Very much looking forward to your next post comparing L-cysteine, NAC, and glutathione, in particular for healthy individuals that were vaxxed and then experienced mild to severe covid vaccine adverse effects (e.g, irregular heart rate). Some thought on supplementing a omnivore diet vs. vegan/vegetarian diet might also be of use, as well as answering whether this should be a daily supplement or whether it should be temporarily taken until any adverse effects appear to have stopped. The question of the future availability/accessibility of these products might also be an interesting factor to address too. Other supplements of interest are PQQ and DMG. How these relate to glutathione-related supplements or other considerations of use would also be appreciated.
I'm not sure if I'd be able to get too deep into the weeds with respect to vaccines since there'd be a ton of things to consider, so instead I'm keeping it a bit more simple for the time being. I think, for the most part, the effects of GSH would likely be dependent upon the actual symptoms but there does appear to be a good deal of inflammation occurring. However, even then the type of inflammation is important to the type of response. I'll honestly say that a lot of this can get really confusing at times 😵.
I'll try to provide some context that may answer some of your questions, but I think a lot of them will unfortunately be outside of my realm without a ton of research. Apologies! I'll pin your comment so I can reference it at a future time and see what I can find.
I agree things can get confusing, and of course there's the possibility of over-correcting. As a computer programmer, I know small isolated changes are best for observing first instead of throwing a whole bunch of solutions at a problem all at once not knowing what did what. It is likely a very personalized situation with many unknowns and variables, but I pray it will be understood better with time.
I’ve been supplementing with NAC and Glutathione for a couple years. I think it’s a real big boost for one’s immune system. When I heard a few doctors (alternative media of course) recommend these supplements among many, I thought it can’t hurt. I think it helps immensely with the healing process of your body! I just had a cancerous uterine tumor removed (in hospital for 3 days), cancer gone and I healed well! Praise God!
Congrats on the cancer removal! I think you mentioned it in a prior comment section but I'm glad to hear you are doing well.
It is really interesting. GSH is one of the most important non-enzymatic antioxidants in our bodies but it's also one of the easiest antioxidants to make unlike vitamins/minerals that may require supplementation. It's been really interesting learning more about this stuff as I kind of heard about it peripherally and didn't think too much about it.
EUROSCAN, a randomized trial of vitamin A and N-acetylcysteine in patients with head and neck cancer or lung cancer. For the EUropean Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck and Lung Cancer Cooperative Groups.
van Zandwijk N, Dalesio O, Pastorino U, de Vries N, van Tinteren H. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2000 Jun 21;92(12):977-86. doi: 10.1093/jnci/92.12.977.
if you never watched 'The Truth About Cancer' by Ty and Charlene Bollingers, please try to watch. It is incredible treasure and resource of how many different ways are out there to beat cancer. Some use Frankincense essential oil, some use VitC injections, some use iodine, all sorts of combinations, but the most important is your faith, something you have and what guides you:)
I just beat cancer and I have been taking NAC for over 2 years. Of course I can’t make a correlation, but it’s amazing how I’ve healed. My doctor said he is never able to say “You’re healed” to people. He’s an oncologist…he doesn’t have lots of good news to give to people. I put my healing power in God and Faith in God…and maybe supplements that booster your own immune system.
I've been trying to find some evidence of how much glutathione supplementation gets metabolized but unfortunately I'm coming up a bit empty. I'm wondering if it's because exogenous glutathione hasn't been researched as extensively as NAC.
Seems like NAC was being used effective in aiding respiratory symptoms with covid? That was why the FDA suddenly looked at declaring it a drug and not supplement.
Not a study, but references to studies here:
“Clinical studies have shown that NAC can help treat or prevent worsening of chronic bronchitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, an often fatal complication in patients with pneumonia or other severe lung infections.7-12
In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), N-acetyl-L-cysteine has been associated with lower rates of exacerbations (periods of worsening of symptoms) and fewer days spent in the hospital.4,13-18”
I think what's interesting is that NAC is a purely synthetic molecule (i.e. NAC is not found in nature). I wanted to find some information on NAC synthesis but I can't find much so I may have to provide some suppositions in regards to that.
Well, I know what the problem is. Apparently these patens are crude translations from Chinese done by Google so it's hard to figure out exactly what is happening. It appears mostly the use of anhydrides appears to be a part of the step, and I'm wondering if it's used as an electrophilic reagent to provide the acetyl group. But I'll see what I can make of the patents. Thanks!
