N-acetylcysteine, a modified form of the amino acid cysteine, is a powerful antioxidant that helps your body to generate glutathione and prevent cellular damage. N-acetylcysteine is given intravenously in hospitals to prevent liver damage. As a dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine has been shown to prevent the onset of flu symptoms and also benefit a number of chronic lung conditions.
Flu Prevention
When taken regularly, N-acetylcysteine can prevent the common flu from developing. A 2009 review article in "American Family Physician" explains that N-acetylcysteine decreased flu onset in a population of elderly adults that were given 600 milligrams of N-acetyl cysteine twice each day. While some of these adults had detectable flu virus in their blood, their chances of developing flu symptoms were about 20 percent less than people who took a placebo.
Lung Conditions
A number of acute and chronic lung conditions may benefit from N-acetylcysteine supplementation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, N-acetylcysteine can reduce lung flare-ups in people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. N-acetylcysteine can also improve lung function in people with pulmonary fibrosis, explains "American Family Physician."
Other Conditions
N-acetylcysteine has been reported to benefit a number of other conditions. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center explains that N-acetylcysteine can increase glutathione levels in people with HIV/AIDS to improve body weight. Women with infertility from polycystic ovary syndrome have shown increased ovulation and pregnancy while taking N-acetylcysteine in combination with the fertility drug clomiphene, according to "American Family Physician." N-acetylcysteine has also been shown to prevent heart and kidney complications after surgeries and can reduce nerve problems that people experience from a contrast agent given during CT scans.
Recommendations
Talk to your doctor to learn more about N-acetylcysteine. If you are at risk for flu or other infections, supplementing with N-acetylcysteine may also decrease your chances of developing illness. People suffering from chronic lung conditions such as bronchitis, COPD or asthma may also benefit from taking N-acetylcysteine. As noted by Dr. Paul Millea in "American Family Physician," N-acetylcysteine rarely causes any serious side effects and is relatively inexpensive. If you have angina, ask your doctor how N-acetylcysteine can improve the efficacy of your current medications.
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