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Click to Enlarge Unit Weight: 1500 grams Unit Volume: 2800 cc Click to Enlarge Certificate of Analysis Click to Enlarge Volumetric Equivalents

What is N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)?

N-Acetylcysteine, which is an antioxidant supplement, is a sulfur-based amino acid necessary to synthesize glutathione, a natural and powerful antioxidant enzyme produced in the body to fight free-radical activity. Cysteine is also a nutritional precursor for the powerful antioxidant glutathione, one of the body's most important natural antioxidants and detoxifiers. Glutathione is considered to be an extremely important antioxidant because of its intracellular physiological activity. Without glutathione, the body’s immune system would succumb easily to free radicals, and left with weak defense against toxins and disease. Cysteine can be found in beta-keratin, the main protein in nails, skin and hair. It helps in keeping a healthy, youthful appearance by promoting collagen production and skin elasticity.

N-acetyl cysteine, also known as NAC and Acetylcysteine, is a more stable and more bio-available form of the sulfur-containing amino acid L-Cysteine. This means N-Acetyl-Cysteine is the acetylated form of L-Cysteine or a form of the amino acid cysteine that is most easily absorbed from supplements. Since NAC is an L-Cysteine derivative, it is more water soluble, and thus more bioavailable than regular L-Cysteine. Also, it is important to note that unlike L-Cysteine which is readily found in the diet, mainly from lean meat sources, NAC is not available in the diet and must be obtained via dietary supplementation.

Cysteine plays an integral role in the sulfation cycle, by donating sulfur in phase II detoxification and methyl in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. NAC may be potent in the prevention and/or treatment of cancer, heavy metal poisoning, smoker’s cough, bronchitis, heart disease, cystic fibrosis, acetaminophen poisoning, and septic shock. Its detoxifying effects may also be helpful in enhancing the benefits of regular exercise by shielding the body from oxidative stress. NAC is a bit more expensive than the non-acetylated amino acid L-Cysteine, but owing to its greater bioavailability NAC is a far more economical nutritional supplement

Because cysteine has been demonstrated to trigger the production of T4 white blood cells, NAC supplementation is being studied as an adequate and possible treatment for people with AIDS. It is believed that subjects consuming 1800 milligrams of NAC supplements daily could significantly decrease their likelihood of developing full-blown AIDS. The immune strengthening effects of acetylcysteine may also provide protection against Influenza, and supplementation should be seriously considered by those people most susceptible to the effects of the flu virus, especially the elderly and those with chronic illness. Some studies have revealed that acetylcysteine can assist in protecting the lungs from carcinogens brought about by tobacco smoke, protect the liver against the adverse effects of alcohol, treat arsenic and mercury poisoning, and minimize toxic side effects of some medications used in cancer treatments. Wheat, broccoli, garlic, onions and red peppers are also good natural sources of cysteine.

What is N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) used for and who uses it?

Since cysteine can be manufactured within the body, and can also be obtained through high protein foods, such as meat and eggs, there is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). NAC is a non-essential nutrient and as such, no symptoms of deficiency exist. Research however has established that NAC exerts powerful antioxidant effects, and for this reason, even healthy adults can benefit from using NAC as a dietary supplement. NAC has been shown to be effective in preventing many diseases and conditions in which free radicals are the main culprits. This includes cancer, AIDS, cirrhosis, as well as pollution damage from smoking or other chemicals. In this function, NAC scours the body for, neutralizes, and eliminates, damaging free radicals that can cause oxidative harm to muscle tissue, bodily organs, and DNA. As an antioxidant it may lower oxidative stress. NAC may also strengthen the immune system by functioning as a glutathione pre-cursor.

Aside from protecting the body from oxidative damage resulting from normal metabolism and environmental factors and toxins, NAC can positively affect liver function, shielding the liver from heavy metals like lead and mercury. NAC can help to prevent damage to the liver caused from overuse of acetaminophen (Tylenol), as NAC is the standard medical treatment for acetaminophen overdose. NAC is used extensively in hospitals for patients with acetaminophen poisoning. As such it would be wise to take NAC in conjunction with acetaminophen. NAC is beneficial to general liver repair as well. It has also been shown to be effective at treating liver failure from causes other than acetaminophen poisoning (e.g., hepatitis, and other drug toxicity). Naturally training athletes can really benefit from supplemental NAC because it can strengthen and protect the immune system from harmful oxidants and free radicals from the environment, regular metabolic functions and intense exercise.

NAC is also an excellent mucolytic agent and helps break down mucus. Double-blind studies have confirmed that NAC supplements can significantly alleviate and improve symptoms thus preventing recurrences in people with chronic bronchitis. NAC may also protect lung tissue through its antioxidant activity, and can also help the body synthesize glutathione, an important antioxidant. In animals, the antioxidant property of NAC supports the liver, making it strong enough to endure the damaging effects of exposure to several toxic chemicals. Supplementation with NAC has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer in people with recurrent polyps in the colon. There have been several case reports of oral NAC producing dramatic improvements in Unverricht-Lundborg disease, a genetic degenerative disorder characterized by seizures and progressive disability. Oral supplementation with NAC has been used successfully in two cases to treat a rare syndrome that complicates kidney dialysis. This condition by the name of pseudoporphyria, has no other known treatment.

How pure is your N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)?

