Hi! Folks, In everyones discovery that antioxidants are beneficial, one
warning exist!
Some biochemiists believe that NAC acts as as a precursor for glutathione and
that taking extra glutathione should raise tissue glutathione levels. While
supplementing the diet with high doses of NAC may be beneficial in cases of
extreme oxidative stress, it may be an unwise practice in healthy individuals.
The reason? One study indicated that when NAC was given orally to 6 health
volunteers at a dose of 1.2 grams per day for 4 weeks, followed by 2.4 grams
per day for an additional 2 weeks, it actually increased oxidative damage by
acting as a pro-oxidant.
A long search to find why my father reacted to the NAC is over! Please
take caution with NAC, l-glutathione supplements are fine! Even supplements
containing l-cystine seem to be OK. But please becareful with the NAC!
Anyone supected of having diabeties should not take cystine or NAC.
My father does not have diabeties,but NAC has a reversed effect
(pro-oxidant), it can de-activate glutathione supplies! Not something we
want to do with Parkinson's disease. And somehow the researchers have
really goofed on this one.
And finally I dug up the reason in Kleinveld HA, Demacker PNM, and Stalenhoef
AFH, Failure of N-acetylcystein to reduce low-density lipoprotein
oxidiazability in healthy subjects. Eur J Clin Pharmacole 43, 639-642, 1992.
Thank goodness the search is over, I just could not understand why my
dad reacted, so permitters, as I see it are off limits to anyone with
Parkinsons.
Best Wishes Linda Forrest's Mom
