IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre consists of intravenously infused key vitamins. Prior to your first IV therapy drip though, a complete diagnostic session is conducted to determine the beneficial ingredients for your IV drip. So don’t be surprised if we mention NAC – also known as acetylcysteine – for promoting healthful outcomes.

This particular amino acid can support detoxification, immune function, and improved brain function. In our past post, “What is Acetylcysteine? Our IV Therapy Toronto Clinic Explains”, we described why the human body needs  this  amino acid  for optimal functioning. When taken on a regular basis, this molecule could replenish your glutathione levels.

Keep in mind that glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps repair tissues, fights oxidative stress, and could reduce inflammation. But unfortunately, glutathione levels drop as we age. Since NAC restores glutathione levels in the body, it might trigger different beneficial effects to your wellness.

Suggested Reading: Arginine and Amino Acids from Our IV Therapy Toronto Lounge

Acetylcysteine support for brain health, lungs, and more

So, what are the beneficial effects of NAC supplementation? Read the following to learn more:

• Could offer support for mental health conditions: Studies have shown that both glutamate deregulation and elevated inflammation are linked to many psychiatric disorders. Supplementing daily with  this amino acid , especially when combined with other therapies, could lessen oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, inflammatory processes, and the modulation of glutamate homeostasis. These treatments might encourage a reduction of inflammatory cytokines, which could modulate some psychiatric conditions. Further research is needed, though this amino acid is promising for helping to manage mental health conditions, like depression.
• Might reduce substance cravings: For patients suffering from substance withdrawal symptoms, NAC could offer support, especially during the process of recovery. According to The American Journal on Addictions, in a study of cannabis users between ages 18-21, “…NAC was well tolerated and associated with significant decreases in self-report measures of marijuana use and craving. These reductions parallel those noted in prior N-acetylcysteine; treatment studies in cocaine and nicotine dependent individuals.”
• Encourages detoxification, especially for acetaminophen overdoses: This amino acid is a key ingredient when it comes to detoxification. According to research, it’s “a potential treatment option for diseases characterized by the generation of free oxygen radicals,” explains an article from Cell Journal. It also has the ability to “counter poison” hepatotoxicity from acetaminophen toxicities in children and adults. “There is considerable clinical evidence to support the fact that oral and intravenous NAC are equally effective in the prevention of hepatotoxicity,” confirms Cell Journal.
•  Supports immune function due to its antioxidant effects: NAC packs a double punch as an antioxidant. It can hinder the actions of oxidative stress, which can assist with immune function optimization. Your body also produces the powerful antioxidant glutathione, and NAC is needed to help create it. So, when you maximize the effects of antioxidants, free radicals can be scavenged and your immune system could further focus on shielding your health.
• Helps relieve respiratory discomfort: This amino acid might contribute to improving lung health by lessening inflammation; it could also help with getting rid of excessive mucus build-up in both lung tissue and bronchial tubes. If you tend to suffer from coughing or wheezing during the cold-and-flu season, N-acetylcysteine supplementation  could be considered for lung symptom relief, especially for excessive phlegm accumulation.
• Is thought to improve the chances of fertility: When antioxidant levels are wonky, male infertility could ensue. But when combined with essential fatty acids and a mixture of vitamin A and vitamin E, studies have shown that NAC could heighten sperm quality. This combination of ingredients could scavenge free radicals that could hinder male reproductive health.

Undoubtedly, Acetylcysteine  could act as a reinforcement for optimal health. Our functional medicine providers can explain how it might impact your health condition during your consultation. Oral supplementation and IV nutrient therapy/IV therapy can also be discussed at this time.

FYI: Nutritional absorption rates are lessened with oral supplements due to digestive tract use. For that reason, sometimes intravenous infusion drips/vitamin drip treatments are used. IV therapy may also help avoid unwanted side effects and support cellular functioning.

About our IV treatments and functional medicine programs

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we recognize that each patient is a unique being with their own health requirements. Customizing therapies is a personalized service we’re proud to offer our patients!

