IV Infusions of NAC are $150
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a metabolite
of the sulfur-containing amino acid, Cysteine. Cysteine is found in high protein
foods, N-Acetyl Cysteine is not. N-Acetyl Cysteine is produced within the human
body. Cysteine plays a role in the sulfation cycle, acting as a sulfur donor
in phase II detoxification and as a methyl donor in the conversion of homocysteine
to methionine. Cysteine also helps synthesize glutathione, one of the body's
most important natural antioxidants and detoxifiers. N-Acetyl-Cysteine is the
acetylated form of L-Cysteine.
N-Acetyl Cysteine increases Glutathione Levels
N-Acetyl Cysteine is rapidly metabolized
to intracellular glutathione. Glutathione acts as a powerful antioxidant in
the body. Glutathione also detoxifies chemicals into less harmful compounds.
N-Acetyl Cysteine also protects the body from acetaminophen toxicity and is
used in hospitals for patients with acetaminophen poisoning. It has also been
shown to be effective at treating liver failure from other causes as well.
N-Acetyl Cysteine Chelates Heavy Metals
Heavy metals like lead, mercury and
arsenic are detoxified and removed from the body by N-Acetyl Cysteine . It also
increases the excretion of zinc and other essential minerals when taken over
an extended period. It is therefore necessary to supplement zinc, copper and
other trace minerals when taking N-Acetyl Cysteine.
N-Acetyl Cysteine and the Immune System
Glutathione is 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 low, and N-Acetyl Cysteine is thought
to be a better method of boosting cellular glutathione levels. N-Acetyl Cysteine
is being investigated as a treatment for AIDS.
N-Acetyl Cysteine Breaks up Mucus
N-Acetyl Cysteine cleaves 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 bronchitis and flu. Double-blind research
has found that N-Acetyl Cysteine supplements improved symptoms and prevented
recurrences in people with chronic bronchitis. N-Acetyl Cysteine at a dosage
of 1,200 mg per day helps to prevent Influenza infection, reduces the symptoms
of existing Influenza infection and reduces the duration of Influenza infections.
N-Acetyl Cysteine and Cancer
N-Acetyl CysteineN-Acetyl Cysteine
has been shown to reduce the proliferation of certain cells lining the colon
and may reduce the risk of colon cancer in people with recurrent polyps in the
colon. Its action as an antioxidant and a glutathione precursor may also contribute
to a protective effect against cancer.
N-Acetyl Cysteine Cautions
When taking N-acetyl cysteine it
is recommended that two to three times as much vitamin C be taken at the same
time. Failure to do so may result in more harm than good from taking this product
because of the prolonged presence of the oxidized form of L-Cysteine. The vitamin
C also helps keep the glutathione that is produced from the Cysteine in its
reduced form so that it can continue acting as an antioxidant.
N-Acetyl Cysteine Safety
NAC is considered safe for consumption in its therapeutic dosage ranges. Individual reactions may vary and anyone experiencing adverse symptoms while taking N-Acetyl Cysteine should discontinue it.