 |
 |
 |
|
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an altered form of the non-essential amino acid cysteine, which is commonly found in food and synthesized by the body. The oral cysteine that is best tolerated is called N-Acetyl Cysteine.
Indications are that N-acetyl cysteine is anti-aging; anti-oxidant; a powerful aid in protecting the body from radiation; it deactivates free radicals; is vital for the formation of skin and cell recovery particularly after surgery or cellular damage from burns. Hair and skin contain cysteine.
Source
Cysteine, the amino acid from which NAC is derived, is found in most high-protein foods. The food that contains most cysteine is egg yolk. NAC is not found in the diet.
L-Cysteine is found either by itself or with other amino acids for general amino acid supplementation. It is also found in formulas designed for detoxification, as it has been in veterinary science for some time.
Function; Reasons For Use
Cysteine (L- Cysteine) is one of 20 amino acids used by our bodies to make protein molecules. Cysteine, also known as beta-mercaptoalanine, and the amino acid methionine are the two sulfur-containing amino acids. Cysteine is a vital component of many proteins in the body, including all of those whose structure is dependent on a disulfide bond (for example, antibodies).
Cysteine has been used for many years in the veterinary sciences as a detoxifying agent. It has the ability to bind metals such as cadmium and mercury, able to prevent acetaldehyde poisoning (from chronic alcohol or cigarette smoking), and has the ability to increase the activities of both Vitamin B6 and glutathione.
NAC helps the body synthesize glutathione, an important antioxidant. Cysteine is the rate-limiting amino acid in the production of glutathione. In other words, if one is low in cysteine, the production of glutathione can not move forward. Many studies have shown that supplementation of cysteine has led to increased intercellular levels of glutathione.
Deficiencies of NAC have not been defined and may not even exist. Healthy people do not need to supplement NAC.
The use of N-Acetyl L-Cysteine in medicine is well researched and documented for a variety of conditions. NAC is a precursor to one of the body's most potent anti-oxidants, glutathione. It is through this action, that NAC is used for help in liver support, and has even been used to prevent acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisonings.
Probably its best-known use is as a mucolytic. By breaking the disulphide bonds in the mucus of the intestines and especially the lungs, NAC is able to break down the mucus and make it less viscous. This is especially important during asthma, bronchitis, and bouts of hayfever.
As an antioxidant, NAC has a number of scavanging activities that benefit many organ systems and is often used in antioxidant supplements.
Directions
Optimal levels of supplementation remain unknown, though much of the research uses 250-1,500mg per day.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Cysteine / N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) can help with the following: | | | | | Addictions |  Cigarette Smoke Damage | NAC is a beneficial nutrient for the lungs both during and after cessation of smoking. |
|
Aging |
Parkinson's Disease |
Allergy |
Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever| | N-acetylcysteine is recommended at 200mg three times per day. |
|
Circulation |
 Coronary Disease / Heart Attack| | Cysteine is sometimes used to help lessen the risk of coronary artery disease. |
|
Environment / Toxicity |
Mercury Toxicity (Amalgam Illness)| | The ability of NAC to enhance methylmercury excretion when given orally, its relatively low toxicity, and its wide availability in the clinical setting indicate that it may be an ideal therapeutic agent for use in cases of methylmercury poisoning. [Environ Health Perspectives, 1998, 106(5): pp.267-71]
Earlier concerns over NAC causing mercury to accumulate in the brain and kidneys, as can occur with L-cysteine, now appear to be unfounded. The initial concerns were opinions only, based on L-cysteine research, not NAC research. Still, some clinicians feel that symptom worsening occurs with the use of large doses of NAC (over 300mg per day), especially if they already have elevated levels of L-cysteine. If L-cystiene levels are elevated, cystiene containing products such as protein powders should be avoided. |
Heavy Metal Toxicity| | Cysteine acts as a complexing agent by attaching itself to lead and carrying it out of the body. It is a heavy metal scavenger and liver protector. |
|
Immunity |
HIV/AIDS| | Deficiencies of the related amino acid cysteine have been reported in HIV-infected patients. |
|
Lab Values |
High Total Cholesterol |
Mental |
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) |
Respiratory |
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)| | NAC helps break down mucus. Double-blind research has found that NAC supplements improved symptoms and prevented recurrences in people with chronic bronchitis. NAC may also protect lung tissue through its antioxidant activity. |
|
Tumors, Benign |
Colon Polyps| | Supplementation with NAC 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. [Estensen RD, Levy M, Klopp SJ, et al. N-acetylcysteine suppression of the proliferative index in the colon of patients with previous adenomatous colonic polyps. Cancer Lett 1999;147: pp.109-14]. |
|
| | | | |
KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Amino Acid (Amino Acids)
An organic acid containing nitrogen chemical building blocks that aid in the production of protein in the body. Eight of the twenty-two known amino acids are considered "essential," and must be obtained from dietary sources because the body can not synthesize them.
