N-acetyl-cysteine, derived from the simple amino acid cysteine, provides significant protection against a broad array of modern toxins.
Supplementation with N-acetyl-cysteine thus helps the body produce glutathione at more beneficial levels. Glutathione is often considered the body’s most important antioxidant because of its location within the cell, which enhances its ability to neutralize free radicals.
N-acetyl-cysteine helps protect the liver from potentially adverse effects of exposure to a broad range of toxic chemicals, including those chemicals that can poison the body through cumulative use.
N-acetyl-cysteine is the acetylated form of L-cysteine which is more efficiently absorbed and used. It is also an antioxidant that is helpful against viruses. N-acetyl-cysteine has been used as a liver protectant and to break up pulmonary and bronchial mucus. N-acetyl-cysteine can boost glutathione levels in cells.
L-cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid, one of only three sulfur-containing amino acids, the others being taurine (which can be produced from L-cysteine) and L-methionine from which L-cysteine can be produced in the body by a multi-step process. L-cysteine can act as an antioxidant, may prevent liver diseases, and can help to thicken the individual diameters of existing hair if taken regularly.
Even though many published studies show that garlic, selenium, alpha-lipoic acid, L-cysteine and N-acetyl-cysteine can boost cellular glutathione levels, people with health problems may benefit from taking high doses of glutamine. Those with cataracts or liver disease may want to take 500 mg a day of this very potent antioxidant.
N-acetyl-cysteine is the more efficiently absorbed and used form of L-cysteine. N-acetyl-cysteine can act as an antioxidant and is helpful against viruses. N-acetyl-cysteine has been used as a liver protectant and to break up pulmonary and bronchial mucus. N-acetyl-cysteine can boost glutathione levels in cells and is an FDA-approved prescription drug sold under the tradename “Mucomist” to treat acetaminophen induced liver injury.
N-acetylcysteine is an excellent source of sulfhydryl groups, and is converted in the body into metabolites capable of stimulating:
- Glutathione synthesis,
- Promoting detoxification
- Acting directly as a free radical scavenger
Administration of acetylcysteine has historically been as a mucolytic [mucus dissolving] agent in a variety of respiratory illnesses; however, it appears to also have beneficial effects in conditions characterized by decreased glutathione or oxidative stress. Acetylcyteine may also prevent toxicity to the kidneys during x-ray testing after injection with a contrast material in the bloodstream.