NAC or Liposomal Glutathione supplements for MAI

@bethjohnson33, I do take liposomal glutathione, but I do not take NAC.

I take NAC , I was told it’s good for lung health, I’d like to start on Glutathione

I took both orally and find NAC is a strong antioxidants. It is not only good for Lung health like thinning mucus but also helps hering loss per some research paper. Some clinic even provide injection for both. I will check with my health provider before I purchase those home injection kits. Some also do inhalation but I never tried it.

@bethfjohnson33 & @rosa80
As people with bronchiectasis, one of the most tedious and difficult tasks we have is continuous airway clearance to avoid infections. Both glutathione and NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) are said to reduce inflammation and improve the viscosity of mucus to make it easier to expel. There are a number of studies in this area, but the evidence is not overwhelming. Here is one evaluation that cites several studies:
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/bmjopen/12/3/e053625.full.pdf
There are studies demonstrating antioxidant properties as well, but I have not reviewed them for this reply.

NAC is N-acetyl cysteine, the precursor of glutathione. The body metabolizes it and converts to glutathione for the cells to use.
Glutathione supplements in tablets or capsules do not survive the digestive tract, so are not effective in moving to the cellular level.
Liposomic glutathione is placed under the tongue, and passes directly to the blood, where it can be used at the cellular level.
Nebulizing NAC or glutathione seems popular right now. However, I could not find any studies supporting it except for some people with Cystic Fibrosis. There is currently no standard for what is safe, nor how much to use. And, if you also have asthma, using it can induce bronchospasms in some people. Further, unless you have a source for laboratory grade substances, do you really want to introduce a foreign substance to your already damaged lungs? If you decide to try this make sure all of your doctors know about your use.

The good news is that there are at least 2 studies of NAC and glutathione use in people with bronchiectasis underway now - I expect we may see some preliminary reports in about 2 years - yes, it's a long time - but that's what good research takes.

So what to do? It appears the choice is between NAC tablets/capsules and liposomic glutathione.
I have elected to use NAC, which is more widely available, in a stable tablet or capsule (liquids are harder to stabilize.) Others may choose the drops.

Thanks Sue for this thoughtful response! I also have been taking NAC 600 mg/BID. I'm not sure if I feel a difference in airway clearance productivity. Do you take it at a specific time in relation to AC?

I take it with my morning and evening meds since the goal of regular use is to increase glutathione at the cellular level, I don't think timing is important, but that is not a research based answer. Small studies have not addressed this -only measured cell response. Perhaps the current research will address it.

Ok that makes sense. I’ll look forward to following the research. Thanks!