Possible toxicity of NAC

Researchers at the University of Virginia reported in 2007 that acetylcysteine, which is found in many bodybuilding supplements, could potentially cause damage to the heart and lungs.[6] They found that acetylcysteine was metabolized to S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNOAC), which increased blood pressure in the lungs and right ventricle of the heart (pulmonary artery hypertension) in mice treated with acetylcysteine. The effect was similar to that observed following a 3-week exposure to an oxygen-deprived environment (chronic hypoxia). The authors also found that SNOAC induced a hypoxia-like response in the expression of several important genes both in vitro and in vivo.

The implications of these findings for long-term treatment with acetylcysteine have not yet been investigated. The dose used by Palmer and colleagues (2007) was dramatically higher than that used in humans; nonetheless, the drug's effects on the hypoxic ventilatory response have been observed previously in human subjects at more moderate doses (Hildebrandt et al., 2002).

cpio - Fortunately with respect to NAC is not applicable to humans even at the slightest. Clinically NAC has been used by the thousands without any incident whatsoever. In fact, it's standard protocol for respiratory problems.

The problem with mice in this regard, is that when glutathione levels are increased, the body can become hypoxic. NAC is a glutathione precursor.

This is action is completely the contrary in humans. For example, for patients with COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), the best treatment for this involves inhaled glutathione via nebulizer. In addition, patients are given NAC orally as well.

This gives a dramatic boost of glutathione and these COPD patients do better.

In humans, the greater the glutathione level, the longer you live.

This is the 3rd or 4th time IH killed this one, lol.

Nidhogge - Funny I've had this question so many times--even off the boards that I actually forgot how many times it's been asked, LOL.

lol...the first time I saw you answer it on the old boards, I was happy as I've always been wary every since that dreadful post on Imminst.org posting that study a couple summers ago and then coming to the conclusion that it was bad for us as well!