The Chinese patent is from 2012, whereas the original patent on NAC was from back in the 1960’s. The newer patent is a different process, I guess. I’m not seeing much available info on the original patent or process.
Thanks for the link! It's really interesting and I'll have to parse it. Unfortunately this method seems to be scaled-up production so I'll see what I can gather.
I was surprised it's synthetic- it's only an addition of an acetyl group. However, perceptions of simplicity is different than actual reaction mechanisms and evolution that would necessitate the need for having NAC, so there's likely a reason that NAC is not naturally produced but I'm still speculating why that is the case.
Thank you for these informative articles! This is a very important topic, especially to those of us who are taking these supplements regularly and to those they might help.
I want to provide some context with medications and supplements so people get a broader understanding of what they are taking. I think it's important that people don't just sole take doctors at their word but become informed so they have some basis to work with and become more informed patients.
I’ve had a doctor tell my father-in-law not to take Vitamin D. My eye doctor said he doesn’t recommend lutein. My dermatologist said avoid the sun. My MD tried to put me on a statin as a preventative even tho my numbers are good. I feel like I only get bad advice, never good. 😥
Considering adsorption, NAC seems advantageous in that NAC will not compete with amino acid transporter uptake of dietary L-cysteine. I suspect that the gut adsorption and transport of Glutathione is limited, and it is primarily broken down into its component amino acids. A few minutes looking at CACO-2 glutathione adsorption did not find any useful results.
I think it depends on what the active form of NAC is exactly, and from what I can tell most of the research has considered the refill of L-cysteine to be the important factor, and so I'm not sure if competition with the transporter may be an issue. What's interesting about Glutathione is that Glutathione, if metabolized, can be uptaken and reformed into GSH within the cell, so even if GSH is not acting directly it can still be used by the cell to reform intracellular GSH. There's a lot of interesting aspects to GSH and I'm only scratching the surface.
Thank you for this review. Another function of NAC has been to thin mucosal secretions. This can be helpful when dealing with a full chest and phlegm. The therapeutic dose seems to be at least 1.8-2.2 grams to see a significant effect. Dosing of 600mg in previous papers showed no statistical difference, but this was not being measured for long-term use.
As for the loading dose, this was not often used because NAC has a 6-hour half-life. This is helpful to know in treatment. Q4. Taking NAC while actively sick every 6-8 hours- up until ARDS.
I appreciate the attention to detail with GSH vs NAC. GSH has been shown to be helpful when nebulized in saline at times of significant respiratory distress. I can find links to these other articles if there is further interest. And yes, GSH is largely disposed of in the body when taken as a supplement, this is why its precursor, NAC, is so important.
In my pharmacology post for NAC I reference it being a mucolytic agent. However, one of the articles I reference raised some doubt as the reduction of disulfide bridges is considered to be a very slow process and I believe most studies were done at high concentrations for long periods in vitro. I believe there was an issue of dosing and I believe nebulized NAC may be considered better. I can't remember which study here but in one of the studies I referenced above the researchers remarked that nebulized NAC that is inhaled may be a better option.
For the loading dose I suspected that part of the rationale would be that L-cysteine depletion would actually increase the rate of deacetylation of NAC (I believe it's a slow process) and therefore at times of severe oxidative stress would move the reaction in the forward direction at a high enough rate that it could be used adequately.
My remark about GSH and NAC is tied to the important metabolite being the L-cysteine, and although hypothetical it would make sense that GSH may be beneficial if there is an issue in the availability of enzymes and other nutrients needed for GSH production. Ironically, one thing that we should consider (that I'm considering more) is that GSH is technically a precursor for itself- breakdown of GSH into glutamic acid, glycine, and cysteine just means that cysteine and the other amino acids can be used and remade into GSH. A bit of a process, but possibly no different than our body breaking down proteins for cysteine and getting it that way.
Very much looking forward to your next post comparing L-cysteine, NAC, and glutathione, in particular for healthy individuals that were vaxxed and then experienced mild to severe covid vaccine adverse effects (e.g, irregular heart rate). Some thought on supplementing a omnivore diet vs. vegan/vegetarian diet might also be of use, as well as answering whether this should be a daily supplement or whether it should be temporarily taken until any adverse effects appear to have stopped. The question of the future availability/accessibility of these products might also be an interesting factor to address too. Other supplements of interest are PQQ and DMG. How these relate to glutathione-related supplements or other considerations of use would also be appreciated.
