NEWSLETTER FOR JANUARY THROUGH MARCH
BENEFITS OF N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)
N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine. This form is not found in foods but can be taken as a supplement and once in the body converts to cysteine. NAC is highly water soluble and when taken as a supplement is well utilized.
Cysteine is synthesized in the liver by combining the two amino acids serine and methionine. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, Cysteine can be obtained from the diet by eating beef, poultry, eggs, whole grains and legumes.
Cysteine is important to the production in the body of the chemical glutathione (GSH). GSH is the most abundant and powerful antioxidant produced by the body. It functions as an antioxidant, rids the body of toxins, inactivates pathogens and performs a number of other metabolic functions such as transporting amino acids into our cells and recycling vitamins C and E. The liver is very dependent on GSH for detoxification. The effectiveness of our immune system is dependent on GSH which includes increasing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells which are known to fight cancer.
NAC appears to be one of the most bioavailable and potent forms of cysteine. In addition to its role in the production of glutathione, NAC produces neurotransmitters and removes heavy metals. The primary benefits of NAC appear to be its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants fight disease in the body and anti-inflammatories reduce inflammation. NAC has been shown to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu. Some research has shown that treatment with NAC can stop cancer cell growth and division.
NAC is commonly used in medicine to prevent organ damage due to acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen is commonly found in both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Tylenol is acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fevers. NAC has been shown to help relieve the symptoms of respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchitis. Many of these benefits appear to be the result of NAC helping to provide greater amounts of glutathione.
In a 2022 entry in the Journal of Infection and Public Health, Volume 15, Issue 12, is a study showing benefits in the use of NAC and the treatment of COVID-19. The research presented concluded that the information currently available supports the use of NAC in symptomatic patients with COVID-19. Other studies show increased oxygen saturation when using NAC. One study where NAC was used to treat COVID-19, it was concluded that, “Despite older age and more comorbidity, there was significantly less mortality with NAC in a very large cohort study.”
NAC is available at Milk ‘N Honey under several different brands.
See the coupon page for discounts coupons for
January through March
See specials page for discounted brands
Visit our Articles Pages for information on
many health and nutrition subjects