Our functional medicine programs can assist a variety of health concerns, including chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, thyroid conditions, anti-aging effects, athletic recovery, autoimmune conditions, acute health issues, and other issues.

Our IV vitamin drip therapy sessions include various beneficial ingredients, such as high-dose vitamin C, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD IV therapy), folic acid, a medley of amino acids for energy, and other essential vitamins. If you want to consider a combination of ingredients, don’t hesitate to ask!

Are you ready to explore functional medicine treatments and IV nutrients? Let’s introduce you to our integrative approach to health. Click here to contact us for IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

 

References:

Allamaneni, Shyam SR. “Oxidants and antioxidants in human fertility.” Middle East Fertility Society Journal 9.3 (2004).

Bradlow, R.C.J., Berk, M., Kalivas, P.W. et al. The Potential of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. CNS Drugs 36, 451–482 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-022-00907-3

Deepmala et al. “Clinical trials of N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry and neurology: A systematic review.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 55 (2015): 294-321.

Gray KM, Watson NL, Carpenter MJ, Larowe SD. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in young marijuana users: an open-label pilot study. Am J Addict. 2010 Mar-Apr;19(2):187-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2009.00027.x. PMID: 20163391; PMCID: PMC2826714.

Kaltenboeck, A., & Harmer, C. (2018). The neuroscience of depressive disorders: A brief review of the past and some considerations about the future. Brain and Neuroscience Advances. https://doi.org/10.1177/2398212818799269

Lee SI, Kang KS. N-acetylcysteine modulates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal dysfunction. Sci Rep. 2019 Jan 30;9(1):1004. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-37296-x. PMID: 30700808; PMCID: PMC6353963.

MARIO ROEDERER, STEPHEN W. ELA, FRANK J.T. STAAL, LEONORE A. HERZENBERG, and LEONARD A. HERZENBERG.N-Acetylcysteine: A New Approach to Anti-HIV Therapy.AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses.Feb 1992.209-217.http://doi.org/10.1089/aid.1992.8.209

Mohamed Montassar Lasram, Ines Bini Dhouib, Alya Annabi, Saloua El Fazaa, Najoua Gharbi, A review on the possible molecular mechanism of action of N-acetylcysteine against insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes development, Clinical Biochemistry, Volume 48, Issues 16–17, 2015, Pages 1200-1208, ISSN 0009-9120,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2015.04.017.

Mokhtari V, Afsharian P, Shahhoseini M, Kalantar SM, Moini A. A Review on Various Uses of N-Acetyl Cysteine. Cell J. 2017 Apr-Jun;19(1):11-17. doi: 10.22074/cellj.2016.4872. Epub 2016 Dec 21. PMID: 28367412; PMCID: PMC5241507.

Monroy, Noemí & Herrero, Laura & Carrasco, Luis & Gonzalez, Maria Eugenia. (2016). Influence of glutathione availability on cell damage induced by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 viral protein R. Virus Research. 213. 116-123. 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.11.017.

Pirabbasi E, Shahar S, Manaf ZA, Rajab NF, Manap RA. Efficacy of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and/N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Supplementation on Nutritional and Antioxidant Status of Male Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2016;62(1):54-61. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.62.54. PMID: 27117852.

Šalamon Š, Kramar B, Marolt TP, Poljšak B, Milisav I. Medical and Dietary Uses of N-Acetylcysteine. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Apr 28;8(5):111. doi: 10.3390/antiox8050111. PMID: 31035402; PMCID: PMC6562654.

“Top 9 Benefits of NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)” for Healthline, Written by Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD — Medically reviewed by Sade Meeks, MS, RD, Nutrition — updated on February 11, 2022, viewed on August 20, 2022.

Zhu, L., Xu, F., Kang, X. et al. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine promotes immune response and inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by suppressing the VWF/p38 MAPK axis. Mol Med 27, 97 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10020-021-00342-y