I'm not sure if I'd be able to get too deep into the weeds with respect to vaccines since there'd be a ton of things to consider, so instead I'm keeping it a bit more simple for the time being. I think, for the most part, the effects of GSH would likely be dependent upon the actual symptoms but there does appear to be a good deal of inflammation occurring. However, even then the type of inflammation is important to the type of response. I'll honestly say that a lot of this can get really confusing at times 😵.
I'll try to provide some context that may answer some of your questions, but I think a lot of them will unfortunately be outside of my realm without a ton of research. Apologies! I'll pin your comment so I can reference it at a future time and see what I can find.
I agree things can get confusing, and of course there's the possibility of over-correcting. As a computer programmer, I know small isolated changes are best for observing first instead of throwing a whole bunch of solutions at a problem all at once not knowing what did what. It is likely a very personalized situation with many unknowns and variables, but I pray it will be understood better with time.
I’ve been supplementing with NAC and Glutathione for a couple years. I think it’s a real big boost for one’s immune system. When I heard a few doctors (alternative media of course) recommend these supplements among many, I thought it can’t hurt. I think it helps immensely with the healing process of your body! I just had a cancerous uterine tumor removed (in hospital for 3 days), cancer gone and I healed well! Praise God!
Congrats on the cancer removal! I think you mentioned it in a prior comment section but I'm glad to hear you are doing well.
It is really interesting. GSH is one of the most important non-enzymatic antioxidants in our bodies but it's also one of the easiest antioxidants to make unlike vitamins/minerals that may require supplementation. It's been really interesting learning more about this stuff as I kind of heard about it peripherally and didn't think too much about it.
I'm glad you healed quickly from your surgery. 💕
Bless your heart! God was holding my hand.
just one example of using NAC against cancer:
EUROSCAN, a randomized trial of vitamin A and N-acetylcysteine in patients with head and neck cancer or lung cancer. For the EUropean Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck and Lung Cancer Cooperative Groups.
van Zandwijk N, Dalesio O, Pastorino U, de Vries N, van Tinteren H. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2000 Jun 21;92(12):977-86. doi: 10.1093/jnci/92.12.977.
And I just got this news on Tuesday. And I seriously do think the supplements I take do help, among other things like lots of sunshine! 🌻
if you never watched 'The Truth About Cancer' by Ty and Charlene Bollingers, please try to watch. It is incredible treasure and resource of how many different ways are out there to beat cancer. Some use Frankincense essential oil, some use VitC injections, some use iodine, all sorts of combinations, but the most important is your faith, something you have and what guides you:)
I just beat cancer and I have been taking NAC for over 2 years. Of course I can’t make a correlation, but it’s amazing how I’ve healed. My doctor said he is never able to say “You’re healed” to people. He’s an oncologist…he doesn’t have lots of good news to give to people. I put my healing power in God and Faith in God…and maybe supplements that booster your own immune system.
Apparently the body makes more natural glutathione with NAC (+ glycine) rather than using glutathione supplements that mostly pass through the body.
I've been trying to find some evidence of how much glutathione supplementation gets metabolized but unfortunately I'm coming up a bit empty. I'm wondering if it's because exogenous glutathione hasn't been researched as extensively as NAC.
I think you are probably right.
Children don’t get CONvid because they produce so much glutathione. I supplement with it, at 59.
Interesting! Where did you learn that? Is there anything I can watch or read?
I read it in an article over a year ago. I read constantly. You’ll have to search.
Seems like NAC was being used effective in aiding respiratory symptoms with covid? That was why the FDA suddenly looked at declaring it a drug and not supplement.
Not a study, but references to studies here:
“Clinical studies have shown that NAC can help treat or prevent worsening of chronic bronchitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, an often fatal complication in patients with pneumonia or other severe lung infections.7-12
In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), N-acetyl-L-cysteine has been associated with lower rates of exacerbations (periods of worsening of symptoms) and fewer days spent in the hospital.4,13-18”
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2020/ss/protect-your-respiratory-system
So I wrote that in my pharmacology section if you want some of that information.
https://moderndiscontent.substack.com/p/the-pharmacology-of-nac
I think what's interesting is that NAC is a purely synthetic molecule (i.e. NAC is not found in nature). I wanted to find some information on NAC synthesis but I can't find much so I may have to provide some suppositions in regards to that.
Thanks for the link.
