NAC (N-acetylcysteine) - what it is, effects, when to take it, opinions

NAC is such a murderer, plasterer, acrobat in the body. It is involved in many processes that take place in your body - including producing other important compounds, protecting organs, boosting immunity and being useful in the treatment of several ailments.

I have reviewed the scientific research about NAC and, together with Ilona Krzak, MSc pharmacist, I will suggest which properties of this talented amino acid you can benefit from.

See also:

• NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide)
• Alpha-lipoic acid
• BCAA
• What are antioxidants
• What is oxidative stress

What is NAC?

NAC (N-acetylcysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine) is an amino acid, a derivative of L-cysteine, which primarily has an important function in the production of antioxidantsand. NAC is considered a conditionally essential amino acid because the body can produce it from other compounds. It is only essential if dietary methionine and serine intake is lowand.

NAC does a lot of good for health, including affecting liver function, detoxification, improving brain function. It is used to support the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance and serves as an antidote to paracetamol overdoseand.

There are no dietary sources containing NAC (not counting foods for special medical purposes). For this reason, the amino acid is often supplied as a dietary supplement or medication.

After ingestion, NAC is absorbed and metabolised to form cysteine in the liver. It is then converted to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant used by the body in, among other things, detoxification processes, i.e. removing harmful substancesand.

What is the effect of NAC?

If NAC were to receive an award for special merit, it would be for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities .

It has an antioxidant effect because it increases glutathione levels in the body. All this, indirectly, inhibits the pro-inflammatory factor NF-kB .

Ufff... So what does this NAC do? It fights free radicals and inflammation.

You'll read more about how it affects many of your body's processes later in this article, but you can already consider NAC your favourite amino acid (because everyone has a favourite amino acid... or is it just me?)

NAC's properties.

NAC - properties

N-acetylcysteine is increasingly well understood. Many studies have been produced with humans and animals that find great potential for health in this amino acid.

How does NAC affect your body?

Participates in the synthesis of glutathione

To paraphrase a classic: Behind every powerful antioxidant is an even more powerful compound. This perfectly defines NAC's role in producing a powerful antioxidant -glutathioneand.

Research suggests that antioxidant intake may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseaseand.

So if you are interested in glutathione, you might also want to consider NAC?

Promotes detoxification of the body

NAC plays an important role in the body's detoxification process. Detoxification involves the removal of toxins, chemicals and other compounds harmful to health that can build up in the bodyand.

Remember that your body does the detoxification process on its own. It doesn't need weird diets, restrictions or cleanses - don't let it tell you that you need any kind of detox.

Well, unless you're overdoing it with the antipyretics... The pharmacist magister explains:

Improves liver health

NAC has therapeutic uses in liver disease due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory propertiesand.

A review of 2023 studies suggests that NAC supplementation improves the survival of patients with acute liver failure liver failure both post-transplant and non-transplant, while reducing their length of hospital stayand.

In a 2021 scientific study, NAC showed potential in improving liver function in cases of liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption .

"N-acetylcysteine antidote" is considered an antidote in cases of paracetamol overdose because it increases the availability of cysteine in the body, which is essential for the production of glutathione, a natural antioxidant found in liver cells .

Supports the treatment of PCOS

Scientific studies suggest that NAC supplementation in women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)and:

• reduces oxidative stress and calcium uptake in neutrophils,
.
• improves oocyte maturation, embryo quality and reduces the number of immature oocytes,
.
• lowers testosterone concentrations and improves insulin resistance,
.

"Sometimes doctors recommend taking NAC to dilute cervical mucus, which improves the quality of the mucus and increases the chances of pregnancy," adds MA Pharmacy

Positive effects on fertility

Some studies suggest that supplementation with this amino acid may have a positive effect on male and female fertilityand.

In a 2019 study involving 50 infertile men, oral NAC supplementation significantly improved semen quality in these men: sperm count, motility and morphology. The men took 600 mg of NAC daily for 3 monthsand.

The 2023 meta-analysis suggests that NAC supplementation may be an effective ovulation booster for PCOS-related female infertility and that of unclear cause .

