We prefer this brand because...

This N-acetyl cysteine or “NAC” is high potency, well-absorbed, and has a long track record with our patients as a specific remedy for helping chronic sinus symptoms such as postnasal drainage, congestion, facial fullness and sinus headaches, and for effectively reducing the frequency or intensity of recurring sinus infections.

It also is helpful for COPD, asthma, and emphysema. For lung disorders, a dose of 1,200 mg of NAC daily requires just two capsules, is economical, and is safe to take for months. The company who makes it, Metabolic Maintenance, has specialized in amino acid formulas for years, and adheres to high standards of Good Manufacturing Practices, quality control, and accountability.

About this product

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a variant of the naturally occurring, sulfur-rich amino acid L-cysteine and is a source of sulfhydryl (-SH) groups. It may be a precursor for glutathione, an important antioxidant in the body that is made up of several amino acids including cysteine.

NAC has a long, successful history as a decongestant and mucolytic: It directly breaks the disulfur bonds in mucus proteins, breaking mucus into smaller less viscous fragments, as shown in cell and human studies. Looser mucus is less likely to adhere to nasal or lung linings and can be more easily coughed up. This reduces the risk of infection for sinuses or lungs as bacteria can less easily colonize mucus that is thinner in texture and more free flowing. The ability to clear inhaled particulate matter or microbes from the lung or sinus airways depends upon the movement of cilia, hair-like projections from the cells lining air passages, and upon the texture of the mucus which is continually wafted towards the outside by cilia. NAC speeds the clearance of thinner mucus by cilia.

For chronic bronchitis, emphysema, COPD, and even chronic asthma, NAC can reduce coughing and improve air entry into lungs, thus boosting oxygen saturation in the blood. Many studies have shown good results with oral dosing of NAC; using a nebulizer for acute symptoms has produced even better improvements. Long term, many trials have shown NAC contributes to fewer exacerbations of COPD and bronchitis. NAC increases glutathione in plasma and in the fluid that naturally lines the bronchioles and alveoli, thus helping to reduce inflammation in the lungs and giving extra protection against infection. NAC helps treat partial or full collapse of a lung (atelectasis) caused by mucus blockage. It is also used to prepare the lungs for diagnostic tests and to help prevent crusting of mucus for people with a tracheostomy tube.

NAC is used under medical supervision to counter acetaminophen overdose and protect the liver, heart, kidneys, and brain from damage due to sudden depletion of glutathione stores. NAC is also helpful as a liver protector. Additionally, there has been exploration of possibly using NAC to inhibit the HIV virus and help glutathione deficiency in HIV/AIDS.

Contents

2 capsules provide:

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine 1,200 mg

Other Ingredients: Vegetarian cellulose capsule.

This product does not contain artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, preservatives, fillers, binders, stearates, ingredients of animal origin, dairy, gluten, peanuts and tree nuts.

Cautions

Always take natural remedies under the supervision of your health care provider. Do not use NAC if you take Tegretol or carbamazepine as it can reduce the effectiveness, or with nitroglycerine as it could cause headache.

Do not use NAC without the advice of your healthcare professional if you are receiving chemotherapy as it may interfere with the benefits.

Don’t exceed 1200 mg daily as there is evidence that excessive amounts of NAC may increase oxidative stress.

NAC may have a slight blood-thinning effect, use only with caution and with the care of your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinning drugs such as warfarin, heparin, and check clotting times regularly. NSAID drugs such as aspirin, Plavix, ibuprofen or naproxen can also have blood-thinning effects that are potentiated by NAC.

Do not use NAC during pregnancy or lactation unless under the guidance of your physician as it can cross the placenta; there is insufficient data about safe use during pregnancy.