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Alzheimer's Supplements
Acetyl-L-carnitine
Ginkgo
Huperzine A
Phosphatidylserine
Vinpocetine
Carnosine
Citrulline
Choline or Phosphatidylcholine
DHEA
Lemon Balm
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
Sage

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Proposed Uses: Angina Pectoris (in Combination with Conventional Treatment); Chronic Bronchitis; Preventing Influenza; Chemotherapy Support; Chronic Blepharitis; Colon Cancer Prevention; Female Infertility caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; HIV Support; Liver Failure; Protection Against Kidney Damage Caused by Contrast Agents; Sjogren’s Syndrome

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a specially modified form of the dietary amino acid cysteine. When taken orally, NAC is thought to help the body make the important antioxidant enzyme glutathione. It has shown promise for a number of conditions, especially chronic bronchitis.

Therapeutic Dosages
Optimal levels of NAC have not been determined. The amount used in studies has varied from 250 to 1,500 mg daily.

Therapeutic Uses
Significant evidence suggests that regular use of NAC is helpful for individuals with chronic bronchitis in reducing frequency of acute flare-ups of the condition.

Regular use of NAC may help prevent influenza, possibly by stimulating immunity.
One substantial study found evidence that NAC may augment the effectiveness of clomiphene, a drug used for female infertility.60The study involved women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Mixed evidence suggests that NAC may enhance the effectivess of the drug nitroglycerin, used for the treatment of angina. However, severe headaches may develop as a side effect.

NAC may be helpful in a life-threatening condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome. Very high dosages of NAC are used in hospitals as a conventional treatment for acetaminophen poisoning.

Note: Do not attempt to self-treat angina, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or acetaminophen poisoning! Medical supervision is absolutely essential because of the very real risk of death in these conditions.

In order to get more information from certain types of x-rays, radiologists often administer substances called "contrast agents." Unfortunately, contrast agents can damage the kidney. Growing evidence indicates that NAC can help protect the kidney from such damage.

Some research has also suggested that NAC may be helpful for Sjogren’s syndrome, infections of the eyelid, severe liver disease, and reducing the side effects of the cancer chemotherapy drug ifosfamide. Other evidence hints that NAC might help offset the carcinogenic effects of smoking and reduce colon cancer risk.

One trial failed to find NAC helpful for head and neck or lung cancer. Studies have also failed to find NAC helpful for treating viral hepatitis, preeclampsia, or enhancing sports performance.

Safety Issues
NAC appears to be a very safe supplement when taken alone, although one study in rats suggests that 60 to 100 times the normal dose can cause liver injury.

As mentioned above, the combination of nitroglycerin and NAC can cause severe headaches. Safety in young children, women who are pregnant or nursing, and individuals with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.

Feature Article

The Fountain of Youth?

What if I told you that it may be possible for you to live to age 100 or even longer, in better health than you are in right now? And, if you are already experiencing the ill effects of aging, what if I told you that it may be possible for you to look and feel 20 years younger and stay that way beyond the age of 100.

Aside from the fact that you'd probably call me crazy, I have to tell you that we have never been as close as we are today to actually being able to extend human life!

Read More