N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) is a form of the common amino acid cysteine that is most easily absorbed into the body. As an antioxidant supplement, NAC is used by the body to make glutathione, a natural antioxidant enzyme that allows the immune system to fight toxins and diseases. Without glutathione, one’s immune system is weak and has little defense. Yet if that is the case, why not consume more glutathione directly? The reason is that NAC can be transported into cells much more effectively than glutathione. What’s more, an ample amount of NAC in the body can stimulate the production of glutathione if it is needed in the cell. This is more preferred because too much glutathione is not healthy.
There are many benefits of NAC supplementation due to its detoxifying effects. These include prevention and treatment of cancer, heavy metal poisoning, smoker’s cough, bronchitis, alcohol poisoning, heart disease and cystic fibrosis. NAC is also widely used to treat patients with an excess of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.
Even though it is not a diagnostic trait, but a low count of T4 white blood cells is almost always the case for those who are later diagnosed with AIDS. Because cysteine has been shown to stimulate the production of T4 cells, many studies are now taking place to investigate the effects of NAC on those with AIDS.
There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance for NAC since cysteine is made in the body and found in many common foods such as meat, eggs, wheat, broccoli, garlic, onions and red peppers. However, supplementing one’s diet with NAC can improve the immune system and detoxify the body.
References: (1) http://www.vitaminstuff.com/acetylcysteine.html
(2) http://juvenon.com/jhj/vol4no10.htm