I really wasn’t aware it was a synthetic molecule. Don’t know if this is along the lines of what you are looking for but I found this:
https://patents.google.com/patent/CN103102295A/en
Well, I know what the problem is. Apparently these patens are crude translations from Chinese done by Google so it's hard to figure out exactly what is happening. It appears mostly the use of anhydrides appears to be a part of the step, and I'm wondering if it's used as an electrophilic reagent to provide the acetyl group. But I'll see what I can make of the patents. Thanks!
The Chinese patent is from 2012, whereas the original patent on NAC was from back in the 1960’s. The newer patent is a different process, I guess. I’m not seeing much available info on the original patent or process.
Thanks for the link! It's really interesting and I'll have to parse it. Unfortunately this method seems to be scaled-up production so I'll see what I can gather.
I was surprised it's synthetic- it's only an addition of an acetyl group. However, perceptions of simplicity is different than actual reaction mechanisms and evolution that would necessitate the need for having NAC, so there's likely a reason that NAC is not naturally produced but I'm still speculating why that is the case.
Thank you for these informative articles! This is a very important topic, especially to those of us who are taking these supplements regularly and to those they might help.
I want to provide some context with medications and supplements so people get a broader understanding of what they are taking. I think it's important that people don't just sole take doctors at their word but become informed so they have some basis to work with and become more informed patients.
I’ve had a doctor tell my father-in-law not to take Vitamin D. My eye doctor said he doesn’t recommend lutein. My dermatologist said avoid the sun. My MD tried to put me on a statin as a preventative even tho my numbers are good. I feel like I only get bad advice, never good. 😥
Considering adsorption, NAC seems advantageous in that NAC will not compete with amino acid transporter uptake of dietary L-cysteine. I suspect that the gut adsorption and transport of Glutathione is limited, and it is primarily broken down into its component amino acids. A few minutes looking at CACO-2 glutathione adsorption did not find any useful results.
I think it depends on what the active form of NAC is exactly, and from what I can tell most of the research has considered the refill of L-cysteine to be the important factor, and so I'm not sure if competition with the transporter may be an issue. What's interesting about Glutathione is that Glutathione, if metabolized, can be uptaken and reformed into GSH within the cell, so even if GSH is not acting directly it can still be used by the cell to reform intracellular GSH. There's a lot of interesting aspects to GSH and I'm only scratching the surface.
Thank you for this review. Another function of NAC has been to thin mucosal secretions. This can be helpful when dealing with a full chest and phlegm. The therapeutic dose seems to be at least 1.8-2.2 grams to see a significant effect. Dosing of 600mg in previous papers showed no statistical difference, but this was not being measured for long-term use.
As for the loading dose, this was not often used because NAC has a 6-hour half-life. This is helpful to know in treatment. Q4. Taking NAC while actively sick every 6-8 hours- up until ARDS.
I appreciate the attention to detail with GSH vs NAC. GSH has been shown to be helpful when nebulized in saline at times of significant respiratory distress. I can find links to these other articles if there is further interest. And yes, GSH is largely disposed of in the body when taken as a supplement, this is why its precursor, NAC, is so important.
In my pharmacology post for NAC I reference it being a mucolytic agent. However, one of the articles I reference raised some doubt as the reduction of disulfide bridges is considered to be a very slow process and I believe most studies were done at high concentrations for long periods in vitro. I believe there was an issue of dosing and I believe nebulized NAC may be considered better. I can't remember which study here but in one of the studies I referenced above the researchers remarked that nebulized NAC that is inhaled may be a better option.
For the loading dose I suspected that part of the rationale would be that L-cysteine depletion would actually increase the rate of deacetylation of NAC (I believe it's a slow process) and therefore at times of severe oxidative stress would move the reaction in the forward direction at a high enough rate that it could be used adequately.
My remark about GSH and NAC is tied to the important metabolite being the L-cysteine, and although hypothetical it would make sense that GSH may be beneficial if there is an issue in the availability of enzymes and other nutrients needed for GSH production. Ironically, one thing that we should consider (that I'm considering more) is that GSH is technically a precursor for itself- breakdown of GSH into glutamic acid, glycine, and cysteine just means that cysteine and the other amino acids can be used and remade into GSH. A bit of a process, but possibly no different than our body breaking down proteins for cysteine and getting it that way.
NACIS study (acronym for N-acetylcysteine in Immune System)???????????
isn't there a better name out there??? That really smells like deliberate mutilation of a NATURAL way of healing....