Alternative to NAC
DrJulie George
The world has gone into a frenzy this week with N-Acetyl Cysteine being unavailable on Fullscript and Amazon. Some “groups” shared on their platforms about the scarcity which sent people into hoarding the natural supplement. I have received so many calls with people in panic. It is very upsetting to know that it is hard to get at the moment. There is government involvement because they have been trying to limit natural supplements for some time now. As of now supplement companies can still produce NAC until otherwise told. When the product comes back available I’m sure there will be another mass purchasing for fear that it is going to be taken away.
Why so much love for NAC?
NAC is relatively an inexpensive supplement for all of its health benefits. NAC works as a mucolytic for respiratory conditions. It has been shown to help with blood sugar regulation. The amino acids Cysteine, Glutamate, and Glycine all help form GLUTATHIONE. Glutathione is the top antioxidant for the body. Antioxidants help with protecting your body from oxidation. This combination is also a huge factor in the detox pathways. Some people have SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that interfere with making an efficient amount of Glutathione. People with this genetic marker need to take Glutathione. This is why it is so important for us to discuss your genetics to make sure you are taking the correct nutrients. NAC has so many other benefits as well.
So what now?
I would recommend going straight to Glutathione since that is the ultimate end goal of why someone would be taking NAC. Glutathione has its own problems. It is not very shelf stable. It must be kept refrigerated. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you only use trusted brands by your physician that studies this. If you buy a brand on the shelf you most likely will be wasting your money. Glutathione needs to be Liposomal in delivery and taken on an empty stomach. For people with genetic SNPs on the CBS pathway or have a hard time processing excess sulfur then molybdenum needs to be taken with it.