NAC Supports Detox and More
Three little letters offer big health benefits. A stable form of the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) boosts the body's supply of glutathione, essential to maintaining the electrochemical balance of numerous cells in the body. An important regulator of cell health, glutathione is a detoxifying agent in the kidneys, helping to eliminate a variety of environmental toxins, ranging from fungicides to plastics, and to neutralize free radicals that can damage healthy cells.
Promising Research
Medical doctors in Prague find that NAC supplementation (100 mg per kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, of body weight) after a heart attack can minimize damage. Experimental research suggests that N-acetylcysteine significantly lowers cholesterol levels, including LDL ("lousy") cholesterol.
"NAC supplementation may also decrease both the frequency and duration of infectious diseases," adds James F. Balch, MD. This antioxidant inhibits viral replication through several different mechanisms.
A recent Polish study highlights NAC's anti-inflammatory potential in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Other investigations find N-acetylcysteine as useful as vitamin E against nicotine-related damage to lung cells. NAC also appears to protect the lungs against poisons in pesticides and certain chemical warfare agents.
This antioxidant helps protect the liver from excessive doses of acetaminophen and other toxic substances. NAC appears to foster healing in colitis and, along with vitamin C, can limit damage to the pancreas.
Working out more? This antioxidant lessens muscle fatigue, at least in part by improving potassium regulation during sustained endurance exercise. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, medical director of the Center for Effective CFS/Fibromyalgia Therapies, recommends taking 500 to 650 mg NAC for fibromyalgia.
Using NAC
Dr. Balch suggests 500 to 1,500 mg daily for a range of conditions. However, long-term use may deplete copper or zinc levels. Use amino acids, including NAC, only under supervision if you have kidney or liver disease.
Selected Sources "Antioxidant Therapy with N-acetylcysteine plus Mesalamine Accelerates Mucosal Healing in a Rodent Model of Colitis" by A. Siddiqui et al., Dig Dis Sci, 4/06 "Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Properties of New Pro-Glutathione (GSH) Molecules" by A. Fraternale et al., Curr Med Chem, 2006 "Coadministration of Zinc and N-acetylcysteine Prevents Arsenic-Induced Tissue Oxidative Stress in Male Rats" by M. Modi et al., J Trace Elem Med Biol, 2006 "Effect of Antioxidant Capacity on Blood Lipid Metabolism and Lipoprotein Lipase Activity of Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet" by R. Yang et al., Nutrition, 11-12/06 "The Effects of Erdosteine, N-acetylcysteine, and Vitamin E on Nicotine-Induced Apoptosis of Pulmonary Cells" by R. Demiralay et al., Toxicology, 2/25/06 "Influence of N-acetylcysteine on ICAM-1 Expression and IL-8 Release from Endothelial and Epithelial Cells" by D. M. Radomska-Lesniewska et al., J Physio Pharmcol, 9/06 "N-acetylcysteine Attenuates the Decline in Muscle of Na+, K+-Pump Activity and Delays Fatigue During Prolonged Exercise in Humans" by M. J. McKenna et al., J Physiol, 10/1/06 Prescription for Nutritional Cures by James F. Balch, MD, and Mark Stengler, ND ($24.95, Wiley, 2004) Staying Healthy with Nutrition by Elson M. Haas, MD, with Buck Levin, PhD, RD ($39.95, Celestial Arts, 2006)
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