NAC-N-acetyl cysteine
C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
N-acetyl cysteine, NAC, seems to be one of those universal balancers of brain chemistry. It is widely pushed for treating memory, gambling, and even schizophrenia. However it suppresses late stage radiation-induced carcinogenesis because of its powerful antioxidant effect! It helps delay the degenerative effects of retinitis pigmentosa—not sure about macular degeneration, but worth a try! At any rate, at least it protects against the brain-damaging effects of bisphenol(better take it with your bottled water!) It increases the positive effects of erythropoetin—suggesting positive benefits in anemia.It is suggested for use in obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar depression, etc. It may be of help in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. It has even been suggested as a possible antidote to the liver damaging effects of acetaminophen–of course I avoid acetaminophen like the poison it is! It SHOULD be of benefit in Alzheimer’s. In tissue cultures of prostate cancer cells, it suppresses growth of the cancer cells. I also found no work related to obesity. Nevertheless, it appears to be remarkably safe and useful for enhancing memory and energy. I would not recommend taking it much after 1 PM. Even though it does not cause jitters, it could perhaps inhibit deep sleep if you take it too late in the day. i would recommend taking 600 mg in the morning for at least a few days and then going up to one early morning and trying another about noon.