NAC

NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine or Acetylcysteine), a natural amino acid byproduct found naturally in foods, fights free radicals and improves metabolic health. Physicians often use it to break up mucus accumulation in the lungs in conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia, bronchitis and tuberculosis. It is also used to treat toxic overdoses of acetaminophen— the most common cause of poisoning in the U.S. NAC works together with glutathione to help rid the body of toxic chemicals. An Indian study found that NAC helped protect mice against oxidative stress and impaired reproductive function induced by arsenic poisoning. NAC is a powerful antioxidant and antitoxin that has health benefits in animals and humans. (Journal Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, published online September 15)