Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 4 Researches
7
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 6 Reviews
7.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
N-acetyl-L-cysteine
600 mg
**
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We observed how n-acetyl-L-cysteine can impact the formation of cystine kidney stones. The study utilized crystallization experiments to mimic conditions similar to those in the kidneys. Cystine typically requires high supersaturation to crystallize, presenting a challenge since inhibitors, like n-acetyl-cysteine, tend to have reduced effects under such conditions.
Our findings highlighted that in the absence of crystallization inhibitors, crystallization begins within just 15 minutes. However, when n-acetyl-L-cysteine and other thiol agents like penicillamine and tiopronin were present, they completely blocked the crystallization process. Notably, n-acetyl-L-cysteine didn't just stop the formation of cystine crystals; it also altered their shape, which could play a vital role in how stones develop.
Moreover, we explored the structure of 30 cystine stones and found that they start from small crystals, continuously growing into larger structures depending on where they form in the kidney. The prevention of stone development hinges on keeping urinary cystine levels low, which n-acetyl-L-cysteine emerged as the most effective method among those tested. Increased hydration and physical activity further showed promise in helping remove cystine crystals and preventing stone formation.
Our findings highlighted that in the absence of crystallization inhibitors, crystallization begins within just 15 minutes. However, when n-acetyl-L-cysteine and other thiol agents like penicillamine and tiopronin were present, they completely blocked the crystallization process. Notably, n-acetyl-L-cysteine didn't just stop the formation of cystine crystals; it also altered their shape, which could play a vital role in how stones develop.
Moreover, we explored the structure of 30 cystine stones and found that they start from small crystals, continuously growing into larger structures depending on where they form in the kidney. The prevention of stone development hinges on keeping urinary cystine levels low, which n-acetyl-L-cysteine emerged as the most effective method among those tested. Increased hydration and physical activity further showed promise in helping remove cystine crystals and preventing stone formation.
Read More
8
NAC offers protective kidney benefits
We investigated the role of n-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) in kidney stone formation, focusing on how high levels of oxalate and calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) influence renal cells. Our research revealed that exposure to high oxalate leads to kidney cell damage by creating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in human kidney epithelial cells. This toxic environment is mediated by changes in apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), a critical protein involved in DNA repair and regulation.
Importantly, we found that NAC, an antioxidant, can reverse some of the harmful effects of high oxalate, suggesting that it may protect kidney cells from damage and potentially reduce the risk of stone formation. While these results highlight NAC's protective aspects, the study also indicates that the overall mechanism of kidney stone development remains complex and multifaceted, involving several players beyond just oxidative stress.
In conclusion, our findings shed light on a novel molecular mechanism related to kidney stone formation and highlight the potential therapeutic role of NAC to defend against kidney cell injury. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in clinical settings for individuals prone to kidney stones.
Importantly, we found that NAC, an antioxidant, can reverse some of the harmful effects of high oxalate, suggesting that it may protect kidney cells from damage and potentially reduce the risk of stone formation. While these results highlight NAC's protective aspects, the study also indicates that the overall mechanism of kidney stone development remains complex and multifaceted, involving several players beyond just oxidative stress.
In conclusion, our findings shed light on a novel molecular mechanism related to kidney stone formation and highlight the potential therapeutic role of NAC to defend against kidney cell injury. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in clinical settings for individuals prone to kidney stones.
Read More
4
We explored the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in dissolving uric acid kidney stones, a common issue with high rates of recurrence. Conducted in a controlled environment, the study utilized synthetic urine at a pH of 6.5 to simulate conditions in the human body. Over a series of experiments, we observed how both N-acetylcysteine and theobromine affected the dissolution of uric acid stones.
While N-acetylcysteine did show some ability to aid in the dissolution of these stones, its effects were not statistically significant. In contrast, theobromine was noted to significantly increase stone dissolution. Intriguingly, when combined, N-acetylcysteine and theobromine demonstrated similar effects to theobromine alone.
These findings suggest that while N-acetylcysteine may contribute to stone management, it does not appear to offer a strong standalone benefit. The observed enhancement from theobromine indicates its potential as a promising adjunct to existing treatments for managing uric acid kidney stones.
While N-acetylcysteine did show some ability to aid in the dissolution of these stones, its effects were not statistically significant. In contrast, theobromine was noted to significantly increase stone dissolution. Intriguingly, when combined, N-acetylcysteine and theobromine demonstrated similar effects to theobromine alone.
