NAC, which stands for N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, is an amino acid that is used by our cells to make glutathione. Glutathione is one of our bodies' primary antioxidants and an important part of our bodies' detoxification system. All of our cells make it but it is in the highest concentration in the liver. It also helps regulate the life cycle of a cell by triggering apoptosis (cell death) if 15% or more of the glutathione inside of the cell is oxidized. Because it balances neurotransmitters it can be helpful in treating OCD, addictions, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. It is also used to treat COPD, asthma, brain fog, improve vision, treat acne, and break down mucus. Glutathione is made from sulfur so eating sulfur-rich foods, including eggs, onions, and cruciferous vegetables, provides the raw materials our cells need to make it.
It does this by combining the NAC with two other amino acids, glutamine and glycine. NAC is the least prevalent of these three amino acids so the cell can only make as much glutathione as it has NAC to make it with, which is why it's what's called the "rate-limiting step". For this reason supplementing NAC can increase the amount of glutathione that is made by your cells. Glutathione is one of the primary antioxidants that our bodies make to protect itself from many harmful things, including oxidative stress, toxic substances such as alcohol, and some medications (most notably acetaminophen aka Tylenol).
The reason to use N-Acetyl-Cysteine instead of just regular cysteine is because the N-Acetyl group protects the cysteine from stomach acid and allows it to be absorbed. Mold exposure reduces our ability to make enough glutathione. Arsenic exposure slows an enzyme needed to make glutathione (unhealthy levels of arsenic have been found in some foods including rice and apples). If NAC becomes unavailable, which it might because the FDA is considering restricting it, glutathione can be taken directly as a supplement, which is best absorbed if it is liposomal (contained within tiny sacs that protect it from stomach acid. Selenium, molybdenum, and riboflavin are important for our bodies to make adequate glutathione.NAC N-Acetylcysteine (DrBeen medical lectures)
No more NAC ?? Here’s how to replace it with another natural supplement - Dr Jake Podcast Ep 02
Applications of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) - From Addiction to Autism By Prof Berk
