NAC stands for N-acetylcysteine, a supplement used for decades to treat many medical conditions. It is used for many health conditions, from psychological to chronic illnesses.
N-acetylcysteine is an essential amino acid (methionine and serine) that works as a precursor to an antioxidant (glutathione) that protects our body from damage caused by free radicals.
High-protein food like eggs, chicken, cheese, yogurt, legumes, and sunflower seeds are all good sources for NAC.
What Is the NAC Supplement Used For?
NAC supplements help in increasing the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that aids in the generation of a higher level of energy and fights against damage caused by free radicals.
According to research, NAC supplements help with many mental and physical health issues.
1) Helps with Psychological Conditions
NAC supplements can boost the level of neurotransmitters, which further leads to improving mental health.
According to the study, NAC can help with psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder [1].
You should always take doctors’ advice before consuming NAC supplements for treating any medical condition.
2) It Helps Treat Lung Conditions
Studies suggest that NAC supplements can help treat lung diseases. Many doctors recommend NAC to people with lung problems like bronchitis, fibrosis, or cystic. NAC is also available in an inhalable form, which helps reduce excess mucus.
3) Helps with Detoxification
NAC supplements can help detoxify your body. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties present in the supplement can prevent liver and kidney damage.
It can also prevent side effects caused by other drugs and toxins.
4) Boosts Brain Health
NAC has antioxidant that helps to regulate glutamate levels in the brain and further improve brain health.
As per research, NAC supplements can help with diseases like Alzheimer’s’ and Parkinson’s.
5) Improves Fertility in Men
The issues in males increase when the antioxidant is insufficient to fight against free radicals in the reproductive system. And Oxidative stress produced by free radicals kills or damages reproductive cells. NAC can help with male fertility by reducing stress levels, thereby improving fertility in men.
Another research study suggests that NAC supplements effectively improve overall sperm quality and help improve male infertility.
6) Help Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels
Obesity and High blood sugar levels lead to fat tissue inflammation. This can further result in type 2 diabetes and the destruction of insulin receptors. NAC help reduces the inflammation in fat tissues, which further regulates blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.
7) Helps Improve PCOS
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal condition in the reproductive years. In this condition, the syndrome can result in insulin resistance and increases in blood sugar.
Studies suggest that NAC supplements can benefit people having insulin sensitivity.
8) Reduces Preterm Birth Risk
Bacterial infections can increase the risk of preterm delivery, and inflammatory reactions by the body will further elevate the level of risk.
According to research studies, consuming 0.6 gm of NAC supplements regularly after 16 weeks of gestation can help prevent preterm birth. This is because NAC helps fight against inflammation, thus countering the risk factor of preterm delivery.
You should always consult your gynecologist before taking any supplements during your pregnancy.
9) Helps With Respiratory Issues
NAC supplements can improve COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) conditions by improving the symptoms and managing lung deterioration. It can also help decrease coughing and wheezing in people having respiratory conditions like bronchitis.
10) Improves Your Immune System
According to research, the antioxidant (glutathione) present in NAC can help improve your immune system.
11) Reduces Heart Diseases Risk
As per the research studies, NAC can help reduce the damage caused by oxidized LDL-cholesterol, thereby further reducing the risk of heart disease.
Taking supplements regularly can also improve your blood flow and reduce heart attack risk.
12) Helps with Addiction
Several studies suggest NAC can help with addictions like nicotine, gambling, alcohol disorders, nail-biting, and skin picking.
What Are the Risks of Taking NAC?
NAC is safe to consume when consumed within suggested limits. It is also provided as prescription medicine.
High consumption, i.e., more than the prescribed dose, may lead to certain side effects like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach ache, and constipation.
Other Side effects include fever, drowsiness, and runny nose.
Is NAC Good to Take Daily?
A recommended dose of 600-1200mg per day is safe to consume daily. However, you should check with your doctor before including this in your regular diet.
Bottom Line: NAC Uses and Risks
NAC is an amino acid in high-protein foods like eggs, yogurt, chicken, legumes, turkey, and sunflower seeds.
N-acetylcysteine supplements can help with both psychological and medical conditions. The antioxidant in NAC helps to reduce inflammation and prevent damage caused by free radicals.
The supplement is safe to consume, but high doses may result in side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Consult your medical specialist before including it in your regular diet.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References and Fact Checking
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- Lombardo F, Sansone A, Romanelli F, Paoli D, Gandini L, Lenzi A. The role of antioxidant therapy in the treatment of male infertility: an overview. Asian J Androl. 2011 Sep;13(5):690-7. doi: 10.1038/aja.2010.183. Epub 2011 Jun 20. PMID: 21685925; PMCID: PMC3739574.
- Mokhtari V, Afsharian P, Shahhoseini M, Kalantar SM, Moini A. A Review on Various Uses of N-Acetyl Cysteine. Cell J. 2017 Apr-Jun;19(1):11-17. doi: 10.22074/cellj.2016.4872. Epub 2016 Dec 21. PMID: 28367412; PMCID: PMC5241507.
- Hurrle S, Hsu WH. The etiology of oxidative stress in insulin resistance. Biomed J. 2017 Oct;40(5):257-262. doi: 10.1016/j.bj.2017.06.007. Epub 2017 Nov 8. PMID: 29179880; PMCID: PMC6138814.
- Shahin AY, Hassanin IM, Ismail AM, Kruessel JS, Hirchenhain J. Effect of oral N-acetyl cysteine on recurrent preterm labor following treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2009 Jan;104(1):44-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.08.026. Epub 2008 Oct 11. PMID: 18851855.
- Powell GL, Leyrer-Jackson JM, Goenaga J, Namba MD, Piña J, Spencer S, Stankeviciute N, Schwartz D, Allen NP, Del Franco AP, McClure EA, Olive MF, Gipson CD. Chronic treatment with N-acetylcysteine decreases extinction responding and reduces cue-induced nicotine-seeking. Physiol Rep. 2019 Jan;7(1):e13958. doi: 10.14814/phy2.13958. PMID: 30632301; PMCID: PMC6328917.
- N-Acetylcysteine. (2022, October 21). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/n-acetylcysteine
