DESCRIPTION of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) w/ Liver Safeguard
Acetylcysteine is also known as N-Acetyl Cystine or NAC for short; NAC is included in the World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines. NAC promotes higher Glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione is deemed to be an important antioxidant that prevents cellular damage. In the medical field, NAC is used to treat acetaminophen overdose and to thin thick mucus caused by cystic fibrosis or COPD. The following medical uses were observed by the Medical Center of the University of Maryland: "Acetaminophen poisoning, Angina, Chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Influenza, Accurate respiratory distress syndrome...".. In the field of dietary supplements, NAC is available in a variety of potencies and is used by many to promote increased glutathione levels in the body.
Mechanism of Action of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) w/ Liver Safeguard
NAC is considered a 'pro-drug' to L-cysteine. A 'pro-drug' is a compound that converts in the body into a pharmacologically active 'drug'. The body needs L-cysteine to produce glutathione, thus, NAC supplementation raises glutathione stores in the body.
Dietary sources of NAC or N-Acetyl Cysteine
While NAC is not found in found, the body can make cysteine from methionine. Cysteine-rich foods are normally also high-protein foods and can include: Oats, yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta, pork, chicken, sausage meat, turkey, wheat germ, duck, granola and lunch meats.
Applications for N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) w/ Liver Safeguard
The clinical study "Comparison of oral and i.v. acetylcysteine in the treatment of acetaminophen poisoning" (Am. Health Syst Pharm. 2006 Oct 1;63(19):1821-7 [PubMed Citation] is included in The United States Department of Health & Human Services database at https://chemm.nlm.nih.gov/countermeasure_acetylcysteine.htm. The study observes: "Oral and i.v. acetylcysteine appear to be equally effective when given within 8-10 hours of acetaminophen overdose." Overdoses of acetaminophen are treated by healthcare professionals by administration of i.v. NAC in medical settings.
As a dietary supplement, NAC is used to increase levels of glutathione and support healthy liver function. It is believed that NAC helps the body to neutralize toxins, heavy metals such as mercury from dental fillings and cadmium and lead from paint. NAC has also been used to promote stronger nails.
Cautions for N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) w/ Liver Safeguard
If you take NAC supplements, advise your doctor and have him check homocysteine levels, as NAC may raise homocysteine. Do not exceed recommended doses. More than 7 grams of cysteine may be toxic. See your doctor for any nausea, vomiting and diarrhea symptoms caused by NAC consumption.
Asthma sufferers who take NAC should be monitored by their physician. Patients with cystinuria (kidney condition causing excessive loss of cysteine in the urine) should not take cysteine supplements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.