N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the dietary amino acid l-cysteine. NAC has a high affinity for lung tissue, which it supports through mucolytic and antioxidant action. NAC also enhances glutathione production and plays a role in heavy metal detoxification.
- Supplement Facts
- 3 capsules per day, in divided doses, between meals.
- each vegetable capsule contains
- n-acetyl-l-cysteine (free-form) ........................................................ 600 mg
- ascorbyl palmitate (fat-soluble vitamin C).......................................... 5 mg
Uses:
Immune And Respiratory System Health: When mucus thickens, it can become difficult to expel. Due to its sulfur content, NAC is able to disrupt disulfide bonds, thinning the mucus so that it, along with the trapped particles and bacteria, are more easily expelled from the lungs. NAC is a powerful free radical scavenger and thus supports epithelial cell health and healthy cilia activity in the respiratory tract. NAC is also a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione. Supplemental NAC increases tissue levels of glutathione. Lymphocytes, specific components of the immune system, rely on glutathione to function properly. Tissues enhanced with glutathione support overall antioxidant protection and help to maintain a healthy immune response. A multicenter, randomized, double blind trial with 262 participants indicated that NAC supplementation for 6 months supported upper respiratory tract and immune system health. A recent meta-analysis of 8 double blind, placebo controlled trials provided additionalsupport for NAC’s abilityto support respiratory tract health. Supports Heavy Metal Detoxification: Several studies suggest that NAC administration to animals may help to reduce mercury and cadmium accumulation in the kidneys and liver and/or to moderate the effects of these metals in these tissues. NAC may achieve these actions in part by facilitating mercury removal from tissues, promoting healthy glutathione levels, or protecting tissues from peroxidation generated by heavy metals.
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