N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
An analog of the amino acid l-cysteine. NAC is a drug used to a) help dissolve mucus and treat inflammation in respiratory conditions; b) protect against radiocontrast-induced nephropathy; and c) to treat acetaminophen toxicity. It’s also taken as an oral supplement, as it’s a precursor to glutathione, a potent endogenous antioxidant. NAC may also have neuroprotective effects in brain injury and exposure to...
L-Cysteine
A non-essential amino acid synthesized in the body from l-serine and l-methionine. Cysteine is one of the two “sulfur-containing” amino acids found in proteins, and a precursor to the endogenous antioxidant, glutathione. Cysteine is also an important source of sulfide in human metabolism. Anecdotally, supplemental cysteine has gained a reputation as a hangover “cure”, as it contributes to the metabolism of...
L-Aspartate
Also known as aspartic acid. L-aspartate is a non-essential amino acid used in the formation of proteins, as well as several other important biochemical reactions, such as the urea cycle and malate-aspartate shuttle. No specific need for aspartate supplements per se has been identified, although it may be used as a chelating agent for the delivery of certain supplemental minerals (such as zinc or...
L-Asparagine
A non-essential amino acid. Asparagine is the focus of a food processing problem, as it’s a precursor to acrylamide – a potentially carcinogenic compound found in high-heat processed foods such as french fries and potato chips. Although important to protein synthesis and structure, no role for supplemental asparagine has been identified.
L-Alanine
A non-essential amino acid. L-alanine should not be confused with beta-alanine, a related, but distinct compound. Alanine is a component of protein and is critical for the glucose-alanine cycle (used by the body to produce glucose from amino acids), but no specific need for supplemental alanine has been...
Our Publication on Amazon!
