Sources
N-acetyl-cysteine is a specially modified form of cysteine, the high-sulfur non-essential amino acid reviewed above.
Uses
- Anti-angina pains for persons on nitroglycerin tablets
- Antioxidant by virtue of its transformation to glutathione
- Conventional hospital treatment for acetaminophen poisoning
- Detoxifies heavy metals
- Helpful in acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Helpful in Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's
- Protects white blood cells against viral infections
Interactions
When taken together with nitroglycerin tablets, NAC improves long term effectiveness of nitroglycerin, but the combination may cause severe headaches. NAC may also cause a zinc deficiency, an important consideration given zinc's importance to the immune system. NAC is better taken with vitamin C at three times the dosage, supplemented by zinc.
Safety
NAC should not be taken by diabetics and especially by persons on insulin, with bile or kidney stones, problems of the respiratory system, or aged people with asthma. NAC requires close professional supervision, and conditions such as acetaminophen poisoning and respiratory distress syndrome, when a person may be choking on one's own vomit, require immediate hospitalization.