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N-Aceytl Cysteine (NAC) is therapeutically and nutritionally used to improve health in humans. The most important reason is because it is an essential building block of glutathione, the body's most powerful antioxidant. NAC is valued for its ability to increase glutathione in the body and help with a variety of respiratory conditions, fertility, detoxification, and brain health.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is the supplement form of cysteine. Cysteine is considered a “semi-essential” amino acid because it can be produced in small amounts by the human body. Our bodies can usually manufacture cysteine from the amino acids serine and methionine. However, your body must have adequate amounts of folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 for that to be possible. This is why supplementing with N-Acetyl Cysteine is most often necessary to get its numerous health benefits.
One of the most powerful roles of cysteine is needed to make glutathione, the body's master antioxidant. Glutathione is essential for health. Cysteine is usually the amino acid that’s in shortest supply for making glutamine, so it’s important that you get enough of this amino acid, even though it’s not considered "essential".
NAC, a sulfur-containing derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, supports antioxidant and detoxification mechanisms in the body. NAC supports antioxidant activity by neutralizing hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid, and the highly reactive hydroxyl radical and also serves as a source of sulfhydryl groups. In addition, NAC enhances production of the tripeptide glutathione—a key component of both antioxidant and detoxification enzymes.[1] NAC is recognized for its support of normal mucous production and may positively support respiratory function and eye health, especially when consumed over a prolonged period.[1-3] Research suggests that NAC may protect cell and tissue health by supporting normal mental status in the body.[1,4,5]
HIGHLIGHTS
#1 - PRODUCTION OF MASTER ANTIOXIDANT - GLUTATHIONE
The most valued role of N-Acetyl Cysteine is in antioxidant production. NAC, along with glutamine and glycine, is used by the body to make glutathione, the master antioxidant in the body. Supplementing with glutathione can significantly increase circulating levels of glutathione in the body. [1,4,5] Glutathione is the body's most important antioxidant. Glutathione is known to neutralize free radicals (thereby fighting cellular damage), promotes detoxification, is essential for immune health, combats oxidative stress, and promotes longevity.
#2 - DETOXIFICATION
N-Acetyl Cysteine is an important part of detoxification. A variety of factors may determine glutathione requirements, including level of exposure to toxins, increased phase I detoxification activity, and overall need for antioxidant support. Once NAC promotes production of glutathione, glutathione is incorporated into crucial antioxidant enzymes (e.g., glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and detoxification enzymes (glutathione S-transferases). Through the activity of these enzymes, glutathione directly supports antioxidant activity, phase II detoxification, and the normal breakdown of metabolites, toxins, and other compounds in the body. Glutathione also participates in fatty acid synthesis and amino acid transport across the cell membrane.[1]
The liver and kidneys are two of the main detoxification organs in the body. NAC also has applications in preventing or diminishing liver and kidney damage due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.[15]
#3 - BRAIN HEALTH
NAC has the ability to regulate glutamate, the most important neurotransmitters in the brain. Glutamate is required for normal brain function. When combined NAC's ability to replenish glutathione, this makes N-Acetyl Cysteine a powerful way to boost brain health. Research shows that NAC can play a significant role in improving symptoms associated with brain and memory ailments including Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and tremors. [16,17] Research has also liked NAC to improvements in depression, bi-polar disease, schizophrenia, moderate to severe OCD, and decreasing withdraw symptoms cocaine addicts. [18-23]
#4 - RESPIRATORY HEALTH
NAC’s antioxidant and expectorant capacity can improve lung function by decreasing inflammation as well as breaking up mucus. As an antioxidant, NAC can increase glutathione levels in your lungs, reducing inflammation in the lung tissue and bronchial tubes. Therefore, N-acetyl cysteine has applications in relieving symptoms of nasal and sinus congestion due to allergies or infections, but also more severe cases like bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). [27-29]
#5 - FERTILITY
An estimated 15% of couples trying to conceive struggle with infertility. N-Aceytl Cysteine has been shown to improve fertility in both men and women. Many male infertility issues are a result of free radical damage in the reproductive system due to a lack of antioxidants. NAC can help in these situations. There was another study that showed that men supplementing with NAC and selenium for 26 weeks had improved semen quality. [24,25] N-acetyl cysteine has also been shown to help female fertility in women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) by inducing or augmenting the ovulation cycle. [26]
#6 - STABILIZE BLOOD SUGAR
High blood sugar and obesity lead to inflammation in the fat cells. Animal studies have shown that NAC can stabilize blood sugar by decreasing inflammation in fat cells, resulting in improved insulin resistance. When insulin receptors are healthy, they properly remove sugar from your blood and keep your blood sugar stable. [30,31]
#7 - IMMUNE FUNCTION
NAC boosts glutathione levels in the body. Since glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant in the human body, increased levels positively impact the function of the overall body. And this includes the immune system. Increased levels of glutathione in the body improves immune function. Research on certain diseases associated with NAC and glutathione deficiency suggests that immune function might be improved — and potentially restored — by supplementing with NAC. [34]
#8 - HEART HEALTH
Oxidative damage to the heart often leads to heart disease like stroke, heart attacks, and other life-threatening conditions. NAC can reduce oxidative damage to the heart, which in turn may decrease your risk of heart disease.[32] NAC has also been shown to increase nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide helps dilate veins and improve blood flow, which can lower the risk of heart attacks. [33]
Count:60 capsules
Recommended Usage:Take one to two capsules twice daily between meals, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare practitioner. Do not use if tamper seal is damaged.
Does Not Contain:Wheat, gluten, corn, yeast, soy, animal or dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, or artificial preservatives.
References:
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References
1. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/...
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3044191/
3. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0801/p265.html
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