These findings suggest that while N-acetylcysteine may contribute to stone management, it does not appear to offer a strong standalone benefit. The observed enhancement from theobromine indicates its potential as a promising adjunct to existing treatments for managing uric acid kidney stones.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Protects kidneys
1 people found this helpful
This N-acetyl-L-cysteine (600 mg) from Life Extension is an effective antioxidant that protects my kidneys and liver from toxins. It also maintains respiratory health and supports the synthesis of intracellular glutathione, crucial for cellular processes. NAC is beneficial for both active and older individuals. I highly recommend this supplement.
Read More
7.5
Nodules shrinking
14 people found this helpful
It has helped with my ledderhose condition. NAC offers many health benefits, including detoxification of the kidneys and liver, enhancing brain health, and stabilising blood glucose. After six months of using this and topical magnesium, my nodules are shrinking and less sensitive. I shall continue its use to see how much further it can assist me. Life Extension provides a supplement with minimal fillers and good dosage at competitive pricing. Highly recommended!
Read More
7.5
Caution advised
This product cleanses the liver and body effectively but can potentially cause kidney stones, so I recommend taking it in moderation.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 4 Researches
7
- All Researches
9
We observed how n-acetyl-L-cysteine can impact the formation of cystine kidney stones. The study utilized crystallization experiments to mimic conditions similar to those in the kidneys. Cystine typically requires high supersaturation to crystallize, presenting a challenge since inhibitors, like n-acetyl-cysteine, tend to have reduced effects under such conditions.
Our findings highlighted that in the absence of crystallization inhibitors, crystallization begins within just 15 minutes. However, when n-acetyl-L-cysteine and other thiol agents like penicillamine and tiopronin were present, they completely blocked the crystallization process. Notably, n-acetyl-L-cysteine didn't just stop the formation of cystine crystals; it also altered their shape, which could play a vital role in how stones develop.
Moreover, we explored the structure of 30 cystine stones and found that they start from small crystals, continuously growing into larger structures depending on where they form in the kidney. The prevention of stone development hinges on keeping urinary cystine levels low, which n-acetyl-L-cysteine emerged as the most effective method among those tested. Increased hydration and physical activity further showed promise in helping remove cystine crystals and preventing stone formation.
Our findings highlighted that in the absence of crystallization inhibitors, crystallization begins within just 15 minutes. However, when n-acetyl-L-cysteine and other thiol agents like penicillamine and tiopronin were present, they completely blocked the crystallization process. Notably, n-acetyl-L-cysteine didn't just stop the formation of cystine crystals; it also altered their shape, which could play a vital role in how stones develop.
Moreover, we explored the structure of 30 cystine stones and found that they start from small crystals, continuously growing into larger structures depending on where they form in the kidney. The prevention of stone development hinges on keeping urinary cystine levels low, which n-acetyl-L-cysteine emerged as the most effective method among those tested. Increased hydration and physical activity further showed promise in helping remove cystine crystals and preventing stone formation.
Read More
8
NAC offers protective kidney benefits
We investigated the role of n-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) in kidney stone formation, focusing on how high levels of oxalate and calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) influence renal cells. Our research revealed that exposure to high oxalate leads to kidney cell damage by creating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in human kidney epithelial cells. This toxic environment is mediated by changes in apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), a critical protein involved in DNA repair and regulation.
Importantly, we found that NAC, an antioxidant, can reverse some of the harmful effects of high oxalate, suggesting that it may protect kidney cells from damage and potentially reduce the risk of stone formation. While these results highlight NAC's protective aspects, the study also indicates that the overall mechanism of kidney stone development remains complex and multifaceted, involving several players beyond just oxidative stress.
In conclusion, our findings shed light on a novel molecular mechanism related to kidney stone formation and highlight the potential therapeutic role of NAC to defend against kidney cell injury. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in clinical settings for individuals prone to kidney stones.
Importantly, we found that NAC, an antioxidant, can reverse some of the harmful effects of high oxalate, suggesting that it may protect kidney cells from damage and potentially reduce the risk of stone formation. While these results highlight NAC's protective aspects, the study also indicates that the overall mechanism of kidney stone development remains complex and multifaceted, involving several players beyond just oxidative stress.