I asked Dr Arthur Drobniak, M.D., for his opinion:

Clomiphene is a drug used in women to treat infertility caused by lack of ovulation. A 2007 scientific study suggests that taking this drug in combination with 1200 mg of NAC from day 3 to day 7 of the menstrual cycle increases ovulation rates from 17.9% to 52.1% and pregnancy rates by 11.5%and.

See also:

• Hashimoto's
.
• Hypothyroidism
.
• Hypothyroidism

Promotes mental health

NAC supplementation may reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for people with bipolar affective disorder (ChAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression and trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling)and.

NAC, in combination with psychotherapy and medications used in psychiatry, can be a helpful adjunct to the treatment of psychiatric illnesses and disorders.

Supports the treatment of addiction

NAC has been used in clinical trials for addictions to marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine and even gambling, among othersand. They suggest that supplementation may be helpful in recovering from addictionsand.

A review of 2017 studies suggests that NAC, compared to placebo, significantly reduces craving symptoms in addicts .

This effect can be explained by the fact that this amino acid helps to regulate levels of glutamate - the most important neurotransmitter in the brain. An abnormal amount of it can cause, among other things, mental health disorders or addictionsand.

Alleviates symptoms of respiratory diseases

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experience long-term oxidative damage and inflammation of lung tissue, which causes airway narrowing and leads to dyspnoea and coughand. N-acetylcysteine acts as an expectorant and reduces inflammation in the bronchi and lung tissueand.

NAC is also helpful for people with chronic bronchitis. By diluting bronchial mucus and increasing glutathione levels, the amino acid may help reduce the severity and frequency of wheezing and coughing .

NAC may support the treatment of other respiratory ailments, such asand:

• mucoviscidosis,
.
• bronchial asthma,
.
• pulmonary fibrosis,
.

Protects the heart

NAC may reduce oxidative damage to the heart, which in turn may minimise the risk of cardiovascular diseaseand.

This damage is the result of the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on heart cells. ROS are a natural by-product of cellular metabolism, but in excess they can harm cells and tissues.

Oxidative damage to the heart leads to heart disease, causing stroke or heart attack, among other things. NAC supplementation may reduce the risk of these diseases by reducing oxidative damageand.

A 2021 research review suggests that N-acetylcysteine may protect heart function and health in patients with diabetes and those after certain heart surgeries .

Promotes immunity

N-acetylcysteine as the best wing glutathione supports its properties to stimulate the immune systemand.

Research into certain diseases associated with NAC and glutathione deficiency suggests that NAC supplementation may improve and potentially restore normal immune system function .

Stabilises blood sugar levels

Animal studies suggest that NAC supplementation may stabilise blood sugar concentrations by reducing inflammation in fat cells and improving insulin resistance .

When insulin receptors are intact and healthy, they properly remove sugar from the blood, keeping sugar concentrations within normal limitsand.

Improves brain function

NAC replenishes glutathione (a powerful antioxidant) and regulates glutamate (an important neurotransmitter) levels in the brain, so it is helpful in improving cognitive function - memory, concentration, thinkingand.

The beneficial effects on brain function are particularly important in the context of the neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Brain function.

Alzheimer's disease slows down the ability to learn and remember, leads to communication problems and confusion for the patientand. A 2016 study in mice suggests that NAC supplementation can slow the loss of the ability to think effectively .

Parkinson's disease is characterised by damage to cells that produce dopamine - a neurotransmitter that influences mood, motivation and motor coordination, among other things. Oxidative damage to cells contributes to the development of this diseaseand.

Animal studies suggest that NAC increases glutathione levels in the brain and reduces oxidative damage. However, more human studies are needed to confirm the potential of NAC in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseasesand.

Promotes kidney health

NAC has shown great potential in supporting kidney function, particularly in patients with kidney disease.

NAC has shown great potential in supporting kidney function, particularly in patients with kidney disease.

A review of 19 scientific studies from 2021 suggests that taking NAC potentiallyand:

• prevents decreased renal function in patients with paracetamol intoxication and liver failure,
.
• reduces endothelial dysfunction caused by uremic toxins,
.
• mitigates oxidative damage and cell death in liver and kidney tissues,
.
• reduces levels of homocysteine, which in excess adversely affects health .
.

