NAC and ALA are highly complementary nutrients, critical to cellular function and mitigation of hyperglycemia-associated damage. NAC drives the synthesis of glutathione, often depleted in cardiovascular diseases and metabolic and oxidative stress conditions. NAC also has direct antioxidant activity, restores pools of intracellular thiols, and has an anti-inflammatory effect, mediated via inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Glutathione is needed for the detoxification of many persistent organic pollutants, compounds known to impair mitochondrial function, adipose tissue metabolism, and pancreatic islet cell function. In addition to glutathione support,
NAC enhances antioxidant protection through multiple pathways, including upregulation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) activation, suggesting a significant potential to mitigate pathology due to oxidative stress. Clinical trials have shown that NAC restores intraplatelet glutathione levels in certain populations – a marker of atherothrombotic risk – reduces homocysteine, and improves endothelial function in coronary artery disease (at doses of 600–1800 mg/day).
NPN: 80120670