In conclusion, our findings shed light on a novel molecular mechanism related to kidney stone formation and highlight the potential therapeutic role of NAC to defend against kidney cell injury. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in clinical settings for individuals prone to kidney stones.
Read More
We recently conducted a prospective randomized trial to examine how N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can offer kidney protection during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for treating kidney stones. In our study, we included 164 adult patients who were set to undergo ESWL for single renal stones. To ensure reliable results, we excluded individuals with certain conditions such as radio-lucent stones, diabetes, hypertension, febrile urinary tract infections, and preoperative albuminuria.
Participants were divided into four distinct groups. Some underwent traditional fixed voltage treatments, while others experienced a gradual ramping voltage approach. A few groups also received NAC—600 mg twice a day—before and after the procedure. We measured urinary markers related to kidney injury, such as β-microglobulin and albumin, one day and five days following ESWL.
Our findings showed that the group receiving NAC combined with the gradual ramping voltage displayed no significant changes in urinary markers, indicating kidney protection. While we observed some benefits with NAC, especially in conjunction with the ramping voltage approach, it was noted that no substantial differences emerged regarding treatment effectiveness compared to other methods used. Overall, results suggested NAC could help safeguard the kidneys during ESWL, emphasizing the positive impact of combining it with a gentle ramping voltage treatment.
Participants were divided into four distinct groups. Some underwent traditional fixed voltage treatments, while others experienced a gradual ramping voltage approach. A few groups also received NAC—600 mg twice a day—before and after the procedure. We measured urinary markers related to kidney injury, such as β-microglobulin and albumin, one day and five days following ESWL.
Our findings showed that the group receiving NAC combined with the gradual ramping voltage displayed no significant changes in urinary markers, indicating kidney protection. While we observed some benefits with NAC, especially in conjunction with the ramping voltage approach, it was noted that no substantial differences emerged regarding treatment effectiveness compared to other methods used. Overall, results suggested NAC could help safeguard the kidneys during ESWL, emphasizing the positive impact of combining it with a gentle ramping voltage treatment.
Read More
4
We explored the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in dissolving uric acid kidney stones, a common issue with high rates of recurrence. Conducted in a controlled environment, the study utilized synthetic urine at a pH of 6.5 to simulate conditions in the human body. Over a series of experiments, we observed how both N-acetylcysteine and theobromine affected the dissolution of uric acid stones.
While N-acetylcysteine did show some ability to aid in the dissolution of these stones, its effects were not statistically significant. In contrast, theobromine was noted to significantly increase stone dissolution. Intriguingly, when combined, N-acetylcysteine and theobromine demonstrated similar effects to theobromine alone.
These findings suggest that while N-acetylcysteine may contribute to stone management, it does not appear to offer a strong standalone benefit. The observed enhancement from theobromine indicates its potential as a promising adjunct to existing treatments for managing uric acid kidney stones.
While N-acetylcysteine did show some ability to aid in the dissolution of these stones, its effects were not statistically significant. In contrast, theobromine was noted to significantly increase stone dissolution. Intriguingly, when combined, N-acetylcysteine and theobromine demonstrated similar effects to theobromine alone.
These findings suggest that while N-acetylcysteine may contribute to stone management, it does not appear to offer a strong standalone benefit. The observed enhancement from theobromine indicates its potential as a promising adjunct to existing treatments for managing uric acid kidney stones.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 6 Reviews
7.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Protects kidneys
1 people found this helpful
This N-acetyl-L-cysteine (600 mg) from Life Extension is an effective antioxidant that protects my kidneys and liver from toxins. It also maintains respiratory health and supports the synthesis of intracellular glutathione, crucial for cellular processes. NAC is beneficial for both active and older individuals. I highly recommend this supplement.
Read More
7.5
Nodules shrinking
14 people found this helpful
It has helped with my ledderhose condition. NAC offers many health benefits, including detoxification of the kidneys and liver, enhancing brain health, and stabilising blood glucose. After six months of using this and topical magnesium, my nodules are shrinking and less sensitive. I shall continue its use to see how much further it can assist me. Life Extension provides a supplement with minimal fillers and good dosage at competitive pricing. Highly recommended!
Read More
7.5
Caution advised
This product cleanses the liver and body effectively but can potentially cause kidney stones, so I recommend taking it in moderation.
Read More
6
Not very effective
I bought this with hopes it would lighten my spots and melasma. I’ve heard it could lead to kidney stones if I don't drink enough water, and I struggle with hydration. I only take it with a multivitamin on days I can manage my water intake. It hasn't been very effective.
