/oss/taxonomy/term/367/all en /oss/article/controversial-science-health-news-quirky-science-supplements/n-acetylcysteine-biochemical-triumph <p>When a diagnosis is made of acetaminophen overdose in an emergency room, out comes the N-acetylcysteine (NAC). This is not a rare occurrence because acetaminophen is a widely used pain killer and often people think that if a little is good, more must be better. It isn’t. Especially when combined with alcohol. That’s not a rare occurrence either. Drink, get a headache, take a pill.</p> Fri, 08 Nov 2013 03:10:39 +0000 Alexandra Pires-Ménard, OSS Intern 2028 at /oss /oss/article/quackery-you-asked/supplements-increase-glutathione-body <p style="text-align:justify"><span>There is no question that glutathione is a very important biochemical that plays a role in reducing oxidative stress. In other words, it is an antioxidant produced in the body to counter the effects of free radicals. Oxidative stress is linked with aging as well as with a variety of diseases so it makes sense that raising glutathione levels could be beneficial. The problem is that glutathione itself cannot be taken orally. It is composed of three amino acids linked together into a “tripeptide” and is easily broken down during digestion.</span></p> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:03:38 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1871 at /oss