Cysteine is an amino acid that is considered semi-essential. According to Amy Goodson from Healthline, it’s considered semi-essential because your body can produce it from other amino acids, namely methionine, and serine. It only becomes necessary when the dietary intake of methionine and serine is inadequate. Most protein-rich foods contain cysteine, including chicken, turkey, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds, and legumes. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a cysteine supplement. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of cysteine and has been available for several decades according to Rachel Nall of Medical News Today. It is used for a variety of purposes, including the treatment of medical issues ranging from psychological disorders to chronic lung conditions, as well as to improve athletic performance.
NAC is primarily valued for its antioxidant-producing properties. NAC, along with two other amino acids, glutamine, and glycine, is needed for glutathione production and replenishment. Glutathione is an important antioxidant in your body, which are compounds that help neutralize free radicals, which can harm cells and tissues. It is necessary for immune health and the prevention of cellular damage. Some researchers believe it may even contribute to longevity according to a 2014 study by Roberta Cascella and colleagues. Keep in mind that these findings are based on animal studies and that more research is required. According to Amy Goodson, NAC is essential in the detoxification process of your body. It can aid in the prevention of drug and environmental toxicity side effects. In fact, doctors regularly give intravenous NAC to people with an acetaminophen overdose to prevent or reduce kidney and liver damage. NAC has applications for other liver diseases due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Some doctors recommend NAC for people who have chronic lung conditions like bronchitis or cystic fibrosis. It is available in an inhalable form that may help reduce excess mucus. However, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, clinical trials of NAC as a treatment for lung disease have yielded mixed results. According to the authors of a 2017 review, taking NAC may benefit people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This syndrome can lead to insulin resistance and increases in blood sugar. The researchers reported evidence that NAC may help reduce high blood sugar in people with PCOS. However, high-quality research has not directly investigated this.
A typical NAC dose is 600-1,200 mg per day. However, Rachel Nall suggests that people should discuss the use of NAC and precise dosage with a physician. At least one clinical trial investigated whether NAC could help children with OCD. Nonetheless, current recommendations state that children under the age of 12 should not take NAC. The body can convert NAC to l-cysteine. People can also get l-cysteine from protein-containing foods. Salmon, meat such as chicken, and dairy products such as cheese, eggs, and nuts are all high in protein.
According to Rachel Nall, the most common side effects of NAC supplementation are diarrhea, eye irritation, fatigue, nausea, skin rash, and vomiting. More severe side effects, such as low blood pressure, asthma attacks, and unexplained headaches, have been reported very rarely. People who take nitroglycerin in the form of pills, patches, or creams should avoid taking NAC because the combination could result in extremely low blood pressure and headaches.
NAC plays several important roles in human health. It is well known for its ability to replenish glutathione levels, but it also regulates the important neurotransmitter glutamate. Additionally, NAC helps your body’s detoxification system. Because of these properties, NAC supplements are a viable treatment option for a variety of health conditions. It is always best to consult your doctor to determine whether NAC is beneficial to your health.
ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
1. Top 9 Benefits of NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
By Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD — Medically reviewed by Sade Meeks, MS, RD, Nutrition — Updated on February 11, 2022
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nac-benefits
2. What are the benefits of NAC (N-acetylcysteine)?
Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN, Nutrition — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Updated on January 2, 2022
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327219#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
3. S-linolenoyl glutathione intake extends life-span and stress resistance via Sir-2.1 upregulation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Roberta Cascella, Elisa Evangelisti, Mariagioia Zampagni, Matteo Becatti, Giampiero D'Adamio, Andrea Goti, Gianfranco Liguri, Claudia Fiorillo, Cristina Cecchi
