What is NAC good for?
Role in mental and cognitive health
NAC also helps regulate glutamate levels, which is the brain's primary neurotransmitter. Too much glutamate or too little glutathione can have negative effects on the brain, and this is thought to contribute to substance use, and such conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder.
NAC has been taken by people who live with such conditions in studies that reported symptom and quality-of-life measures. In terms of substance abuse specifically, studies have looked at NAC and at dependency and cravings for substances such as nicotine and cannabis, for example.
Due to the way in which it replenishes our glutathione levels and keeps our glutamate levels in check, NAC is also studied in such conditions as Alzheimer's disease, with the research looking at whether it slows the progression.
Role in lung health
Aside from promoting healthy brain function, another of NAC's primary uses in medicine is as an expectorant and mucolytic agent, which in simpler terms means that it breaks down and loosens phlegm in the lungs and helps your air passages decongest themselves more efficiently.
This means that NAC offers direct relief for a large array of obstructive respiratory conditions, in addition to also reducing inflammation in the bronchial tubes and replenishing glutathione levels in the lungs.
Role in reproductive health
NAC has also been known to improve male fertility. Male infertility issues are known to increase when there is not a sufficient presence of antioxidants to handle the formation of free radicals in the reproductive system, with one such condition being varicocele, an inflammation of the veins inside the scrotum.
One study looked at 600mg of NAC daily for 3 months after surgery and at semen integrity and partner pregnancy rate, where the reported difference was around 22%, compared to the group that did not take NAC.
When should I take NAC?
NAC can be taken at any time of day, with or without a meal. Clinical studies of oral NAC often give the tablet on an empty stomach, which is a reasonable default, though a small snack is a fair trade if you find that it triggers stomach upset.
Also, taking NAC could potentially have an energizing or stimulating effect, so the useful time to take it is before breakfast or at midday, rather than in the evening, which keeps a stimulating capsule out of the hours before sleep.
What else pairs well with NAC?
Also taken with glycine
A combined supplementation of NAC with glycine has been studied against several aging markers in older adults, such as glutathione levels, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and also physical function and blood pressure levels. Definitely a combination worth considering if you are an older adult!Also taken with l-methionine, for liver health and glutathione
Between NAC and l-methionine, the pair covers antioxidants, lung health, liver health and glutathione production.What should I avoid taking NAC with?
NAC is taken for the glutathione your liver uses, and alcohol at the same time asks the liver to handle both, so the best approach is to space the NAC a few hours away from any alcoholic drink.
What are natural sources of NAC?
Technically, no food contains N-acetylcysteine, since the compound is made by attaching an acetyl group to the amino acid cysteine in a laboratory, and your body works with cysteine itself.
That cysteine comes from the protein foods you already eat: poultry, eggs, dairy and whey, legumes, oats, sunflower seeds and even garlic all supply it, and the body can build cysteine from another amino acid, methionine, when the diet runs short.
Possible side effects of NAC
Possible side effects from taking NAC supplements may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Nausea
- Sulfur burps
- Rash
If you are experiencing negative side effects from taking NAC supplements, stop taking them immediately and reach out to your trusted healthcare professional.
Drug interactions with NAC
The medicines listed below are the ones most often named in interaction reports for NAC, but it is by no means a comprehensive list:
- Blood pressure medicines
- Chemotherapy & radiotherapy
If you are taking any prescription drugs or medication, check with your trusted healthcare professional before taking NAC supplements.
Can I take NAC while pregnant or breastfeeding?
NAC supplies cysteine for glutathione, and it has been studied during pregnancy for obstetric cholestasis and as an antioxidant in small trials. The results are mixed and the numbers small, and it isn't a routine pregnancy supplement. Until more conclusive research emerges, it is advisable to avoid NAC supplementation while pregnant and obtain cysteine naturally through your diet instead.
Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional while pregnant or breastfeeding, or while attempting to conceive.
Where should I store NAC?
For optimal shelf life, it is recommended to keep NAC supplements stored in the cupboard. Always make sure the bottle or container is tightly closed, and kept away from sources of light, heat and humidity.
NAC data sources & further reading
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