N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is one of those supplements many people have heard of, but few understand. From supporting immune function to detoxification, and healthy mood to inflammation, NAC provides numerous health benefits.



N-acetylcysteine is an amino acid found in onions and eggs. Like l-theanine, it's considered a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it does not directly affect tissue growth and repair. Nonetheless, it plays a role in numerous other aspects of a healthy metabolism.



Doctors have used NAC to treat acetaminophen overdose for more than 30 years, but more recently, it's been studied as a dietary supplement to support:




sinus and respiratory health



liver detoxification



healthy inflammation levels



antioxidant capacity



normal blood sugar






Health Benefits of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)



N-acetylcysteine is used as both a nutritional supplement and medical therapy. With any medical condition, it's essential to talk with your physician before introducing any nutritional supplement. If you have any of the health concerns described below, talk with him or her to see if NAC could help.



Respiratory health and breakdown of mucus



NAC is a natural expectorant. It breaks the disulfide bonds in mucus, softening it and making it easier to cough up and eliminate. As a result, it may support the immune system in eliminating respiratory illnesses like the common cold.



Doctors also use NAC when working with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and respiratory tract infections.



Detoxification



Glutathione plays an essential role in phase II detoxification. Because N-acetylcysteine helps rebuild glutathione, it helps ensure you maintain sufficient levels for proper detoxification.



Of course, you also need to make good lifestyle choices and eat an appropriate diet to support detoxification.



N-acetylcysteine is also used to support the detoxification of heavy metals.



Healthy mood and mental wellbeing



N-acetylcysteine helps regulate glutamate, which affects mood and addictive behaviors and obsessive thoughts. When the glutamate levels rise and glutathione levels fall, it can lead to brain damage.



Animal research shows NAC supplementation may slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.



A study of more than 500 people showed that NAC supplementation improved symptoms of depression, and another study with almost 800 participants showed it reduced symptoms of bipolar disorder.



Research participants with obsessive-compulsive disorder took 2400-3000 mg per day of NAC and experienced fewer symptoms.



In another study, supplementation with NAC reduced symptoms of trichotillomania, the habit of pulling one's hair. About 1% of the adult population suffers from this addiction.



NAC may also reduce withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from alcohol and certain drugs, and according to animal research, could also reduce binge eating.



Immune function



Research shows NAC breaks down bacterial biofilms. Bacteria produce a slimy substance that allows them to stick. By breaking down the biofilm, the bacteria don't have a place to stay and multiply.



In a six-month study, 262 people took either a placebo or 600 mg of NAC twice daily. Those who took the NAC experienced fewer flu episodes, less severe cases when they got it, and fewer days in bed when they got sick.



In a paper published in Future Microbiology, Jorge-Aarón and Rosa-Ester recommend a daily dose of 600 mg of N-acetylcysteine to reduce the risk of COVID-19.



N-acetylcysteine may also support the immune system's T-cell response.



Digestive health



N-acetylcysteine supports a healthy digestive system through its effect on inflammation.



Researchers tested the effect of orally consumed NAC on animals and found that it supported normal intestinal inflammatory levels while enhancing the gut's healing and reducing intestinal permeability.