Antibody (Antibodies)
A type of serum protein (globulin) synthesized by white blood cells of the lymphoid type in response to an antigenic (foreign substance) stimulus. Antibodies are complex substances formed to neutralize or destroy these antigens in the blood. Antibody activity normally fights infection but can be damaging in allergies and a group of diseases that are called autoimmune diseases.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by molecules called free radicals. These chemicals can damage important parts of cells, such as proteins, membranes, and DNA. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Arterial (Arteries, Artery)
Blood that leaves the heart. When it leaves the right ventricle, it is venous blood; and when it leaves the left ventricle, through the aorta, it is fresh and oxygenated. After it has passed out to the capillaries and started to return, it is venous blood.
Asthma (Asthmatic)
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress. Extrinsic Asthma is triggered by pollen, chemicals or some other external agent; Intrinsic Asthma is triggered by boggy membranes, congested tissues, or other native causes… even adrenalin stress or exertion.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, frequently accompanied by cough, hypersecretion of mucus, and expectoration of sputum. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infectious agent and of short duration. Chronic bronchitis, generally the result of smoking, may also be known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Emphysema.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Colon (Colonic)
The part of the large intestine that extends to the rectum. The colon takes the contents of the small intestine, moving them to the rectum by contracting.
Cysteine
A nonessential amino acid but may be essential for individuals with certain diseases or nutritional concerns. Cysteine is a sulfur-bearing amino acid with antioxidant properties. It is important for keratin synthesis, a protein found in skin, hair and nails and is a component of coenzyme A and glutathione.
Free Radical (Free Radicals)
A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.
Glutathione
A natural sulfur-bearing peptide formed from the linking of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant and detoxicant and is involved with the selenium-containing enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione is also involved in amino acid transport across cell membranes and is a powerful free radical scavenger and antioxidant that removes unwanted substances from the body.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Methionine
Essential amino acid. Dietary source of sulfur and methyl groups. Important for proper growth in infants, nitrogen balance in adults, healthy nails and skin and the synthesis of taurine, cysteine, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), bile, carnitine and endorphins. It is an antioxidant nutrient and lipotropic agent which promotes the physiological utilization of fat.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Mucolytic
Agent breaking down or dissolving mucus.
Mucus (Mucous)
The viscous, slippery substance that consists chiefly of mucin, water, cells, and inorganic salts and is secreted as a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.
NAC
N-acetyl-l-cysteine. A sulfur compound that is a precursor of glutathione.
Nonessential Amino Acid (Non-essential Amino Acid)
An amino acid which the body can create its own supply of if the diet is lacking in sources of it.
Polyp (Polyps)
A usually nonmalignant growth or tumor protruding from the mucous lining of an organ such as the nose, bladder or intestine, often causing obstruction.
Precursor (Precursors)
A biochemical substance, such as an intermediate compound in a chain of enzymatic reactions, from which a more stable or definitive product is formed.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Vitamin B6 (B6, B-6)
Influences many body functions including regulating blood glucose levels, manufacturing hemoglobin and aiding the utilization of protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also aids in the function of the nervous system.
Last updated: Jan 03, 2010
|
 |
|
|
