Environmental toxins have become ever-present in our day-to-day lives. Although we may not realize the immediate detrimental effects of these compounds, they are constantly straining our body’s detoxification systems and interfering with the ability to perform normal physiological functions. In susceptible individuals, this ongoing strain can result in glutathione depletion and ultimately contribute to the development of disease.
Glutathione is one of our body’s most powerful detoxifying compounds and deficiencies of glutathione have been linked to chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and even acute cardiovascular events. With this in mind, it is important to ensure that ample glutathione reserves are available for the body in times of stress. N-Acetyl-LCysteine (NAC) supplementation is one of the best-known and well-researched methods to increase endogenous production and replete glutathione storage levels.
NAC is the rate-limiting substrate needed to build glutathione and it has been used extensively in clinical trials to support optimal health. For example, NAC is conventionally used to protect the liver in cases of acetaminophen toxicity and it is an effective and well-researched mucolytic agent in cases of bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. NAC has been shown to protect blood vessels, improve acne vulgaris, balance hormones in cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or unexplained infertility and help to detoxify heavy metals. Collectively, NAC is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that can be used in a wide variety of disease states.
Other nutrients are necessary to synthesize glutathione and support the body’s detoxification systems. Glycine, like cysteine, is an amino acid that is used as a substrate to build glutathione. Glycine has been studied in isolation and in combination with NAC and shown to effectively upregulate glutathione production. Selenium, on the other hand, is a mineral that does not act as a substrate for glutathione but rather helps to increase glutathione through the upregulation of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.
NAC-Matrix by Cyto-Matrix provides 600mg of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, 70mg of glycine and 20mcg of elemental selenium in a glycinate chelate for optimal absorption.
