Acetylcysteine has several names. You'll see it as N-acetylcysteine, N Acetyl l Cysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and NAC. It's a compound found in foods that contain sulfur and is a precursor to glutathione, an antioxidant produced in the body. It's a derivative of cysteine, a sulfur containing amino acid. However, since it's difficult for the body to absorb cysteine, this form of the substance is far more beneficial and easier to absorb.
Repairs Cell Damage
Acetylcysteine benefits include helping the body to repair cellular damage and improve the functioning of the immune system. One of its primary functions is to provide the raw materials for the substance glutathione and act as its precursor. Glutathione not only acts as the body's antioxidant, it also aids in recycling antioxidants in the body such as vitamin A.
Anti-aging Protection
While exercise increases the amount of glutathione available in the body, there is some evidence that taking acetylcysteine - NAC or a diet high in NAC is also helpful. In fact, body builders often take acetylcysteine since studies show that it enhances the post-exercise recovery if there's damage to muscle tissue.
N acetyl cysteine benefits include anti-aging protection due to the antioxidant properties, which prevent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a result of free radical oxygen molecules removing an electron from the cell. It causes a change in the chemical structure of the cell and can cause cell death or a change in the DNA.
NAC Supplement
While you can eat specific foods to increase your intake levels of acetylcysteine, some people take a supplement, body builders and other athletes in particular. Some researchers believe this could be dangerous. In 2007, University of Virginia researchers studied the effects of large doses of acetylcysteine on a mouse. They found that large amounts could cause damage to the heart and lungs and increase the chances of pulmonary artery hypertension - high blood pressure in the lungs. While the dosage compared to the size of the mouse was far more than normal ingestion of the supplement, it is still worth noting since some of the same effects occurred on humans taking less when you calculate it according to weight. In other words, regardless of the NAC benefits, you can get too much of a good thing. However, in most cases, acetylcysteine taken as directed is safe but may have minor gastrointestinal side effects.
Detoxifies the Liver
Even though there is a chance of problems from too much NAC, there still are many benefits. These include the detoxification of the liver, something that can prove beneficial for alcoholics and those with acetaminophen poisoning. Another of the acetyl cysteine benefits scientists are investigating is the role it may play in helping those suffering from AIDS.
Acetylcysteine benefits also include help for those suffering from COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.A study at the University of Maryland Medical Center found that acetylcysteine could help lower the incidence of flare-ups and even improve lung function. It also helped prevent adenomatous colonic polyps from developing cancer biomarkers in smokers and patients with a history of the problem. Other studies show that it might aid in reducing the potential for neuropathy induced by chemotherapy.
Food Sources
You can increase the amount of NAC in your body and receive the benefits of NAC supplement by simply eating more crucifers such as broccoli, cauliflower and other foods high in sulfur. Substance such as, cottage cheese, whey protein or other dairy products, which are not pasteurized and organic, also can supply your body with additional NAC to boost the body's level of glutathione, which is one of the primary acetylcysteine benefits.
