N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a sulfur-containing amino acid, is the precursor of the amino acids L-cysteine and glutathione. Animal and human studies of NAC show it to have powerful antioxidant activity.

As a sulfur source, NAC stimulates glutathione (an important antioxidant produced in the body) synthesis and activity, and is a powerful molecule capable of scavenging free radicals.

Research suggests NAC is capable of enhancing immunity. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, NAC was shown to positively impact lymphocyte cell numbers.
NAC helps maintain good pulmonary health by reducing the viscosity of the mucous, thereby assisting chronic bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis and pneumonia.
N-acetylcysteine is also used for liver disease, reducing toxicity of certain medications and enhancing liver function, offers protection from herbicides and environmental pollutants, xenoestrogens and supports heavy metal detoxification, and enhances immune support.

NAC is also of benefit for prevention of heart disease, through the lowering of lipoproteins.