What is N-Acetylcysteine?

NAC or N-Acetyl Cysteine

N-Acetylcysteine is a substance that is derived from cysteine, which is anamino acid. Known simply as NAC for short, this nutrient is gaining a great deal of popularity as a dietary supplement as more and more research seems to indicate it has a wide range of potential health benefits.

How can NAC or N-Acetyl Cysteine Benefit you?

N-Acetyl cysteine research also indicates that this substance is a powerful antioxidant -- which means it can neutralize free radical damage in the body. Free radicals are highly reactive chemical substances that can cause cellular damage if left unchecked.

N-Acetylcysteine can also boost immune system function...and, specifically, may help protect the lung tissues, help people with kidney damage, and help protect the health of the liver, which normally has the job of eliminating toxins from the body, and, therefore, can become stressed from having "too much work."

What about N-acetylcysteine diabetes? Some research indicates that n-acetyl cysteine may offer promise not only with diabetic neuropathy but other neurodegenerative conditions as well -- such as multiple sclerosis and alzheimer's.

Precautions on NAC or N-Acetyl Cysteine

There is the possibility that N-acetylcysteine may cause the body to excrete the mineral zinc. And because zinc and the mineral copper should be taken together, it is advisable that you take both zinc and copper if taking n-acetyl cysteine to avoid deficiencies.

As always, pregant and nursing women, and those on prescription drugs or who have a known medical condition always consult with their physician before beginning supplementation of any kind.

A Tip on Choosing an N-Acetylcysteine Supplement

Dietary supplements in the U.S. are largely unregulated, and both private and government parties have determined consumers only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product that actually contains the amount of ingredients stated on the label or one that is not contaminated.

Therefore, only purchase from pharmaceutical GMP compliant facilities, which adhere to the most exacting manufacturing standards. This way, you can be sure you are getting the amount of n-acetyl cysteine you paid for, and one that is not contaminated.

Why not buy the best? Your health depends on it.

One company that produces a product that meets the above requirements -- and more -- is Xtend-Life from New Zealand, which has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship Formula, Total Balance contains n-acetylcysteine along with both minerals zinc and copper, in addition to a full spectrum of herbal extracts, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and speciality nutrients.

In fact, it contains the majority of supplements we cover on this entire site!

We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Info have been taking Total Balance for almost 2 years with excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental clarity, and general feeling of well being.