N-Acetylcysteine: Is It REALLY Dangerous? Dr. Anderson Explains

Dr. A discusses N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), highlighting respiratory risks, sulfite sensitivity, and the balance of benefits and risks, and its potential role in cancer treatment. In this video, Dr. Anderson explains this and more.

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CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Understanding the Rotten Egg Smell in N-Acetylcysteine Pills
01:57 Cysteine's Risks with Respiratory Conditions and Allergies
02:36 The Respiratory Risks of Cysteine Metabolism
03:57 How Genetics and Toxins Impact Sulfite Sensitivity in Asthma
05:01 Understanding Sulfa Drug Allergies and Cross-Reactivity with Small Thiols
06:56 Understanding the Role of N-Acetylcysteine in Cancer Treatment
08:36 Balancing Treatment and Risk of N-Acetylcysteine in Cancer Treatment

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This video is NOT sponsored.

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INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE REFERRAL LINKS
(Use these to find providers.)

[For your reference only – no referral or implication of professional superiority is claimed or intended.]

[jonshearing]

I've taken 600/1200mg NAC as a mucolytic for 30 years, it has been a life changer. It doesn't adversely affect my asthma.

[ÁzsiábaSzakadtam]

The cancer part should be detailed more. People typically take NAC not for respiratory reasons. More likely to support the mitochondria. This assumes continuous use of NAC.

[jamesrae]

Danes did a 4 year study of NAC. All good. Big improvements especially if you have COPD. Recommended dose of 1200 mg. per day.

[joel]

I have added Nac (1.2 grams), Glycine (3 grams), and Glutamine (5 grams) to my morning shake without any adverse reactions. To the contrary, I realized I hadn't felt the need to use my inhaler for months. I am 77, feel very good and my blood work is remarkably good according to my Doctor.

[ronp]

Best video on NAC I've seen. I've asked questions about NAC and cancer in other YouTube video comment sections and they never responded. Important topic, thank you.

[Deuce_Dufresne]

NAC is an anti inflammatory, wouldn’t it then help prevent cancer?

[pravoslavn]

Doc A. - I am really thankful you have begun your YouTube series. Learning so much from you. Keep up the good work. Pennsylvania sends you its blessings. ☺

[amuseinthecraftroom]

I do have a sulfa allergy, but it's awesome that I can tolerate my NACET. I take one with my morning vitamins every day and I feel so much better. Sleep, energy, appetite all normal.

[pestimom]

Wow. Why haven't I found you before? You really know biochemistry and shared more about NAC than I ever knew. I started my son on L-cysteine after his pesticide poisoning in second grade. Both plasma and urine tests showed he was low in cystine and taurine, and he had become chemically sensitive. It reduced his symptoms by about 70%. We went on to learn more about detox. I've worked with many chemically sensitive/poisoned people and we've used L-cysteine or NAC for years. But I didn't realize all the complications that you described. I did know one person with cystinuria who could not take it. Thanks for the education. I'm an instant fan.

[ifoundthistoday]

The video covers several topics related to N-acetylcysteine (NAC), its uses, safety concerns, and implications in cancer treatment. Here’s a summary along with a fact-check on key points:

NAC and Cancer:
Claim: NAC can potentially strengthen certain cancer cells if they are exposed to it.
Fact Check: Research has shown mixed results. While NAC can promote the survival of normal cells by contributing to glutathione production, its impact on cancer cells varies. Some studies suggest that high levels of glutathione might help some cancer cells resist chemotherapy, whereas others indicate that antioxidants like NAC could potentially reduce cancer risk. However, the effect depends heavily on the type of cancer and its stage, as well as the overall health and treatment plan of the individual.


Safety of NAC in People with Sulfa Drug Allergies:

Claim: People with sulfa drug allergies might react to NAC because it contains sulfur.
Fact Check: Sulfa allergies are reactions to specific compounds found in sulfa drugs, not to sulfur itself, which is a natural element found in many substances, including NAC. The risk of cross-reactivity between sulfa drugs and NAC is generally low, but caution is advised for individuals with a history of severe drug allergies.
NAC and Respiratory Conditions:
Claim: NAC can be risky for individuals with reactive airway diseases like asthma because it can increase sulfite levels which may trigger asthma symptoms.
Fact Check: NAC is often used to treat respiratory conditions due to its mucolytic (mucus-thinning) properties and ability to support glutathione production, which is critical for maintaining lung health. However, individuals who are sulfite-sensitive may experience issues, as NAC can metabolize into sulfites. It is crucial for individuals with asthma to consult healthcare providers before starting NAC, particularly if they have known sulfite sensitivity.

NAC Smell and Side Effects:

Claim: NAC can have a sulfurous smell and can cause urine to smell similarly due to its sulfur content.
Fact Check: NAC does contain sulfur and has a characteristic sulfurous smell. This is normal and not indicative of product quality. It can also cause a sulfur-like odor in urine when metabolized, which is a harmless side effect.
The transcript provides accurate information based on current scientific understanding, with an emphasis on the nuanced effects of NAC in different medical scenarios. It rightly points out that individual responses can vary, stressing the importance of personalized medical advice from healthcare providers.

[BrianPremo]

NAC makes me dream in high definition. It’s insane. I’m not sure what it does to the brain to cause that but when I wake up I feel like I just lived a whole different life in my dream. I read it can cause kidney stones. Not sure if that’s true but as someone who has them in the past i really don’t want to experience that again. It does improve my breathing / oxygen levels according to my smart watch.

[raibalama]

Great talk however, we need a summary at the end of video please

[ZeSnoozeruser]

Thank you, Dr Anderson. You just tipped me off to a couple of concerns I have to learn more about. Very important stuff and I had no problem with your presentation

[jamesc]

The one study I know of that tied NAC to cancer was done in mice, and they were giving them something equivalent to 7000 mg/day for a 70 kg human. More research needs to be done.

[prebenRiisSrensen]

One (healthy) way to stop cancergrowth is to completely stop eating sugar and any starchy product, e.g. bread. Intermittent fasting and fasting up to 72 hours is helping as well.

[josey]

I saw a video stating that a bill is being introduced to ban NAC and other helpful supplements for our safety supposedly. Must be these things do work therefore the need to suppress availability.

[OrganisedPauper]

I take 600mg a day of NAC for bipolar disorder and have done for a long time. I've found it beneficial. I'm a little concerned about your safety warning, but I believe 600mg is a fairly conservative dose. I'm loathe to stop taking it, but a little concerned about it now.

[InjectSomeCommonSense]

What type of dose is what you call marinating?

[andrewrivera]

NAC is way less toxic under every condition compared to “marinating “ cancer cells in sugar. How about a video on that doc? And in your presentation you imply that NAC will strengthen cancer in certain cases by… strengthening the dysfunctional You can’t have to both ways doc, either cancer is a disease of mitochondrial dysfunction or genes…

[carollecook]

I am so grateful to have found you! I am enjoying and will continue to listen and enjoy all your fine videos.