What is N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)?
N-Acetyl-L-cysteine or NAC is an amino acid from L-Cysteine. It is a building block of protein and offers variety of benefits in medications or in achieving a better health. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is commonly taken as a supplement and when it is ingested in the body it turns into L-Cysteine. L-Cysteine as well changes into glutathione, a power antioxidant which aids in the removal of toxic material in the body.
NAC is also being used in the treatment and prevention of several medical conditions such as bronchitis and other respiratory ailments and also has the ability to alleviate negative effects of drug reaction and toxins in the body. Nowadays, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine is also being used in several medications.
Uses of NAC
Let u look into the specific benefits of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine when it is taken in the body as a medication and as a supplement.
- 1. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is a good source of sulfhydryl groups, a metabolite necessary in the formation of Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant and a great help in the body’s detoxification and in the fight for free radicals.
- 2. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is also considered an anti-oxidant and in some accounts it is claimed to help in the prevention of cell inflammation and destruction.
- 3. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine also aids in increasing energy and in fast recovery from damage due to vigorous activities for it protects the cells from oxidative stress.
- 4. NAC is able to counteract poisoning such as acetaminophen poisoning and carbon monoxide poisoning, in this case NAC helps in the obstruction of liver and lung damage.
- 5. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine along with nitroglycerine is a great remedy in the treatment of chest pain (Angina) for it widens the blood vessels and improves blood flow.
- 6. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine can alleviate the symptoms of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) a chronic pulmonary disease which makes a person hard to breathe.
- 7. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine has the ability to prevent cancer because of its ability to alleviate oxidative damage and refresh the level of glutathione in the cells.
- 8. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine has the ability to improve the conditions of people with influenza, a respiratory infection characterized by fever and severe aching.
- 9. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine could possible improve the glutathione levels of people with HIV enabling them to have a better condition of their immune system.
There are a lot of conditions where N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine could possibly alleviate, in different accounts there are claims that it could reduce symptoms of Sjogen syndrome, asthma and could even decrease the risks of lung cancer among smokers. These benefits are really captivating but if you are planning to get NAC supplements for medication, you have to consult your physician to ensure safety.
Safety and Dosing of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
Though N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine has a lot of proven benefits and considered safe among adults however there are still side effects that a person may encounter such as rashes, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. When N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is inhaled, you may experience swelling in the mouth, runny nose, drowsiness and chest tightening.
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine could be given orally, intravenous (IV) or inhaled. The common recommended dosage for N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine as a health supplement is 600mg twice daily. If you are planning to take N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine as a medicine, you should talk to your physician to ensure safety and to note the exact amount of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine you need.
