NAC supplement - properties, action, use

Glutathione – what is it and what is it important for the body?

To understand the potential of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, it is worth first to look at a substance known as glutathione, whose action is closely related to the properties of acetylcysteine, which is due to the fact that both NAC and glutathione contain the L-cysteine molecule.

Glutathione is an organic chemical compound with antioxidant properties, which is recognized as a powerful antioxidant, found in all cells of the human body. It is a tripeptide, built of glycine, L-glutamic acid and L-cysteine, which is a substance of endogenous nature. It is a compound found in plant-based foods as well as in animal foods that can also be naturally synthesized in the human body.

NAC a glutathione – how does NAC support glutathione levels?

Studies conducted so far indicate that the level of glutathione in the human body decreases with age, and the reduction of the concentration of substances in the body may also be affected by chronic stress, improper diet or environmental pollution, which may contribute, among others, to increasing the risk of certain diseases and intensifying destructive processes.

Because supplementation with glutathione is not effective, as is the supply of L-cysteine, the best solution that can positively affect the concentration of antioxidant in the human body seems to be the use of preparations such as NAC supplement, which can promote intracellular synthesis of glutathione, while preventing deficiencies of a valuable compound.

NAC – what is it and how does it work?

NAC, also known as N-acetylcysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine or acetylcysteine, is an organic chemical compound classified as an amino acid, which is a precursor of glutathione and a derivative of L-cysteine, being a sulphuric amino acid recognized as an endogenous substance.

Acetylcysteine is a component with a wide spectrum of action that can be produced in the human body from other compounds, but the synthesis of the substance can be ineffective when there are deficiencies of methionine or serine in the system. Since N-acetylcysteine is not a component present in food products, in order to deliver the compound to the body from the outside, it is necessary to reach for drugs or dietary supplements containing the desired substance.

NAC – properties and health benefits

NAC N-acetylcysteine is a compound with versatile properties that is still of interest to scientists, which means that new mechanisms of action of the amino acid are constantly being discovered, which can have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the human body.

What does NAC help with? The most important purposes

Because NAC is a precursor to glutathione, the ingredient enjoys particular recognition as a substance with antioxidant potential that can reduce oxidative stress, while neutralizing reactive oxygen species and contributing to the fight against free radicals. As if that were not enough, N-acetylcysteine can have an anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory factors, and can also have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the immune system, minimizing the risk of infection and supporting the immune response of the body.

Scientific research suggests that NAC can positively affect female fertility, supporting ovulation, as well as male reproduction, contributing to the improvement of sperm quality. Moreover, the analyses indicate that N-acetyl-L-cysteine may be helpful among women struggling with the PCOS polycystic ovary syndrome - the data obtained so far inform, that taking a NAC supplement regularly can relieve the adverse symptoms of the affliction, increasing the chance of getting pregnant. The beneficial effect of the compound on PCOS may be related to the improvement of oocyte maturation and reduction of testosterone in the group of women struggling with the disease, and also with the beneficial effect of the amino acid on insulin resistance and reduction of oxidative stress.

The effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on the respiratory system is also very popular among scientists and consumers. Scientific research suggests that NAC can be used as a mucolytic, a substance that thins the secretion and facilitates expectoration. Thus, the ingredient can contribute to the reduction of inflammation in the bronchi, and can also alleviate respiratory tract infections and facilitate the functioning of the body during their duration.

NAC - action. Other properties of acetylcysteine

N-acetyl-L-cysteine is an amino acid with a wide spectrum of action. In addition to the above-mentioned properties, the compound can also:

support the work of the heart, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels, improving insulin resistance;
support detoxification processes occurring in the body;
support liver function;
support mental health, alleviate the symptoms of mental illness and have a positive impact on the quality of life of patients struggling with mental disorders;
improve brain function, among others, by regulating glutamate levels;
support the work of the kidneys;
exhibit neuroprotective properties;
relieve symptoms of acute respiratory failure.

Preliminary data also suggest that acetylcysteine may have a positive effect on the bodies of physically active people. Available research indicates that NAC supplementation may reduce the negative effects of overtraining, eliminating muscle pain, inflammation and fatigue after training, and additionally N-acetylcysteine may affect the increase of muscle strength. Due to the limited scope of analysis, further research is still needed to confirm the positive effect of N-acetylcysteine on the functioning of athletes.

NAC in pregnancy – is it safe for future mums?

