Hammer NAC (N-Acetyl L-Cysteine)

Antioxidant Superstar… and so much more!

BY STEVE BORN

We are familiar with the saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” And we think that’s appropriate now that Hammer NAC is here, standing on its own as a powerful addition to the Hammer Nutrition lineup.

NAC (N-Acetyl L-Cysteine) is such an amazing nutrient that it made the cut (not an easy thing to do) for inclusion in our supremely potent and multi-beneficial product, Amino Age. Unfortunately, even with some changes made to the Amino Age formula (i.e. Gen 2), NAC’s sulfur-y smell and taste, along with the fact that the powder started clumping after several weeks, caused us to remove it from Amino Age.

But when you have such an incredible nutrient like NAC, one that you know everyone can benefit from, you find a way to make it available. And we did just that. Now you can get all the benefits of NAC—a full 600 milligrams’ worth in just two capsules. No powder to mix, or unpleasant taste to deal with. Just pure, health-promoting NAC.

Taking Hammer NAC once or twice daily—ideally combining it with other Hammer Nutrition supplements (discussed later)—provides your body with a powerhouse of a nutrient that supplies a wide range of extraordinary benefits.

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine/NAC

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is the bioactive form of the amino acid cysteine and is readily assimilated into the body from the intestine. Here are some of the benefits it provides:

• Potent antioxidant properties. NAC functions both as a direct scavenger of free radicals, as well as providing the cysteine necessary for the production of glutathione [1] (see next bullet point)
  
  
• Boosts glutathione levels in the body. NAC is universally considered to be the most effective precursor for the endogenous production of glutathione (GSH) arguably the body’s most powerful antioxidant. One study concludes, “NAC acts as a precursor to intracellular cysteine, increasing the pool of GSH, which in turn is essential in several diseases linked to oxidative stress as a consequence of glutathione depletion.” [2]
  
  
• Powerfully supports the body’s detoxification process. NAC can help prevent side effects of environmental toxin exposure. One study states, “The use of NAC as a chelator of heavy metals appears to be a promising area of medical research and further clinical studies to verify these preliminary findings are warranted.” [3]
  
  
• Liver protector extraordinaire. In addition to supporting the body’s detoxification processes, NAC’s liver-protective powers are hard to overstate, as it is frequently used in medical settings to treat liver toxicity associated with acetaminophen overdose. One study states that NAC “is the mainstay of therapy for acetaminophen toxicity. NAC has FDA approval for treating potentially hepatotoxic doses of acetaminophen (APAP) and is almost 100% effective if given within 8 hours post-ingestion.” [4]
  
  
• Protects the lungs and helps relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions. Excess mucus accumulates in the airways, causing it to become sticky and hard to remove, and leading to difficulty breathing. This complicates many lung conditions, including bronchitis, asthma, and more. NAC has been shown to reduce both the thickness of the mucus and the mucus itself, helping to clear the airways for easier breathing. [5, 6, 7]
  
  
• Helps stabilize blood sugar. Animal studies show that NAC may stabilize blood sugar by decreasing inflammation in fat cells and thereby improving insulin resistance. [8]

“Stack” Hammer NAC with other Hammer supplements? Absolutely!

Certainly, NAC’s plentiful benefits allow it to stand on its own. However, adding (“stacking”) Hammer NAC with other Hammer Nutrition supplements will supply even more benefits.

1. As NAC was an original ingredient in Amino Age—it works with the glycine component to support glutathione production—it makes perfect sense to take 2 capsules of Hammer NAC with a dose of Amino Age.
   
   
2. NAC is a powerful protector of the liver, so it’s a natural to take Hammer NAC with LSA Caps.
   
   
3. NAC supports lung health, so taking Hammer NAC with Clear Day is a great way to provide even wider-ranging support for your lungs.
   
   
4. Premium Insurance Caps contains ample amount of all the B vitamins, which are essential cofactors that aid in the pathways that convert cysteine into glutathione.
   
   
5. Endurance C. Vitamin C helps regenerate oxidized (i.e. “used up”) NAC, allowing it to continue functioning as an antioxidant, and to continue boosting glutathione in the body.
   
   
6. Mito Caps contains r-alpha lipoic acid, which not only helps regenerate oxidized vitamin C, it is also a glutathione precursor.
   
   
7. EnDuro D works with NAC in significantly reducing cellular senescence. According to the National Institute on Aging, “Cellular senescence is a state in which stressed or damaged cells permanently stop dividing but refuse to die. Instead of clearing out, these ‘zombie cells’ linger and release chemicals that cause inflammation, damaging neighboring cells and driving biological aging.” [9]

Summary

Even though it didn’t quite work in Amino Age, we didn’t give up; we were determined that NAC had to be in the Hammer Nutrition lineup. Now, with the arrival of Hammer NAC in easy-to-take capsule form, this unique and hugely beneficial nutrient is available to you. Take Hammer NAC once or twice daily, ideally combining your dose(s) with the earlier-mentioned Hammer Nutrition supplements, and reap the many wide-ranging benefits it supplies.

REFERENCES:
[1] https://examine.com/supplements/n-acetylcysteine/
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8234027/
[3] https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-10-5311-5_10
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537183/
[5] Kalyuzhin OV. Effect of N-acetylcysteine on mucosal immunity of respiratory tract. Ter Arkh. 2018 Apr 19;90(3):89-95.
[6] Santus P, Corsico A, Solidoro P, et al. Oxidative stress and respiratory system: pharmacological and clinical reappraisal of N-acetylcysteine. COPD. 2014 Dec;11(6):705-17.
[7] Aldini G, Altomare A, Baron G, et al. N-Acetylcysteine as an antioxidant and disulphide breaking agent: the reasons why. Free Radic Res. 2018 Jul;52(7):751-62.
[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5124332/
[9] https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/does-cellular-senescence-hold-secrets-healthier-aging