BioClinic Naturals NAC & ALA 90 Capsules
- Provides clinically relevant doses of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
- NAC and ALA have direct antioxidant action and enhance the synthesis and regeneration of glutathione, the key cellular antioxidant
- Supports mitochondrial function as well as phase II antioxidant enzyme upregulation
- Targets central mediators of inflammation
- Improves endothelial function and supports nitric oxide synthesis
- Reduces hyperglycemia-associated damage
- Suitable for vegetarians
Feature Summary
NAC and ALA are highly complementary nutrients, critical to cellular function and mitigation of hyperglycemia-associated damage. NAC drives the synthesis of glutathione, often depleted in cardiovascular diseases and metabolic and oxidative stress conditions.1,2 NAC also has direct antioxidant activity, restores pools of intracellular thiols, and has an anti-inflammatory effect, mediated via inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB).3 Glutathione is needed for the detoxification of many persistent organic pollutants, compounds known to impair mitochondrial function, adipose tissue metabolism, and pancreatic islet cell function.4 In addition to glutathione support, NAC enhances antioxidant protection through multiple pathways, including upregulation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) activation, suggesting a significant potential to mitigate pathology due to oxidative stress.5 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 600–1800 mg/day).6,7
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.8 It supports glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in individuals with inadequate glucose control, endothelial function among people with impaired glucose tolerance, and weight control among obese subjects.9,10,11 It has a well-recognized benefit for mitigating the neuronal oxidative damage resulting from hyperglycemia.12,13 Clinical trial data has shown improvement in multiple markers of oxidative stress and vascular inflammation in a variety of populations.14,15 Its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects may also provide protection against neurodegeneration and a range of oxidant-associated diseases.16,17