Read More
0
Kidney concern
I wonder if this is harmful to the kidneys.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Nodules shrinking
14 people found this helpful
It has helped with my ledderhose condition. NAC offers many health benefits, including detoxification of the kidneys and liver, enhancing brain health, and stabilising blood glucose. After six months of using this and topical magnesium, my nodules are shrinking and less sensitive. I shall continue its use to see how much further it can assist me. Life Extension provides a supplement with minimal fillers and good dosage at competitive pricing. Highly recommended!
6
Not very effective
I bought this with hopes it would lighten my spots and melasma. I’ve heard it could lead to kidney stones if I don't drink enough water, and I struggle with hydration. I only take it with a multivitamin on days I can manage my water intake. It hasn't been very effective.
9
Protects kidneys
1 people found this helpful
This N-acetyl-L-cysteine (600 mg) from Life Extension is an effective antioxidant that protects my kidneys and liver from toxins. It also maintains respiratory health and supports the synthesis of intracellular glutathione, crucial for cellular processes. NAC is beneficial for both active and older individuals. I highly recommend this supplement.
7.5
Caution advised
This product cleanses the liver and body effectively but can potentially cause kidney stones, so I recommend taking it in moderation.
0
Kidney concern
I wonder if this is harmful to the kidneys.
9
We observed how n-acetyl-L-cysteine can impact the formation of cystine kidney stones. The study utilized crystallization experiments to mimic conditions similar to those in the kidneys. Cystine typically requires high supersaturation to crystallize, presenting a challenge since inhibitors, like n-acetyl-cysteine, tend to have reduced effects under such conditions.
Our findings highlighted that in the absence of crystallization inhibitors, crystallization begins within just 15 minutes. However, when n-acetyl-L-cysteine and other thiol agents like penicillamine and tiopronin were present, they completely blocked the crystallization process. Notably, n-acetyl-L-cysteine didn't just stop the formation of cystine crystals; it also altered their shape, which could play a vital role in how stones develop.
Moreover, we explored the structure of 30 cystine stones and found that they start from small crystals, continuously growing into larger structures depending on where they form in the kidney. The prevention of stone development hinges on keeping urinary cystine levels low, which n-acetyl-L-cysteine emerged as the most effective method among those tested. Increased hydration and physical activity further showed promise in helping remove cystine crystals and preventing stone formation.
Our findings highlighted that in the absence of crystallization inhibitors, crystallization begins within just 15 minutes. However, when n-acetyl-L-cysteine and other thiol agents like penicillamine and tiopronin were present, they completely blocked the crystallization process. Notably, n-acetyl-L-cysteine didn't just stop the formation of cystine crystals; it also altered their shape, which could play a vital role in how stones develop.
Moreover, we explored the structure of 30 cystine stones and found that they start from small crystals, continuously growing into larger structures depending on where they form in the kidney. The prevention of stone development hinges on keeping urinary cystine levels low, which n-acetyl-L-cysteine emerged as the most effective method among those tested. Increased hydration and physical activity further showed promise in helping remove cystine crystals and preventing stone formation.
We recently conducted a prospective randomized trial to examine how N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can offer kidney protection during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for treating kidney stones. In our study, we included 164 adult patients who were set to undergo ESWL for single renal stones. To ensure reliable results, we excluded individuals with certain conditions such as radio-lucent stones, diabetes, hypertension, febrile urinary tract infections, and preoperative albuminuria.
Participants were divided into four distinct groups. Some underwent traditional fixed voltage treatments, while others experienced a gradual ramping voltage approach. A few groups also received NAC—600 mg twice a day—before and after the procedure. We measured urinary markers related to kidney injury, such as β-microglobulin and albumin, one day and five days following ESWL.
Our findings showed that the group receiving NAC combined with the gradual ramping voltage displayed no significant changes in urinary markers, indicating kidney protection. While we observed some benefits with NAC, especially in conjunction with the ramping voltage approach, it was noted that no substantial differences emerged regarding treatment effectiveness compared to other methods used. Overall, results suggested NAC could help safeguard the kidneys during ESWL, emphasizing the positive impact of combining it with a gentle ramping voltage treatment.
Participants were divided into four distinct groups. Some underwent traditional fixed voltage treatments, while others experienced a gradual ramping voltage approach. A few groups also received NAC—600 mg twice a day—before and after the procedure. We measured urinary markers related to kidney injury, such as β-microglobulin and albumin, one day and five days following ESWL.
