This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hello,

I've gone to two stores and can find N-acetyl L cysteine, but not N-acetyl cysteine.

Are they the same thing? I can find the version without the "L" online if that is preferable.

Thanks.

Hi g123,
I don't take NAC but here's some info that might be helpful. Amino acids can come in two different isomers. These are typically noted as the D form and the L form. They are essentially mirror images of each other much as your hands are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. For most amino acids, the L form is the natural form while the D form is a byproduct of chemical synthesis. I would think that you should be fine with n-acetyl L cysteine.

NHE

You can buy N acetyl cysteine from I herb and vitacost amongst many other places. Its aim in treatment for Cpn is to break open the elementary bodies, rendering them unable to reproduce: http://www.davidwheldon.co.uk/NAC.html

I don't think the L form will work in the same way.

I still take it now because if I should become infected again, it will stop the infection in its tracks and therefore stop MS from rearing its ugly head once more.

Sarah

Thank you both for answering, very helpful. There also seems to be some "time release" formulas, but maybe that's just a gimmick....

It probably is, also more expensive!

Sarah