Glutanac

Functions

Body cells and tissues are threatened continuously by damage caused by toxic free radicals and reactive oxygen species (e.g., peroxides) which are produced during normal oxygen metabolism, by other chemical reactions, and by toxic agents in the environment. Free radicals are capable of disrupting metabolic activity and cell structure. When this occurs, additional free radicals are produced which, in turn, can result in more extensive damage to cells and tissues. The uncontrolled production of free radicals is thought to be a major contributing factor to many degenerative processes seen during aging and disease pathogenesis. Glutathione is a naturally-occurring tripeptide of L-cysteine, L-glutamate and L-glycine. Glutathione is the essential cosubstrate for two major antioxidant enzymes in the body; glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. As such, glutathione offers one mechanism for scavenging toxic free radicals. Since glutathione is expensive and although bay be well absorbed in the intestine or enters the blood and other extracellular compartments, it may not survive the acid environment of the stomach, where the glutathione tripeptide would be hydrolyzed. Therefore, providing the precursors for glutathione’s synthesis is a more logical and cost effective way to supplement the component building blocks of glutathione, which has beneficial antioxidant effects. However, effectively entering the cell is another reason Westlake Labs adds N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) to GlutaNAC, which is a precursor for the sulfur amino acid cysteine, and cysteine is used by the body to synthesize glutathione. In contrast to glutathione, NAC is efficiently transported into the cell where it is readily converted to L-cysteine for glutathione synthesis. NAC is well absorbed, and unlike L-cysteine, is virtually non-toxic. NAC is recognized as a safe, highly effective means of increasing intracellular glutathione stores. Aside from providing cysteine as a glutathione precursor, NAC also appears to have antioxidant properties by itself, and is a valuable sulfur donor for various metabolic needs. GlutaNAC supplies amino acids that have many functions in the body, serve as a source of energy and provide about 4 calories per gram. They are the building blocks for all body proteins—structural proteins that build muscle, connective tissue including skin, bone and other structures, and functional proteins in the form of thousands of metabolically active enzymes. Amino acids provide the body with the nitrogen that is essential for growth and maintenance of all tissues and structures. Aside from these general functions, individual amino acids also have specific functions in many aspects of human physiology and biochemistry that build muscle, connective tissues, bones and other structures, and functional proteins in the form of thousands of metabolically active enzymes. Amino acids serve as precursors for many nitrogenous substances, provide the body with the nitrogen. These include heme, purines, pyrimidines, hormones, and neuro-transmitters, including biologically active peptides. In addition, many proteins contain amino acids that have been modified for a specific function, e.g., calcium binding or collagen cross-linking. L-cystine is a vital component of hair keratin, digestive enzymes, and lactoglobulin. Glycine plays important roles in glutathione synthesis, bile production and the synthesis of nucleic acids. It is thought to have special importance in supporting neurological, gastrointestinal and connective tissue health. The amino acid glutamine plays a key role in the metabolism, structure, and function of the entire gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and its extensive immune system. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in blood, and is a vehicle for nitrogen transport. In muscle, lung and other tissues, glutamine is formed from glutamic acid and ammonia through amino acid breakdown. The GI tract, liver, and immune system use glutamine for the synthesis of nucleotides, proteins, and amino sugars. Glutamine also carries potentially toxic ammonia to the kidneys for excretion, which helps maintain normal acid-base balance. Many clinical studies support the fact that dietary and endogenous glutamine is crucial in maintaining normal function of the entire gastrointestinal tract, including the liver and pancreas. Glutamine helps maintain normal intestinal permeability, mucosal cell regeneration and structure, especially during periods of physiological stress. The human intestinal tract removes as much as 12-13% of circulating blood glutamine in addition to the glutamine absorbed from dietary origin. Intestinal mucosal cells need glutamine as a nitrogen donor for the biosynthesis of a number of important compounds, including nucleotides needed for cell division, amino sugars for building the glycosaminoglycans of intestinal mucous, and many amino acids that are crucial for protein synthesis. During physiological stress, such as starvation, physical trauma, or surgery, the intestinal tract uses very large amounts of glutamine. This often results in a fall of blood glutamine, and skeletal muscle is broken down to supply more glutamine. The immune cells of mucosa, mesentery and the liver depend on glutamine as a key nitrogen donor and energy source. During infections of intestinal origin, immune cells need more glutamine and the liver’s glutamine consumption can rise about ten-fold. Just as in trauma or surgery, a strong immune response can result in lower blood glutamine levels and muscle wasting. In summary, many clinical studies support the fact that dietary glutamine is crucial in maintaining normal function of the entire gastrointestinal tract, including the liver and pancreas. Glutamine helps maintain normal intestinal permeability, mucosal cell regeneration, and structure. At the same time, glutamine supports normal immune function of the gastrointestinal tract and the liver.

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Indications

GlutaNAC may be a useful dietary supplement for individuals wishing to increase their intake of Glutathione tripeptide precursors L-glutamic acid, L-glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC).

Formula

Each 375 mg Capsule Contains:
Glycine ...................... 146 mg
Glutamine .................... 286 mg
Nacetyl cysteine ............. 316 mg

Suggested Use

Adults take 1 capsule daily or as directed by physician.

Side Effects

No adverse side effects reported.

References

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Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

We at Westlake labs take heavy metal contamination seriously and thus test our products routinely to assure quality. We offer a survey compared to big box store brands randomly obtained over the last year.