Can N-acetylcysteine Increase My Glutathione Levels?

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a pro-drug for the amino acid cysteine. Supplementing with NAC increases intracellular levels of glutathione, which is a super-antioxidant. Deficiency of intracellular glutathione can worsen oxidative stress and accelerate cellular death in diseases such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS and diabetes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NAC is essential for pulmonary and renal functions and is used for antimicrobial purposes. It is identified as one of the most important medications needed in a basic health system. Massive cellular death can occur when an organism is starved of cysteine. However, the actual mechanism of cellular death appears to be more closely related to the loss of available glutathione.

NAC has very few documented side effects. The most commonly reported side effect is gastric distress when higher doses of NAC were given. NAC is typically found in the form of powder filled capsules. Typical dosing is 600mg give 3 times daily. NAC is not found in food sources, but high protein foods such as eggs, wheat, broccoli and poultry are good sources of cysteine.

At Hermann Aesthetics & Wellness, Dr. Anne Hermann and staff, offer comprehensive vitamin testing and nutritional counseling services to patients. Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.