Many people use NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) without understanding why to take, how much to take or when to take it. First, what is it? Cysteine is an amino acid found throughout the body and is used for a variety of reactions. It has been found to be consistently depressed in HIV+ persons. It is one of the 3 amino acids making up glutathione, a molecule important in immune function and also found to be severely deficient in HIV+ persons. Cysteine is required for the transport of other amino acids into cells so chemicals such as interferons and antibodies can be made.
NAC stimulated interest as a possible treatment over a decade ago. It is known that supplementation with NAC will cause glutathione levels to increase and that glutathione levels are decreased by an average of 30% in the blood and 60% in lung tissue in HIV+ persons. in early 1991, Dr. Alton Meister of Cornell University Medical College reported the spread of HIV to be up to 90% reduced using NAC. Since that time numerous studies have been conducted and the results are promising for NAC. When used in combination with Interleukin-2 (Il-2), it resulted in markedly enhanced immune cell proliferation and function. One study demonstrated a significant T4 cell increase using NAC. Another demonstrated that HIV replicates easier when glutathione levels are low and that NAC replenishes glutathione levels. Low cysteine levels also appear to correlate with elevated TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and B-2-M(beta-2-microglobulin) levels, both of which signify an increase in viral activity.
NAC functions to prevent the virus and the drugs from causing MITOCHONDRIAL TOXICITY (MT). The mitochondria are the "energy factories" in every cell. It is known that HAART drugs damage the mitochondria, causing MT. MT is being researched as the cause for a wide variety of problems: neuropathy, diabetes, lactic acidosis, etc. NAC, along with some other therapeutic substances, have shown promise in prevention, and even reversal, of MT. There does not exist any accepted drug therapy for MT.
Cysteine is available in two forms: L-cysteine and
N-acetyl-cysteine. Research has been conducted on the NAC form rather than the L-cysteine
form because NAC has a history of research available. In my practice I have utilized both
forms. In all HIV+ patients I use NAC whether or not they are on antiviral drugs. The doses used in studies on HIV+ persons were 1800
to 2000 mg. per day in 3 doses of 600 mg. or 4 doses of 500 mg. Absorption rates are greater for most amino acids when taken on an empty stomach. This may be true for NAC as well. Take it on an empty stomach with either water or fruit juice (the sugar in
the juice enhances absorption). I know one commonly read HIV treatment book states to take
it with food but that is completely wrong! Other sulfur-containing amino acids, such as methionine, will compete with the uptake of
cysteine and you will be absorbing less. This inhibition is well-documented and any "authority" who makes statements to the contrary is not well-educated on this matter (and on what other matters, one wonders). If you are experiencing any intestinal discomfort, you can take NAC with a small snack such as a piece of fruit or a slice of bread. Most of my patients take their dose 15 to 30 minutes before eating a meal. To summarize: a total of 1800-2000 mg. of NAC on an empty stomach per day will benefit your immune system and suppress viral
activity. It is one of the "star performers" in my protocols. Dr. Brian A. Smith is a
chiropractic doctor and naturopathic physician who has specialized in the treatment of immune-suppressed individuals
since 1987. He is a scientific advisory board member of AIDS ReSEARCH
Alliance. He maintains a private practice in Los Angeles
and can be reached at (323) 306-4909. Questions from readers are welcome as are
suggestions for future articles. You can also contact him via E-mail at: Send e-mail to Dr. Smith All articles here Copyright © 1996 - 2008 - Brian A. Smith, DC All rights reserved Articles by Dr. Brian A. Smith: HIV and
CHIRO † VITAMIN C † BETA-CAROTENE
† MINERALS † DMG † PROTEIN † DIET & HIV † MORE ON PROTEIN † NUTRITION
† DHEA † LIVER † CHIRO † NAC † SILVER
† ALT THERAPIES †
Back to the Article List