N-acetyl-L-cysteine may be helpful among women struggling with PCOS, who have difficulty getting pregnant, positively affecting reproduction among women. At the same time, it is not recommended to use dietary supplements containing NAC during pregnancy.

The analyses carried out so far indicate that acetylcysteine may cross the placenta, but there is still no data on the effect of the compound on the developing fetus. Due to the insufficient number of analyzes carried out among women expecting a child, pregnancy, as well as the period of breastfeeding, are contraindications to taking the NAC dietary supplement.

The woman takes NAC pills to support detoxification processes.

NAC – use and practical tips

Due to a number of beneficial properties, the use of NAC in the form of a dietary supplement seems to be a good solution that can contribute to achieving the desired results. To observe the intended effects, it is worth knowing how to use preparations containing N-acetyl-L-cysteine and what form of the ingredient is best to choose. NAC powder or NAC tablets - which form of supplementation is the best? NAC dosage - what portions of acetylcysteine should be used?

NAC - when to take and how to take?

Scientific studies conducted so far do not determine the recommended time of taking preparations containing N-acetylcysteine, which is why the NAC supplement can be used both in the morning and in the evening, and the time of delivery of substances to the body should be adjusted individually to the rhythm of the day and the needs of the body.

The recommended portion of the product depends on the purpose of using acetylcysteine, as well as on the needs of the human body. Some data indicate that the daily supply of the substance should be 600-1800 mg of N-acetyl-L-cysteine per day, but can also be found information indicating that the consumption of the compound at the level of 150 mg/the day is sufficient to achieve the expected results.

Reaching for supplements with acetylcysteine, it is worth remembering about proper hydration of the body. It may also be a good idea to take NAC with a meal rich in vitamin C, which may have a beneficial effect on the absorption of substances in the human body.

NAC - how long to use to see the effects?

On the market can be found NAC powder, as well as an amino acid in the form of tablets, and the selection of the right form of supplementation should be tailored to the preferences of the consumer.

The time of NAC supplementation is a matter depending on the needs of the body, the purpose of using acetylcysteine, as well as the recommendation of a doctor. It is widely recognized that the safest for the human body is short-term intake of N-acetylcysteine, which can be a beneficial solution, among others in the case of paracetamol poisoning, as a support for detoxification of the body. In the case of women struggling with PCOS or among consumers who want to strengthen the immune system, long-term supplementation may be necessary, which should be consulted with a specialist.

NAC supplement – side effects and safety of use

N-acetyl-L-cysteine is a well-studied substance that is considered a safe amino acid. It is an ingredient that can positively affect the functioning of the human body, but it is worth remembering that the right supply of the compound is crucial - excessive intake of acetylcysteine can cause the occurrence of undesirable symptoms, such as vomiting, nausea, headaches, as well as a feeling of dry mouth, drowsiness or dizziness. Although side effects associated with the supply of too much NAC usually pass after discontinuation of the preparation, it is worth using a dietary supplement with an amino acid reasonably, not exceeding the recommended portion for consumption during the day.

For the safety of using NAC, people struggling with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, as well as consumers suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, including stomach and duodenal ulcers should not reach for preparations containing N-acetylcysteine without consulting a doctor. The supply of N-acetylcysteine may not be indicated also among people taking nitroglycerin, among pregnant and lactating women, as well as among people using antibiotic therapy.

NAC supplement - summary

N-acetylcysteine is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, which has a high antioxidant potential. It is a substance with multidirectional action that can support the body's immunity, while reducing the risk of liver damage. It is a compound supporting the nervous system, respiratory and cardiovascular system, which can also have a positive effect on mental health.

NAC can be delivered to the body in the form of dietary supplements, but do not exceed the recommended portion of the product, recommended by the manufacturer or specialist, so as not to lead to the occurrence of undesirable side effects. It is usually recommended that acetylcysteine preparations should be used with meals rich in vitamin C, and the time of taking the compound and the duration of supplementation should be adjusted to the individual needs of the body or the doctor's recommendations.

Bibliography:

Natalia Goździak

Master of dietetics, specialist in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy

Copywriter - dietitian. She completed her bachelor's degree in sports dietetics at the Academy of Physical Education in Poznań, while her master's degree in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy - at the UP in Poznań. She treats the principles of healthy eating primarily as valuable tips, not rigorous regulations, that must be strictly followed. Privately, she is passionate about photography, which cannot imagine life without books.

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