NAC & ALA

• Provides clinically relevant doses of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
• NAC and ALA have direct antioxidant action and improve the synthesis and regeneration of glutathione, the key cellular antioxidant.
• Supports mitochondrial function as well as the positive regulation of phase II antioxidant enzymes
• Targets central mediators of inflammation
• Improves endothelial function and supports nitric oxide synthesis
• Reduces damage associated with hyperglycemia
• Suitable for vegetarians

NAC and ALA are highly complementary nutrients, essential for cellular function and the mitigation of damage associated with hyperglycemia. NAC stimulates the synthesis of glutathione, often depleted in cardiovascular diseases and conditions of metabolic and oxidative stress. NAC also has direct antioxidant activity, restores intracellular thiol pools, and has an anti-inflammatory effect, mediated by the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Glutathione is necessary 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 the positive regulation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) activation, suggesting significant potential for mitigating 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 to 1800 mg/day).

ALA, in turn, recycles antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C and glutathione, and is a cofactor for several mitochondrial enzymes as well as glutathione reductase. It supports glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in individuals with inadequate glycemic control, endothelial function in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, and weight control in obese subjects. It has a well-recognized benefit for mitigating neuronal oxidative damage resulting from hyperglycemia. Clinical trial data have shown improvement in several markers of oxidative stress and vascular inflammation in various populations. Its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects may also provide protection against neurodegeneration and a range of oxidant-associated diseases.