N-Acetylcysteine
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a non-essential amino acid which the body converts into cysteine.
NAC is a stabilised form of cysteine for supplementation. It is easily absorbed. According to the National Library of Medicine, NAC acts as an antioxidant or scavenger of free radicals, especially oxygen radicals. (1)
The best way to get the cystine you need is by eating a healthy balanced diet. According to Kelli Cooper from Livestrong, cysteine is in a myriad of foods including meats such as pork, chicken, sausage, turkey, duck, fish and lunch meats. Cysteine is also in dairy foods including ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, yoghurt and eggs. (2)
N-Acetylcysteine may help with
- Antioxidant properties
- Respiratory support
- produce collagen
- Supports heart function during a heart attack
Benefits of N-acetyl cysteine
1) Antioxidant properties
The substance is an antioxidant, like vitamins C and E and selenium, that protects against damaging free radicals. NAC supplementation is more effective than L-cysteine supplementation at increasing glutathione levels. Glutathione is an antioxidant that is involved in detoxification. It binds to toxins such as cigarette smoke and alcohol and changes so that they leave the body in urine or bile.
2) Respiratory support
NAC may help prevent the build-up of mucus in the lungs and even help to break it down. Therefore NAC may be useful for individuals with respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma. NAC is an antioxidant and reduces the number of radicals in the bronchial tubes. (3)
Taking N-acetyl cysteine by mouth seems to reduce shortness of breath and coughing in people with air passage swelling due to mustard gas exposure. Also, taking N-acetyl cysteine by mouth for 3-6 months seems to prevent flare-ups in people with persistent air passage swelling. However, taking it for less time does not seem to be effective. (4)
3) Helps produce collagen
It is an amino acid that contains sulphur, which helps to produce collagen and promotes skin elasticity and firm texture.
4) Supports heart function during a heart attack
According to WebMD, injecting NAC intravenously and giving a particular drug (nitroglycerin) may help heart function during a heart attack. (4)
N-Acetylcysteine works well with
- Selenium – to help with respiratory conditions like asthma
- Vitamin C – for collagen support
- Vitamin E – to reduce oxidative stress.
Some things to consider
NAC may react with some heartburn and angina drugs and hinders the absorption of zinc and copper. You should always consult your doctor before taking supplements.
Resources
last accessed online 21/05/2020
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241507/
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/485221-daily-dosage-of-n-acetyl-cysteine/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12486618
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1018/n-acetyl-cysteine-nac
