NAC Supplement: Benefits & Risks

NAC Supplement: Benefits & Risks

What is N-acetylcysteine (NAC)?

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement version of the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid. We derive cysteine from the food we eat or through supplement. NAC has multiple health benefits and use but it came with few risks associated with certain health conditions. 

FDA has allowed the usage of NAC to treat acetaminophen (paracetamol) toxicity. They would provide this in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician. It is also available over the counter as a supplement. But, recently USFDA has asked all the supplement manufacturers to stop selling NAC as an OTC product in USA. 

Benefits of NAC Supplement:

1. NAC helps your body detoxify and protects your kidneys and liver from damage:

It may aid in the prevention of pharmacological and environmental toxicity-related adverse effects. Indeed, clinicians often provide intravenous NAC to patient with paracetamol overdose. NAC protects kidney and liver damage from paracetamol overuse. 

NAC helps to treat various liver illnesses because of its anti-inflammatory properties. [Study]

2. Assists in the relief of respiratory symptoms:

NAC acts as an antioxidant and expectorant. It helps to remove mucus from the respiratory tract. NAC, an antioxidant, reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes and lung tissue. COPD causes the airways to tighten, resulting in shortness of breath and coughing. NAC eases symptoms, exacerbations, and lung damage associated with COPD.

According to studies, NAC 600 mg twice a day improved lung function and symptoms in COPD patients. NAC may also benefit patients who suffer from chronic bronchitis. Bronchial mucous membrane infection results in inflammation and blockage of the lungs’ airways.

NAC helps reduce wheezing, coughing, and respiratory episodes. It decreases mucus in the bronchial tubes and increasing glutathione levels. NAC may help ease nasal and sinus congestion caused by allergies or infections. [Study]

3. Enhances brain health via glutamate regulation and glutathione replenishment:

NAC’s capacity to replace glutathione and control glutamate levels in the brain may contribute to brain health. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter involved in various learning, behaviour, and memory functions. Glutathione prevents brain cell oxidative damage associated with ageing.

NAC may benefit those with brain and memory-related health conditions. Because it helps regulate glutamate levels and replenish glutathione. The neurological condition, Alzheimer’s, impairs one’s ability to learn and remember. Animal studies show NAC may help prevent the decline in cognitive abilities associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease leads to degeneration of cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. Both oxidative stress on cells and a decline in antioxidant capacity contribute to the development of this illness.

NAC seems to increase dopamine function and illness symptoms, such as tremors. [Study]

4. May increase male and female fertility

Infertility bothers about 15% of couples attempting to conceive. Male infertility is the primary issue in over half of these instances. Many male infertility problems become more prevalent because of inadequate antioxidant levels. Antioxidants combat free radical production in the reproductive system. High free radical production can cause cell death and decreased fertility.

NAC has shown results to increase male fertility. Varicocele is one condition that leads to male infertility. It occurs when the veins in the scrotum widen due to free radical damage. The primary therapy is surgery.

Thirty-five males with varicocele were given 600 mg of NAC daily for three months after surgery in one trial. The combination of both the surgery and NAC enhanced semen integrity and partner pregnancy rate by 22%.

Supplementing with 600 mg of NAC and 200 mcg of selenium for 26 weeks increased the quality of sperm in 468 males with infertility. [Study] 

NAC may increase fertility in women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It helps to start & increase ovulation.

5. Helps maintains blood sugar by reducing inflammation & insulin resistance

Hyperglycemia and obesity can lead to inflammation in adipose tissue. This may cause the deterioration or loss of insulin receptors, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In studies, NAC helps regulate blood sugar by reducing inflammation & lowering insulin resistance. When insulin receptors are functional and healthy, the body can mobilise sugar optimally. [Study]

It also helps to improve insulin sensitivity in females suffering from PCOD. [Study]

6. Reduces the risk of heart illness by reducing oxidative damage

Oxidative damage is a major reason leading to heart disease. Damage to heart muscles results in strokes & heart attacks . NAC may help lower your risk of heart disease by reducing oxidative damage to the heart’s tissues. NAC boosts nitric oxide synthesis, leading to vasodilation and blood flow improvement. This speeds up the return of blood to the heart and may help reduce your risk of a heart attack. [Study]

Interestingly, in a test-tube trial, NAC protects against damage caused by oxidized LDL (bad cholesterol). Further investigation is required. Higher levels of oxidised LDL is another major risk factor that causes heart disease. [Study]

How to get N-Acetyl Cysteine from diet/food?

NAC is a synthetic supplement form of L-cysteine amino acid. Cysteine is a sulphur rich amino acid. Our body requires cysteine to make glutathione along with other nutrients. It also plays an important role in detoxification process. We get cysteine from high-protein foods, meats, garlic and eggs. One can only consume NAC in a supplement form. NAC is not present in any food. 

Risks of using NAC supplement?

There are some side effects of NAC usage. 

• Stomach aches and pains
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Rashes on the skin

If you have asthma or blood issues, your doctor may tell you to avoid NAC supplements. The doctor will notify you to stop taking NAC two weeks before an elective operation.

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid using NAC supplement. Please consult your doctor before using it.

Conclusion:

When used as a supplement or in treating various ailments, N-acetylcysteine seems to be well-tolerated. It has very few side effects reported in clinical studies. One should exercise caution when using in lung cancer patients.

NAC is beneficial in treatment of respiratory, psychiatric, neurological, metabolic, and viral illnesses. NAC successfully treats various reproductive conditions and certain types of cancer. They also used it as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of the vast majority of illnesses. It has great potential to improve quality of life, morbidity, and mortality.

Aside from that, there is significance use of NAC in removing toxins from the body, providing DNA protection.

Oral dosage for NAC supplement ranges from 500 to 1500 mg per day for various health conditions. The maximum dose to treat various chronic conditions with no side effects reaches up to 2000 mg/day under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.