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N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a changed form of the amino acidcysteine, an amino acid frequently found in food and manufactured by the body.
Because NAC helps the body break down mucus, clinical research has been carried out suggesting that prevention of recurrences in people diagnosed with chronic bronchitis as well as relief from bronchial symptoms may come about through the use of NAC supplements. It has also been suggested that the antioxidant factors found in NAC may help to protect lung tissues.
In addition, NAC is used by hospitals, in very high levels, to treat patients with acetaminophen poisoning. It also contributes to the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione, has proven to be effective in preventing kidney damage brought about by injections of iopromide (a contrast medium used in people undergoing CT imaging), and has been helpful in treating liver failure caused by drug toxicity, hepatitis, and more.
NAC supplements have also been shown to diminish the production of certain cells present in the lining of the colon. And, for those with recurring colon polyps, NAC may help decrease the risk of colon cancer.
The oral administration of NAC has been tested in many case studies, and has been shown to generate remarkable improvements in patients diagnosed with Unverricht-Lundborg disease, an inherited degenerative disorder characterized by seizures and progressive disability. In one study, 3 grams of NAC were given to the patient each day.
Additionally, two cases of a rare syndrome that upsets and complicates kidney dialysis, known as pseydoporphyria, have been treated with supplementation of oral NAC. This is remarkable in that there are no other known treatments for this condition. However, additional clinical tests, conducted in a controlled environment, are needed in order to verify these preliminary findings.
The use of oral NAC has also been found to be helpful in preventing kidney damage caused by a dye used to visualize the coronary arteries in people undergoing a coronary angiography. One study reported that the incidence of kidney damage dramatically dropped by 86% with the use of NAC. In that particular study 400mg of NAC were given twice a day on both the day before as well as the day of the procedure. Other studies related to this matter have shown NAC to be effective only when a low amount of dye is used.
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