n-acetyl-L-cysteine and n-acetyl-L-cysteine

Vitamins

Answers from Dr. Kaiser

Question:

I am using the vitamin protocol mentioned on this web site to help treat my HIV condition. I'm definitely noticing improvement in my energy and appearance! Right on!

I notice that you recommend n-acetyl cysteine as part of your vitamin protocol. I bought n-acetyl-L-cysteine at the health food store, and I am using that. A friend bought n-acetyl cysteine (no “L” in the title) and the capsules smelled really strong. I recommended that he take them back and get n-acetyl-L-cysteine instead.

Dr. Kaiser replies:

The antioxidant n-acetyl-L-cysteine is the most bioavailable oral source of glutathione. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant and key component of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme system. Glutathione deficiency has been associated with a poor prognosis in HIV disease.,

Studies published during the past five years by Stanford researchers Leonard and Leonore Herzenberg and their colleagues strongly suggest that 1) glutathione deficiency is common in HIV-infected patients 2) glutathione deficiency in HIV-infected patients is associated with impaired T-cell function as well as impaired survival 3) N-acetyl cysteine administration taken in oral form replenishes glutathione levels in HIV-infected patients, and 4) N-acetyl cysteine administration in HIV-infected patients is significantly associated with improved 2-3 year survival.

This is strong evidence for the inclusion of a therapeutic amount of n-acetyl cysteine as part of your micronutrient supplement program. N-acetyl cysteine normally has a strong, sulfur-like smell due to the amount of sulfur contained in the amino acid cysteine. The presence of this odor would not, by itself, indicate any absence of quality or potency. It is my belief that the term n-acetyl cysteine is just a shortened version of writing n-acetyl-L-cysteine and does not indicate a different stereoisotope. Thank you for your provocative question .

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