Our findings showed that the group receiving NAC combined with the gradual ramping voltage displayed no significant changes in urinary markers, indicating kidney protection. While we observed some benefits with NAC, especially in conjunction with the ramping voltage approach, it was noted that no substantial differences emerged regarding treatment effectiveness compared to other methods used. Overall, results suggested NAC could help safeguard the kidneys during ESWL, emphasizing the positive impact of combining it with a gentle ramping voltage treatment.
4
We explored the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in dissolving uric acid kidney stones, a common issue with high rates of recurrence. Conducted in a controlled environment, the study utilized synthetic urine at a pH of 6.5 to simulate conditions in the human body. Over a series of experiments, we observed how both N-acetylcysteine and theobromine affected the dissolution of uric acid stones.
While N-acetylcysteine did show some ability to aid in the dissolution of these stones, its effects were not statistically significant. In contrast, theobromine was noted to significantly increase stone dissolution. Intriguingly, when combined, N-acetylcysteine and theobromine demonstrated similar effects to theobromine alone.
These findings suggest that while N-acetylcysteine may contribute to stone management, it does not appear to offer a strong standalone benefit. The observed enhancement from theobromine indicates its potential as a promising adjunct to existing treatments for managing uric acid kidney stones.
While N-acetylcysteine did show some ability to aid in the dissolution of these stones, its effects were not statistically significant. In contrast, theobromine was noted to significantly increase stone dissolution. Intriguingly, when combined, N-acetylcysteine and theobromine demonstrated similar effects to theobromine alone.
These findings suggest that while N-acetylcysteine may contribute to stone management, it does not appear to offer a strong standalone benefit. The observed enhancement from theobromine indicates its potential as a promising adjunct to existing treatments for managing uric acid kidney stones.
8
NAC offers protective kidney benefits
We investigated the role of n-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) in kidney stone formation, focusing on how high levels of oxalate and calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) influence renal cells. Our research revealed that exposure to high oxalate leads to kidney cell damage by creating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in human kidney epithelial cells. This toxic environment is mediated by changes in apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), a critical protein involved in DNA repair and regulation.
Importantly, we found that NAC, an antioxidant, can reverse some of the harmful effects of high oxalate, suggesting that it may protect kidney cells from damage and potentially reduce the risk of stone formation. While these results highlight NAC's protective aspects, the study also indicates that the overall mechanism of kidney stone development remains complex and multifaceted, involving several players beyond just oxidative stress.
In conclusion, our findings shed light on a novel molecular mechanism related to kidney stone formation and highlight the potential therapeutic role of NAC to defend against kidney cell injury. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in clinical settings for individuals prone to kidney stones.
Importantly, we found that NAC, an antioxidant, can reverse some of the harmful effects of high oxalate, suggesting that it may protect kidney cells from damage and potentially reduce the risk of stone formation. While these results highlight NAC's protective aspects, the study also indicates that the overall mechanism of kidney stone development remains complex and multifaceted, involving several players beyond just oxidative stress.
In conclusion, our findings shed light on a novel molecular mechanism related to kidney stone formation and highlight the potential therapeutic role of NAC to defend against kidney cell injury. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in clinical settings for individuals prone to kidney stones.
References
- Grases F, Tomàs Nadal F, Julià Florit F, Costa-Bauza A. Cystine Renal Calculi: New Aspects Related to Their Formation and Development. J Clin Med. 2024;13. 10.3390/jcm13102837
- Julià F, Costa-Bauza A, Berga F, Grases F. Effect of theobromine on dissolution of uric acid kidney stones. World J Urol. 2022;40:2105. 10.1007/s00345-022-04059-3
- Desoky EAE, Sakr AM, Alhefnawy M, Omran M, Abdalla MMH, et al. Renal protective effect of N-acetylcysteine with stepwise ramping voltage against extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy-induced renal injury: a prospective randomized trial. Int Urol Nephrol. 2020;52:2261. 10.1007/s11255-020-02580-1
- Li L, Peng Y, Liu M, Wang Z, Wang Q, et al. Apoptosis of human kidney epithelial cells induced by high oxalate and calcium oxalate monohydrate is apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 pathway dependent and contributes to kidney stone formation. Discov Med. 2019;28:75.
