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Combat pollution with NAC
Do you wish you had help to detox from the environmental stresses of the '90s? N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) might be the answer. Touted as a defense against toxins and carcinogens, NAC is a necessary amino acid and the precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.
These two substances seem to protect our cells from "oxidative stress" and free-radical damage that occurs from toxic environmental chemicals and pollutants, stress, smoking, and aging. As antioxidants, glutathione and NAC can help to destroy these free radicals.
Proponents claim that, as an antioxidant, NAC may help treat viral infections, including AIDS. Many more studies are needed, however, before it can be understand how NAC may benefit people with AIDS. The benefits of glutathione and NAC supplementation remain very controversial.
Quick Facts About Glutathione and NAC
- Glutathione combines with selenium in our bodies to form glutathione peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant enzyme.
- Food sources of glutathione include fresh whole fruits and vegetables and animal foods such as beef, chicken, and fish.
- Sources of NAC include eggs, dairy products, fish, poultry, and meat.
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What Works Best -- and Worst - with Glutathione or NAC
- Take with vitamin C to enhance the effects.
- Eat plenty of glutathione-rich foods such as asparagas, avocado, walnuts, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Product Forms Available
- NAC usually comes in 500-mg or 600-mg tablets or capsules.
- Glutathione is usually available in 50-mg tablets or capsules.
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Glutathione is a small protein produced from the amino acids N-acetylcysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. Sulfur and selenium are also components of glutathione.
NAC is produced from the amino acid cysteine.
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Advocates of Glutathione and NAC Supplements Maintain They May Help
- Protect against environmental toxins and pollutants (including cigarette smoke, alcohol, pesticides, hazardous wastes, and air pollution)
- Treat symptoms of HIV and AIDS
- Prevent replication of dangerous viruses
Storage
Store the supplements in a cool, dry place.
Dosage and Administration
- As a supplement, common dosages of NAC are about 500 to 600 milligrams daily, or as directed by the manufacturer.
- Glutathione dosage is 50 to 100 milligrams daily as a supplement, or as directed by the manufacturer.
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Some consider the benefits of glutathione and NAC controversial. More studies are needed to understand just how these supplements may benefit our bodies.
Side Effects
No side effects are associated with usual amounts of glutathione and NAC. However, if you are allergic to it or take excessive amounts of it you may experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Rash (rarely)
If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking the supplements and call your doctor.
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Sources & Further Reading
Books
1. Balch, James, F., P.A. Balch. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
2. Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy. New York, New York: St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1997.
3. Lieberman, Shari, N. Bruning. The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
4. Murray, Michael. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
Articles
1. Albini A; D'Agostini F; Giunciuglio D; Paglieri I; Balansky R; De Flora S. "Inhibition of invasion, gelatinase activity, tumor take and metastasis of malignant cells by N-acetylcysteine". Int J Cancer. 61(1):121-9. Mar 29, 1995.
2. Arstall MA; Yang J; Stafford I; Betts WH; Horowitz JD. "N-acetylcysteine in combination with nitroglycerin and streptokinase for the treatment of evolving acute myocardial infarction. Safety and biochemical effects". Circulation. 92(10):2855-62. Nov 15, 1995.
3. Cotgreave IA. "N-acetylcysteine: pharmacological considerations and experimental and clinical applications". Adv Pharmacol. 38:205-27. 1997.
4. De Flora S; Cesarone CF; Balansky RM; Albini A; D'Agostini F; Bennicelli C; Bagnasco M; Camoirano A; Scatolini L; Rovida A; et al. "Chemopreventive properties and mechanisms of N-Acetylcysteine. The experimental background". J Cell Biochem Suppl. 22:33-41. 1995.
5. De Flora S; Grassi C; Carati L. "Attenuation of influenza-like symptomatology and improvement of cell-mediated immunity with long-term N-acetylcysteine treatment". Eur Respir J. 10(7):1535-41. Jul 1997.
6. Kelly GS. "Clinical applications of N-acetylcysteine". Altern Med Rev. 3(2):114-27. Apr 1998.
7. Kobrinsky NL; Hartfield D; Horner H; Maksymiuk A; Minuk GY; White DF; Feldstein TJ. "Treatment of advanced malignancies with high-dose acetaminophen and N-acetylcysteine rescue". Cancer Invest. 14(3):202-10. 1996.
8. Rivabene R; Viora M; Matarrese P; Rainaldi G; D'Ambrosio A; Malorni W. "N-acetyl-cysteine enhances cell adhesion properties of epithelial and lymphoid cells". Cell Biol Int. 19(8):681-6. Aug 1995.
9. Travaline JM; Sudarshan S; Roy BG; Cordova F; Leyenson V; Criner GJ. "Effect of N-acetylcysteine on human diaphragm strength and fatigability". Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 156(5):1567-71. Nov 1997.
10. Van Zandwijk N. "N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH): antioxidant and chemopreventive properties, with special reference to lung cancer". J Cell Biochem Suppl. 22:24-32. 1995.
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