N-acetylcysteine Benefits and Side Effects
N-acetylcysteine is a form of the amino acid cysteine. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, have significant health benefits and are sometimes taken as individual supplements for specific purposes.
N-acetylcysteine is a stable form of cysteine with the ability to function as an antioxidant. N-acetylcysteine also helps to produce new, healthy cells in replacement of older, unhealthy cells.
Further, n-acetylcysteine is important to liver and lymphatic system health. Both the liver and the lymphatic system are responsible for removing toxins from the body. N-acetylcysteine helps the liver produce the antioxidant glutathione, and it also produces enzymes that protect the body from disease. Other activities that can be credited in part to n-acetylcysteine include wound healing and iron absorption. Because of its immune-boosting properties, n-acetylcysteine is often used to protect people with AIDS from complications related to immune system deficiency.
N-acetylcysteine is also used to protect the body from the development of other illnesses, including heart disease and cancer. The development of certain eye diseases, including macular degeneration and cataracts, may be delayed by n-acetylcysteine as well. These conditions are associated with free radical damage, which can be countered by the antioxidant properties of n-acetylcysteine.
Respiratory congestion, particularly from conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis, has also been treated with n-acetylcysteine. Smokers and people who are exposed to a great deal of second hand smoke may benefit from the antioxidants in n-acetylcysteine since smoke produces significant amounts of free radicals.
It appears that n-acetylcysteine can also function as an antidote in cases of acetaminophen overdose and heavy metal poisoning. In such cases, n-acetylcysteine may improve liver function so that the liver can eliminate otherwise lethal levels of these toxins. In such cases, a knowledgeable healthcare provider must oversee the use of n-acetylcysteine, which can be administered intravenously in cases of poisoning.
The dosage of n-acetylcysteine that recommended for most specific health conditions is 500 mg three times per day. The actual amount needed varies somewhat depending on the condition being treated.
N-acetylcysteine can be taken orally in tablet form, or it can be administered intravenously. It is best to take oral supplements on an empty stomach. Side effects from n-acetylcysteine supplements are rare when the recommended amount is taken. However, high doses can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea and vomiting.
