N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) has been used to treat several health issues, including chronic respiratory conditions. On March 31, 2022, the FDA announced that NAC is excluded from the definition of a dietary supplement under the FD&C Act.
According to the FDA, since NAC was not widely used as a dietary supplement before its use as a drug, it is basically unlawful.
What is N-acetyl cysteine?
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a synthetic form of cysteine, a semi-essential amino acid. The body can produce it from other amino acids: methionine and serine. You may need it only when your dietary intake of methionine and serine is not enough.
NAC is found in most high-protein foods, such as chicken, turkey, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds, and legumes. The body needs an adequate amount of folate and vitamin B6 and B12 to support the production of cysteine from methionine and serine.
NAC may stimulate the synthesis of glutathione, a compound that helps fight free radicals, (unstable chemical species), which causes inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell damage.
What is NAC used for?
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is used as a prescription drug to treat:
- Acetaminophen overdose
- Chronic bronchitis
NAC is used as a supplement to prevent:
- Liver issues
- Kidney problems
- Neurologic damage (caused by some drugs)
- Colon cancer (in some people with colon polyps)
- Lung cancer
- Head and neck cancer
What are the potential health benefits of NAC?
Potential health benefits of NAC include the following:
- Helps produce antioxidants
- Helps prevent kidney and liver damage
- May improve mental health conditions and substance use disorder
- Relieves symptoms of respiratory conditions
- Boosts brain health
- May improve fertility in all genders
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Boosts immune function
- Reduces the risk of preterm birth and recurrent pregnancy loss
However, there is no reliable evidence that NAC helps with other conditions, such as:
- Infertility
- Flu
- Cystic fibrosis
- Liver diseases
- Angina
- HIV
- High cholesterol
- Eye conditions
- Psychiatric disorders, including:
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Schizophrenia
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerWhat is the recommended dose of NAC?
Depending on the condition being treated, there are standard doses for prescription uses of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC).
However, the quality and active ingredients in supplements can vary depending on the manufacturer, making it difficult to set a standard dose.
The accepted daily supplement recommendation of NAC is 600 to 1800 mg, which can be administered intravenously or taken orally as an aerosol spray or in liquid or powder form.
Can NAC be harmful?
An excessive amount of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) can cause side effects such as:
People who should avoid taking NAC include those with the following conditions:
- Asthma
- Bleeding problems
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- Undergoing any elective surgery (at least for two weeks before surgery)
NAC can also interact with certain medications, including:
- Nitroglycerin
- Blood thinners
- Some blood pressure medications
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More Health News »
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/n-acetyl-cysteine-uses-and-risks
FDA Releases Final Guidance on Enforcement Discretion for Certain NAC Products. https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-releases-final-guidance-enforcement-discretion-certain-nac-products
A Review on Various Uses of N-Acetyl Cysteine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241507/
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