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Carlos Chamorro:

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the sulfur-containing amino acid, cysteine. It is produced naturally in the body and is found in foods. NAC is an intermediary (along with glutamic acid and glycine) in the conversion of cysteine into glutathione, the body’s primary cellular antioxidant.

Immune enhancer

Prevents/treats cancer

Detoxifies heavy metals

Treats smoker’s cough and bronchitis

Prevents heart disease

Slows progression of HIV

Relieves hangover symptoms

Reduces exercise fatigue

NAC’s proposed benefits in human health are thought to originate from either of its two of its primary actions in the body. First, NAC is rapidly metabolized to intracellular glutathione. Glutathione (GTH) and the enzyme complexes that it forms act as reducing agents and antioxidants in the body. GTH also detoxifies chemicals into less harmful compounds as well as detoxifying heavy metals such as mercury and lead. GTH is also known to aid in the transport of nutrients to lymphocytes and phagocytes, two major classes of immune cells, and to protect cell membranes. While purified glutathione is available as a dietary supplement, absorption is notoriously low, and NAC is thought to be a better source method of boosting cellular GTH levels. NAC’s second beneficial action in the body is to cleave disulfide bonds by converting them to two sulfhydryl groups. This action results in the breakup of mucoproteins in lung mucus, reducing their chain lengths and thinning the mucus, improving conditions such as smoker’s cough and bronchitis.

Several studies have been performed to confirm that NAC is converted to glutathione in the body. A review of these studies showed that oral NAC supplementation was successful in enhancing the levels of glutathione in the liver, in plasma, and in the bronchioles of the lungs. Lack of glutathione has been shown to contribute to a variety of health conditions such as adult respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Research on NAC has clearly shown value in the treatment of chronic bronchitis and lung ailments as well as for those individuals desiring an increase in generalized antioxidant protection. While there is not an abundance of evidence available, NAC may also be a valuable supplement for slowing the progression of HIV.

Cysteine is an amino acid that can be found in many proteins throughout the body. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a modified form of cysteine, helps break down mucus and detoxify harmful substances in the body. Both cysteine and NAC have been shown to increase levels of the antioxidant glutathione.

Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals, damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants such as glutathione can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Rating: 5 / 5
Vitamin Shoppe – Nac , 600 mg, 150 capsules