Acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine: Acetylcysteine is a modified form of cysteine, one of a number of nonessential amino acids, which make up the foundation and structure of protein in the body and have many important functions. Acetylcysteine is available in supplements, such as tablets, sprays, and liquids, and capsules.

Adequate Amounts Claimed As Beneficial For Conditions: Acetylcysteine

Adequate amounts of Acetylcysteine are claimed to be potentially beneficial for:

• Cysteine deficiency
• Acetaminophen poisoning
• Heart disease
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• HIV
• Sjögren's syndrome
• Alzheimer's disease
• Lou Gehrig's disease
• Hepatitis C
• Imbalance of cholesterol
• Polycystic ovary disease
• Leukemia
• Cocaine addiction

Adequate Amounts Claimed As Preventative For Conditions: Acetylcysteine

Adequate amounts of Acetylcysteine are claimed to be potentially preventative for:

• Cysteine deficiency
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Lung cancer
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration

Toxicity/Overdose Risks For Supplement Or Excessive Intake: Acetylcysteine

Excessive intake of Acetylcysteine may involve the following risks:

• Toxicity in some forms of cysteine, including D-cysteine, D-cystine, and 5-methyl cysteine
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hart disease
• Toxicity leading to death
• Seizures
• Supplements not recommended for people with kidney disease
• Taking one type of amino acid for extended periods may affect the balance and function of others
• Possible allergic reaction in some people
• Possible interactions with other supplements and medications
• Consult with your healthcare provider before using any supplements, herbal remedies, and alternative therapies

Descriptions of Acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine: A synthetic or naturally-occurring amino acid related to L-cysteine, a precursor of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione. Acetylcysteine regenerates liver stores of glutathione. This agent also reduces disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, resulting in liquification of mucus. Some evidence suggests that acetylcysteine may exert an anti-apoptotic effect due to its antioxidant activity. (NCI04)
Source: Diseases Database

Acetylcysteine : N-acetyl derivative of cysteine; used as a mucolytic agent to reduce the viscosity of mucous secretions.
Source: CRISP

Acetylcysteine: Other Names

Other names for this supplements (Acetylcysteine) include:

• Amino acid
• Nonessential amino acid
• N-acetyl-L-cysteine
• Cysteine
• L-cysteine
• NAC

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