NAC 101: A Quick Guide

The synthetic version of the amino acid cysteine is found in supplements called N-acetylcysteine (NAC). A non-essential (or semi-essential) amino group is cysteine. This implies that you obtain some of what we need from meals and some of it from your body.

There are numerous claims regarding the advantages of NAC supplements for situations like respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and issues with mental health. While some are supported by early research, others are not.

NAC supplements do, however, hold the peculiar distinction of having some uses that have been accepted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This page examines the NAC supplement claims, the evidence, adverse effects, warnings, what to check for when purchasing it, and the reasons why some NAC supplements have indeed been taken off shop shelves.

N-Acetylcysteine advantages

Most alleged advantages of NAC are supported by scant or no evidence. The research conducted thus far is preliminary. However, some of those results are encouraging and demand more study.

According to some research, taking NAC pills may help your body produce more glutathione.

The antioxidant glutathione is very effective. NAC forms a connection with glutamine and glycine, two more amino acids, to produce it.

In the body, glutathione performs a number of vital functions, such as:

• Controlling cellular processes
• Controlling the immune system
• Removing free radicals that harm tissues and cells

According to some medical professionals, NAC may help prevent or treat some cancers, liver conditions including cirrhosis or hepatitis, kidney problems, lupus, and more. But the evidence thus far refutes these assertions.

NAC pills shouldn’t be used as a stand-alone treatment or preventative measure for any of the aforementioned illnesses. Consult your healthcare physician before using a supplement. Using your medical history and any medications you are taking; they can assess whether it’s safe for you.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) Poisoning

NAC has FDA clearance for treating Tylenol (acetaminophen) intoxication, which is unusual for supplements that are approved for medical usage. Low dosages of acetaminophen are safe, but high amounts can be lethal due to liver toxicity and failure.

Healthcare professionals can administer NAC intravenous (IV) infusions to overdose victims to stop liver damage as well as other symptoms. (IV indicates it is injected with a needle directly into a vein.) Typically, three infusions of n acetyl cysteine supplement are administered over the period of 21 hours.

Quantity of NAC

The majority of NAC supplements come in 500 mg doses, while some go up to 1,200 mg. One to four dosages per day, totalling 500 mg to 3,000 mg per day, are the recommended dosing for the product.

NAC’s use is not standardised, nevertheless, because the FDA does not oversee dietary supplements. When deciding whether to use this (or any) supplement, proceed with caution and consult a licenced healthcare professional.

What Takes Place If I Consume Too Much?

No hazardous cases associated with oral NAC have been reported (overdose). NAC adverse effects, however, can become more common if taken in excess. Accidental IV NAC overdoses have resulted in fatalities.