different amounts to find which level worked best. They measured growth performance, how efficiently the minks’ bodies broke down and absorbed fats and proteins, and checked blood and liver samples for signs of cellular health and protection.

The researchers used standard laboratory methods to analyze nutrient digestibility and measured specific protective enzymes and compounds in the minks’ blood and liver tissue that indicate how well their bodies can fight cellular damage.

Testing multiple dose levels (rather than just one) helps identify the optimal amount—too little may not help, while too much might be wasteful or ineffective. Measuring both growth and internal health markers provides a complete picture of whether the supplement truly benefits the animals. This approach is important because it shows not just whether something works, but how much is needed.

This study was published in PLoS ONE, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work before publication. The researchers used standard laboratory methods and measured multiple health indicators, which strengthens confidence in the results. However, the study only included male minks, so results might differ for females. The study was relatively short (9 weeks), so long-term effects remain unknown.

What the Results Show

Minks that received glutathione showed better digestion of fats and certain amino acids (protein building blocks) compared to the control group. Specifically, minks receiving 150-250 mg/kg of the supplement digested fats significantly better, while those receiving 100-200 mg/kg showed improved digestion of specific amino acids like cysteine, leucine, and isoleucine during the first four weeks.

The most important finding involved the minks’ natural defense systems. Blood tests showed that minks receiving 150-250 mg/kg had significantly higher levels of protective enzymes called superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase—these are like the body’s natural antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Similarly, liver tests showed increased protective enzyme activity in minks receiving 100-200 mg/kg of the supplement.

Interestingly, while growth performance (weight gain and fur quality) appeared slightly better in supplemented groups, these differences were not statistically significant, meaning they could have occurred by chance. However, the improvements in digestion and cellular protection were clear and measurable.

Intestinal health improved in minks receiving 200 mg/kg of glutathione, which showed taller intestinal structures (villi) in specific sections of the small intestine. Taller villi are important because they increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. The liver’s ability to neutralize harmful substances also improved, as shown by increased glutathione transferase activity in several supplemented groups.

This research aligns with previous studies showing that glutathione supports cellular health and digestion in various animals. The finding that moderate doses work better than very high doses matches patterns seen in other nutrition research. However, most previous glutathione studies focused on different animal species, so this mink-specific research fills an important gap in animal nutrition science.

The study only tested male minks, so results may not apply equally to females. The nine-week duration is relatively short for assessing long-term effects. The study didn’t measure whether the supplement affected the minks’ behavior or overall well-being beyond the measured health markers. Additionally, while growth improvements appeared numerically higher, they weren’t statistically significant, suggesting the supplement’s main benefit is internal health rather than visible growth.

The Bottom Line

For mink farmers: Dietary glutathione supplementation at 150-200 mg/kg appears beneficial for improving nutrient digestion and supporting cellular health in growing male minks (moderate confidence based on this single study). For the general public: This research is animal-focused and doesn’t provide direct guidance for human supplementation without additional human studies.

Mink farmers and animal nutrition specialists should find this research relevant for optimizing feed formulations. Researchers studying animal nutrition and cellular health may use these findings as a foundation for further investigation. This research is NOT a recommendation for humans to take glutathione supplements without consulting healthcare providers.

In the minks studied, improved digestion appeared within the first four weeks, while improvements in blood antioxidant levels and intestinal structure became apparent by the end of the nine-week period. Realistic expectations for farm animals would be gradual improvements in feed efficiency and health markers over several weeks.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • For animal farmers using this research: Track daily feed consumption and weekly weight gain in supplemented animals compared to controls, recording the specific glutathione dose used and date of measurement
  • Farmers could implement a trial period adding glutathione at 150-200 mg/kg to their mink feed and monitor feed efficiency (weight gain per unit of food consumed) and coat quality over 8-12 weeks
  • Establish baseline measurements before supplementation begins, then measure weekly growth rates, monthly feed conversion efficiency, and quarterly blood work if available to track antioxidant enzyme levels

This research specifically studied minks and should not be interpreted as nutritional advice for humans. Glutathione supplementation for human use requires separate clinical research and should only be considered under medical supervision. Pet owners should not attempt to supplement their animals’ diets without consulting a veterinarian. This study was conducted in a controlled research setting and results may not apply to all farming conditions or animal populations. Always consult with a veterinarian or animal nutrition specialist before making changes to animal feed formulations.