NAC supplement - an underrated glutathione precursor

NAC supplement - what is it?

The dietary supplement with the mysterious name NAC is nothing more than N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, also known as acetylcysteine or N-acetylcysteine.

NAC is a derivative of L-cysteine, a sulfur amino acid that is an endogenous compound. Acetylcysteine is also a precursor to glutathione - an important antioxidant that promotes neutralization of free radicals, reduces oxidative stress and is responsible for oxidative homeostasis in cells.

Since there is no way to obtain NAC from food, the only way to get N-acetylcysteine into the body is to take dietary supplements or medications (as prescribed by your doctor) rich in this compound.

N-acetylcysteine and glutathione

To get to know N-acetylcysteine well, it is also worth finding out what glutathione actually is.

Glutathione is an extremely powerful antioxidant, a tripeptide composed of glycine, L-glutamic acid and L-cysteine. It is an endogenous compound - it occurs naturally in the body and is supplied to the body with food, including spinach and avocados.

What connects glutathione to N-acetylcysteine, as you may have guessed, is the L-cysteine molecule.

Supplementation of glutathione alone is ineffective because it must be converted to L-cysteine before it can be found in the cell. Only later can glutathione synthesis occur, but this is associated with some losses... Thus, providing the compound with the diet is unprofitable.

Low levels of glutathione make cells oxidized and damaged, and the body becomes susceptible to infections, both bacterial and viral. The risk of developing many diseases and destructive processes also increases.

Since acetylcysteine after absorption is metabolized to cysteine, supplementation with cysteine alone seems to be an alternative. However, even this is not a good solution, because cysteine is too unstable a compound to be delivered to the body in the form of a supplement.

Fortunately, a very good source of L-cysteine is N-acetylcysteine, which is used for intracellular glutathione synthesis and prevents deficiencies of this component.

NAC supplementation appears to be the best strategy for increasing glutathione availability in the human body.

NAC Supplement - effects

The NAC supplement has been known for nearly 60 years. The effects of the compound on the functioning of the body are extensive, and scientists are still discovering new mechanisms of action of the amino acid and its benefits.

Antioxidant properties

N-acetylcysteine, due to its participation in the synthesis of glutathione, is indirectly involved in fighting free radicals and slowing down the aging process of the body, protecting the system against oxidative stress.

Impact on immunity

NAC supplement supports the immune system and minimizes the risk of infections, whether bacterial, viral or fungal, and thus increases immunity of the body. N-acetylcysteine also helps fight infections already present in the body. The compound shortens the time of illness and relieves discomfort, as well as reducing the risk of complications. At the same time, the NAC supplement affects the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and supports the immune response of the body.

N-acetylcysteine and PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects as many as 5-10% of women of reproductive age. This is one of the most common hormonal abnormalities that causes menstrual disorders and contributes to problems with getting pregnant and complications during pregnancy. Studies have shown that regular intake of N-acetylcysteine can help reduce adverse conditions in PCOS and increase the possibility of pregnancy. What's more, the NAC supplement can also increase the effectiveness of ovulation-stimulating drugs.

Women with PCOS are also often accompanied by insulin resistance. Scientific data suggest that NAC supplementation can increase cellular sensitivity to insulin. Thus, N-acetylcysteine may reduce the risk of type II diabetes.

NAC supplements and respiratory diseases

The NAC supplement is a mucolytic, which is a substance that dilutes secretions and facilitates expectoration. N-acetylcysteine also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects.

In the case of the common cold, or even cystic fibrosis, it facilitates respiration thanks to free thiol groups (-SH), which show the ability to cleave disulfide bonds in mucus glycoproteins. NAC therefore alleviates the course of respiratory tract infections and facilitates functioning during their duration.

NAC and COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is manifested by coughing and shortness of breath. It is most often caused by increased exposure to tobacco smoke and other air pollutants, although it can also be genetically determined.

Due to the presence of glutathione, which is synthesized by NAC, it is possible to protect the body from the effects of harmful substances. NAC supplement contributes to increasing glutathione reserves, as well as reducing the content and activity of pro-inflammatory cells. N-acetylcysteine mitigates the effects of oxidative damage and may protect against the development of COPD.

Acetylcysteine vs Paracetamol

Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used painkillers. When consumed in excess, it exhibits potent toxic effects and can contribute to liver failure, among other things.

N-acetylcysteine prevents poisoning associated with taking excessive amounts of paracetamol. In case of drug overdose, the NAC supplement is used as a hepatoprotective substance that mitigates the toxic effects of paracetamol and takes care of the liver.

The amino acid also protects the liver from other harms such as alcohol and other stimulants.

NAC supplement in neurodegenerative diseases

NAC supplementation appears promising for slowing the progression of diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Studies show that the use of N-acetylcysteine can improve the function of dopaminergic neurons, reduce inflammatory markers and alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. The results obtained may be helpful in developing new treatments for Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease.

N-acetylcysteine in the life of athletes

NAC supplementation can reduce the negative effects of overtraining, offsetting muscle soreness, inflammation and fatigue after training. N-acetylcysteine may also increase muscle output strength.

However, more research is needed to confirm the positive effects of N-acetylcysteine on the functioning of physically active people.

Is it worth using NAC supplements?

The use of N-acetylcysteine supplementation, combined with a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity, can produce positive effects and benefit the human body.

Preparations rich in the amino acid can support the work of the immune system. There are also publications suggesting a better chance of having children in the case of PCOS, and alleviating the symptoms of COPD. In addition, preliminary results of research on the effect of the compound on performance among athletes seem promising.

NAC supplement- side effects and contraindications

N-acetylcysteine is not an essential nutrient, so the recommended intake level has not been determined.

NAC dietary supplements have been used for a long time and are considered safe, but you should always take N-acetylcysteine-rich preparations according to the manufacturer's instructions on the package or leaflet.

According to scientific studies, doses of up to 8 g of NAC per day do not cause adverse reactions. The doses used during the studies do not necessarily correspond to the real safe demand of the body for a given ingredient in long-term supplementation, which is why OstroVit NAC 200 g powder uses the recommended dose of 150 mg of the active substance in one serving. Taking larger portions of the supplement may contribute to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, diarrhea, dizziness or indigestion.

Particular care should be taken by people suffering from asthma, as NAC may exacerbate the symptoms of the disease. Also, be careful when taking N-acetylcysteine supplements if you have a coagulation disorder, peptic ulcer disease or respiratory failure. In the case of various diseases, it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting supplementation.

Sources:

Natalia Goździak

Copywriter - nutritionist. Bachelor's degree in sports dietetics She graduated from the Academy of Physical Education in Poznan, while her master's degree in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy - from the University of Physical Education in Poznan. at UP in Poznań. However, she treats the principles of healthy eating primarily as valuable guidelines, rather than strict rules that must be strictly followed. Knowledge in the field of copywriting, on the other hand, she draws from courses and industry literature, but since the best way to learn is to practice. learning is practice, she spends many hours each day playing with words and creating new, unique content. content. Privately, she is passionate about photography and can't imagine life without books.

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