This pharmaceutical grade amino acid N-Acetyl L-Cysteine or NAC is assayed by the manufacturer to be 99.5% product. You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy-duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this white powder product. If you want to try supplements, remember that NAC is the most bioavailable or most easily absorbed form of cysteine by the body. Typical dosages range of 250-1000 milligrams a day, and there have been no toxic side effects reported to date. Selenium and vitamin B6 and vitamin E help to enhance the antioxidant effects of cysteine, so it might be a good idea to add these supplements to your daily regimen as well. Due to the fact that our product is pharmaceutical grade, these are best utilized by the body, since they do not require digestion and are easily absorbed. Our product does not contain any fillers, additives or anti-caking agents. If all you want are the health benefits made possible with NAC, buying this product in bulk is the best way to get there. Buying in bulk is also your best bet for saving money because for sure you’ll pay more at a local nutrition store. Bulk costs are cheaper in the long run and you will receive a great deal at or below wholesale prices for a high purity bulk quantity of this product.

What is the daily suggested dose of N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)?

Suggested doses for N-Acetyl L-Cysteine vary from 250mg to 1000mg (1 gram) per day, depending upon individual needs. By consulting the green volumetric bulk density table below you will notice that a level one eighth teaspoon (1/8 tsp) of NAC is approximately 403 milligrams. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for NAC here. Take one level 1/8 teaspoon once or twice per day ideally on an empty stomach. For the majority of therapeutic benefits, typical dosage recommendations are in the range of 250-1500mg of NAC daily. However, some people do report nausea when taking greater than 500mg in a single dose on an empty stomach. If you experience gastric upset or nausea when taking 500mg on an empty stomach you might consider taking your dose with meals.

Safety, Precautions, and Potential side effects of N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)

Side effects that can occur with NAC use at high doses include nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Other than large doses causing those mentioned side effects, acetylcysteine does not have any significant side effects and appears to be a safe nutrient as long as the dosage is kept to less than 500 mg in a single dose. Research has shown that NAC can function as an oxidant if taken at high doses. NAC may lead to the excretion of zinc and copper - metals required for proper hormone function, so be sure to supplement with these minerals if you use NAC. NAC tolerance is generally excellent in most users and NAC is not known to be contraindicated with any dietary supplements or prescription drug products.

N-Acetyl Cysteine is a more stable compound than taking oral cysteine, but as it is metabolized, some N-Acetyl Cysteine may be oxidized and become insoluble. This may form kidney stones. It is therefore recommended that individuals taking NAC take 3 times as much vitamin C when taking NAC to prevent the NAC from being oxidized. The vitamin C also helps keep the glutathione that is produced from the Cysteine in its reduced form so that it can continue acting as an antioxidant. As for diabetics, they should consult their physician before using N-Acetyl-Cysteine, since it may have an insulin-blocking effect.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)

This product dissolves quickly in water and has a characteristically sour taste, but not bad tasting. Just mix your usual dose with water or juice and drink.

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Twinlab NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine), AST NAC(N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine), Dymatize Meth-X Anabolic Complex, Universal Nutrition Gro Pro, Gaspari Nutrition SuperPump250, Dymatize Xpand Xtreme Pump, Dymatize Z-Force, Universal Shock Therapy, Neogenix CryoShock, AOR N-A-C Sustained, Jarrow Formulas N-A-C Sustain

References & Further Research

Thiolic antioxidant supplementation of the diet reverses age-related behavioral dysfunction in prematurely ageing mice
We have studied in a model of premature ageing in mice based on their impaired behavioural response in a simple T-maze test the effect of the ingestion of thioproline plus N-acetylcysteine (0.1% w/w of each antioxidant) by female and male mice of Swiss and BALB/c strains on performance in two behaviour tests. The antioxidant treatment (4 weeks in two different periods of life, i.e., adult and old age) protected all animals against early-age-associated behavioural impairment, but this improvement was more evident in the prematurely ageing mice in comparison to the control group or non-prematurely ageing mice. These effects could be due to the glutathione precursor role of acetylcysteine and thioproline that replenish the intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) levels despite advancing age. Diet supplementation with acetylcysteine and thioproline appears to be an effective therapy for protection against early behavioral decline in prematurely ageing mice.

N-acetylcysteine enhances muscle cysteine and glutathione availability and attenuates fatigue during prolonged exercise in endurance-trained individuals
The production of reactive oxygen species in skeletal muscle is linked with muscle fatigue. This study investigated the effects of the antioxidant compound acetylcysteine on muscle cysteine, cystine and glutathione, and on time to fatigue during prolonged, submaximal exercise in endurance athletes. In conclusion, overall data revealed this natural antioxidant improved performance in well-trained individuals, with enhanced muscle cysteine and GSH availability a likely mechanism.

N Acetyl cysteine in nephrology; contrast nephropathy and beyond
Since the first publication appeared in 2000 showing that prophylactic oral administration of the antioxidant acetylcysteine, along with adequate hydration, can prevent the reduction in renal function induced by non-ionic, low-osmolality contrast agents, acetylcysteine has rapidly become widely used in clinical practice. Meanwhile, other applications of acetylcysteine in nephrology have been reported. This review analyses recent literature on the effects of acetylcysteine on radiocontrast-induced nephropathy, on plasma homocysteine concentrations, and on cardiovascular events in patients with end-stage renal failure. Overall data suggestlLong-term antioxidative treatment with acetylcysteine in patients with end-stage renal failure may also be useful to prevent adverse cardiovascular events.

An open-label trial of N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of cocaine dependence: a pilot study
Twenty three treatment-seeking cocaine-dependent patients participated in a 4-week medication trial and received N-acetylcysteine at doses of 1200 mg/day, 2400 mg/day or 3600 mg per day. Results suggested that the three doses were well tolerated. Overall, the retention rates appeared to favor higher doses of NAC (2400 mg/day and 3600 mg/day). The majority of subjects who completed the study either terminated use of cocaine completely or significantly reduced their use of cocaine during treatment.

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) for International Customers

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