Key insights

• 🔬 The commentary in the journal Science raises concerns about the possible link between N-acetylcysteine supplementation and cancer.
• ⚙️ N-acetylcysteine, also known as NAC or knack, is popular for its ability to enhance cell's internal antioxidant defenses by generating glutathione.
• 📚 Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of N-acetylcysteine supplementation.
• ❓ There is a question about the evidence supporting the suggested link between N-acetylcysteine consumption and cancer.
• 🐭 Mouse studies may not directly apply to humans, Human studies show positive outcomes, Metrics related to cancer tend to improve, No long-term studies on cancer risk yet, Current evidence suggests opposite trend.
• 🍇 Antioxidants like Knack are generally beneficial for reducing damaging molecules, Overabundance of antioxidants can disrupt the balance in our body, Some oxidizing molecules are important for cellular function, The speaker's stance on Knack remains unchanged despite the discussion, Encourages joining the physionic Insiders for access to diverse content
• ⚠️ Knack or gluc is mainly beneficial for individuals over 50 or dealing with chronic conditions, Limited evidence of antioxidant benefits for young individuals, More research needed on its potential cancer risk, Not recommended for young, healthy individuals

Q&A

• Who is N-acetylcysteine (NAC) recommended for?

  N-acetylcysteine or knack is mainly recommended for individuals over 50 or dealing with chronic conditions. Limited evidence of antioxidant benefits for young individuals suggests that more research is needed to determine its effects, especially on cancer risk. It is not recommended for young, healthy individuals at this time.

• What is the overall stance on antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine after the discussion?

  The commentary emphasizes that antioxidants can be both beneficial and harmful depending on the balance in our body. While they are generally beneficial for reducing damaging molecules, an overabundance of antioxidants can disrupt the balance in our body. Despite the discussion, the speaker's stance on N-acetylcysteine remains unchanged.

• What does the commentary mention about the applicability of mouse studies to humans and the current evidence?

  The commentary acknowledges that mouse studies may not directly apply to humans. It highlights that while human studies show positive outcomes and improvements in metrics related to cancer, there are no long-term studies on cancer risk yet. The current evidence suggests an opposite trend from the concerns raised in mouse studies.

• What concerns are raised about the impact of knockout and N-acetylcysteine on cancer growth in mice, especially with lung adenocarcinoma?

  The knockout increases cell division in mice, which has raised concerns about cancer growth, particularly significant in mice with lung adenocarcinoma. Mice with lung adenocarcinoma experience even more cell division with knockout addition, raising further concerns.

• How does N-acetylcysteine (NAC) relate to cancer growth according to the commentary?

  The commentary mentions that N-acetylcysteine, despite being popular for enhancing antioxidant defenses, has been shown to accelerate cancer growth in multiple models. Knocking out the gene June D in mice increases oxidative stress, and NAC reduces oxidative stress in both normal and June D knockout mice.

• What are the concerns highlighted in the commentary about N-acetylcysteine supplementation?

  The commentary raises concerns about the potential link between N-acetylcysteine supplementation and cancer. While it is popular for boosting antioxidant defenses, the evidence supporting the suggested link between N-acetylcysteine consumption and cancer is being questioned.

• What is N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and its popular use?

  N-acetylcysteine, also known as NAC or knack, is popular for its ability to enhance the cell's internal antioxidant defenses by generating glutathione. It is often used for boosting antioxidant defenses.

• 00:00 The commentary highlights the potential risks of N-acetylcysteine supplementation and its link to cancer, despite its popular use for boosting antioxidant defenses. The evidence for this link is being questioned.
• 01:03 Antioxidants like Knack may not always be good for you and have been shown to accelerate cancer growth. Knocking out the gene called June D in mice increases oxidative stress, and Knack reduces oxidative stress in both normal and June D knockout mice.
• 02:11 The knockout increases cell division in mice, leading to a slightly increased rate of cancer generation, which has raised concerns about cancer growth. The impact is particularly significant in mice with lung adenocarcinoma.
• 03:23 Mouse studies may not directly apply to humans; human studies show positive outcomes; metrics related to cancer tend to improve; no long-term studies on cancer risk yet; current evidence suggests opposite trend.
• 04:28 Antioxidants can be both beneficial and harmful depending on the balance in our body, but overall, the speaker's stance on them remains unchanged.
• 05:23 Knack or gluc only has evidence for use in older individuals or those with chronic conditions. Young, healthy individuals may not benefit from it. More research is needed to determine its effects on cancer risk.