NAC and sports performance

You want to "go faster, higher, stronger", so you are thinking about additional support for sports performance. Knowledge about the effects of NAC supplementation on athletes is limited and inconclusive. On the one hand, some studies suggest potential benefits in improving physical performance and antioxidant capacityand. On the other hand, others indicate that NAC supplementation may impair training adaptationsand.

If you are interested in improving athletic performance, increasing strength or reducing recovery time, bet for now on well-researched compounds such as creatine.

N-acetylcysteine vs COVID-19

NAC has been investigated for its potential role in the prevention and adjunctive treatment of COVID-19. A 2020 study suggests that this amino acid may have a beneficial effect on coronavirus patients by counteracting oxidative stress imbalancesand.

A 2021 clinical study involving 92 patients with COVID-19 showed that taking NAC can reduce acute respiratory distress syndrome severity and mortality .

Further research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and optimal use of NAC in the context of COVID-19 treatment, but work to date looks promising.

NAC - which supplement to choose?

There are various forms of NAC supplements to choose from - tablets, capsules and powder. N-acetylcysteine will always be present in free form in these, so pay attention to the overall formulation - avoid unnecessary colours, flavours and sweeteners.

N-acetylcysteine versus L-cysteine

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a form of the amino acid L-cysteine.

Taking L-cysteine reduces the body's rate of glutathione production, so it is better not to interfere with this process and take NAC. It is less toxic and better soluble than L-cysteine alone.

NAC - dosage

The dosage of NAC depends on the therapeutic target. Typically, doctors recommend doses from 600 to 1800 mg per day. NAC supplementation helps to replenish its deficiencies and increase cysteine levels in the body.

Preparations with this amino acid, however, have low bioavailability, meaning that they are not well absorbed by the body. It is worth taking them with a meal rich in vitamin C (e.g. citrus for breakfast or sauerkraut for lunch). Oral N-acetylcysteine is safe and well tolerated with no significant side effectsand.

Can you overdose on NAC?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on NAC if you exceed the manufacturer's recommended daily portions (usually more than 1800 mg/day). Symptoms of overdose include gastrointestinal and respiratory complaints, headaches and fatigueand. Remember, it is the quality, not the quantity of supplementation that counts.

How long can you take NAC?

How long you can supplement with NAC depends on your context and individual needs. N-acetylcysteine is generally considered safe for short-term use, with periods of supplementation ranging from some weeks to some monthsand have been used in clinical trials.

For specific health problems such as paracetamol overdose or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, NAC can be given for several days as acute treatment or maintenance therapy. For conditions such as psychiatric disorders or PCOS, NAC supplementation can be used for longer periods of time as a complementary therapy.

When to take NAC - morning or evening?

It does not matter whether you take NAC in the morning or in the evening. For ease of supplementation and regularity, it is advisable to take n-acetylcysteine with a large meal (e.g. lunch) rich in vitamin C, which may aid its absorption.

There is no conclusive scientific evidence that NAC negatively affects the quality of sleep, but taking it just before bed is not recommended.

After what time does NAC take effect?

How long it takes for NAC to take effect depends on the patient's condition, the ailment and the dose taken. It may act within a few hours to help treat an overdose, but for other conditions e.g. to support the onset of ovulation it may take few weeks to several monthsand.

Contraindications

Pregnancy and lactation, use of antibiotics and cough suppressants, respiratory diseases (e.g. asthma), gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. gastric or duodenal ulcers), and in individuals with limited ability to expectorate secretions .

Consult your doctor before starting N-acetylcysteine supplementation.

Side effects

Exceeding the recommended daily dose of NAC may cause the following side effectsand:

• nausea,
.
• vomiting,
.
• insomnia,
.
• fatigue,
.
• headache,
.
• dry mouth,
• diarrhoea,
• diarrhoea.
• diarrhoea,
.
• constipation,
.

Side effects usually pass after discontinuation of NAC preparations.

NAC - expert opinions. Is it worth it?

See also:

• Oxidative stress
• Antioxidants
• Liver
• Fatty liver
• WPI protein isolate
.

Summary