NAC Health Benefits

  • NAC For Brain Health

  • NAC For Digestion & Detox (Heavy Metals, Pollutants, Meds, Alcohol & More)

  • NAC For Infections, Inflammation and Immune System Health

  • NAC For Heart, Metabolic Syndrome and Other Health Concerns 

  • NAC Has Anti -Aging Effects, May Increase Lifespan

  • Dosage, Interactions, Safety

 

NAC is the N-acetyl derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid, L-cysteine.  It is found in every cell of the body.  NAC is an antioxidant on its own; but more important, it is a  precursor of glutathione-one of the most potent molecule in fighting free radicals and inflammation, while detoxifying the liver and the entire body.  NAC is FDA approved as an antidote to Tylenol overdose and for certain lung conditions. It had been researched for many other conditions in the last several decades, as well. It has an excellent safety profile, is available over the counter and inexpensive, too.

  1. NAC For Brain Health

 

NAC helps reduce oxidative stress therefore fighting brain degeneration and inflammation. It also reduces mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal levels of dopamine and glutamate. It  promotes neurogenesis (the formation of new brain cells), while decrease apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the brain. Simply put, NAC repairs and regenerates the brain cells [1]. NAC had been extensively studied for brain health, showing positive results in traumatic brain injuries, autism, major depression [2] and bipolar depression, Alzheimer’s disease, cocaine and cannabis addiction, trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder), nail-biting, skin picking, OCD, schizophrenia, drug-induced neuropathy, epilepsy,  anxiety, ADHD as well as Alzheimer’s [3] and Parkinson’s disease [4].

By now, it should not be a surprise that NAC can be also very helpful to manage MS, and should be on the list of supplements for multiple sclerosis. NAC was safe and well tolerated when combined with Copaxone, according to a Canadian study (the dosage : NAC 2.5 g orally twice daily) [5]. Another study conducted in animal models of MS used the combination of NAC with Tecfidera [6].  Russian scientists found that antioxidant supplements can significantly decrease (2-3 times decrease) the frequency of relapses in RRMS and also decreased the need of corticosteroid use. The supplements used were alpha lipoic acid alone or  a combination of  NAC, oc-lipoic acid, Vitamins A (beta carotene) and B3, E, C selenium, Cerebrolysin, and the drugs  Amantadine and Pentoxifylline [7].

Glutathione is involved in the formation of myelin [8], but unfortunately MS is associated with glutathione deficit [9], [10].  Luckily, NAC can replenish brain glutathione [11] (quick note: vitamin C, lipoic acid are also useful supplements for multiple sclerosis, as they can increase the levels of glutathione)

MS is often associated with depression, thus it’s worth looking into the antidepressant qualities of NAC. NAC was consistently found beneficial for depressive symptoms and bipolar depression  in randomized studies. It works alone [12], [13], [14] or in combination with antidepressants [15]. NAC can also help with neuropathic pain (tingling and numbness)[15].

2. NAC For Digestion & Detox (Pollutants, Heavy Metals, Microbes, Meds, Alcohol & More)

Gut health is crucial for reversing MS. There is now so called “MS gut microbiome” as studies show that the gut microbiome is abnormal in MS [17]. When gut microbes from people with MS were transplanted to a transgenic mouse model, the animals developed changes consistent with MS [18].  

Note: MS is associated with an increased gut bacteria from taxa Akkermansia taxa. I mention this because several natural compounds target these bacteria, will write about this in future articles.

These changes in gut flora promote increased intestinal permeability (also known as leaky gut), brain inflammation and autoimmunity. NAC improves intestinal permeability [19],[20].

Another way NAC promotes digestive health is by its ability to improve liver function. It was found beneficial for fatty liver disease [21], hepatitis caused by alcohol, medications, and even liver cancer [22]. It also helps detoxify your body from alcohol, being considered one of the top remedies for hangover. NAC can help manage addictions, particularly cocaine and cannabis addictions [23].

Heavy metal detox and environmental pollutants

I’m sure you are aware that there is a lot of evidence linking MS with heavy metals and environmental pollution. Chelating agents are capable of binding to toxic metals and to form complex structures which are easily eliminated from the body. NAC has shown the ability to chelate mercury, copper, arsenicum and other heavy metals, working best in combination with vitamin C and E [24],[25],[26]. NAC can also neutralize pollutants like dioxins and PCBs [27],[28], as well as mold and mycotoxins [29].

3. NAC For  Infections, Inflammation and Immune System Health

Infections (especially Epstein Barr infection) are known to be a possible cause of MS, and also a source of aggravation and relapses. NAC could be helpful again. NAC supplementation may ameliorate inflammation associated with Epstein Barr virus. A randomized double-blind study found NAC supplements effective against influenza viruses [30] and may also help treat HIV [31]. NAC has also antibacterial effects, showing significant benefits for treating h pylori when combined with PPIs and antibiotics in a randomized controlled trial [32].  

NAC is a strong anti inflammatory compound. It works by modulating the expression of the genes involved in inflammation -like NF-kappa B, pro inflammatory cytokines and COX-2, thus can help decrease or reverse many inflammatory conditions and may decrease pain [33].

NAC generates glutathione, which is essential in the optimal function of the B and T cells.

4. NAC For Heart Health,  Metabolic Syndrome and Other Health Concerns

NAC reduces the levels of homocysteine [34] and the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thus preventing heart conditions. It promotes faster recovery after a heart attack [35] and helps improve chest pain associated with angina when added to nitroglycerin [36]. It can also improve insulin resistance and hypoglycemia [37]. NAC appears to work better than the anti-diabetes drug metformin, at least in cases of PCOS [38].

Other conditions that respond favorably to NAC supplementation include: PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), infertility,  prevention of miscarriages and premature birth, kidney diseases requiring hemodialysis. Because it’s mucolytic effect (the ability to break down the mucus), NAC was found effective in managing asthma, COPD and chronic bronchitis [40]. Several studies, including randomized placebo controlled studies found NAC beneficial for boosting athletic performance and reduce muscle fatigue [41],[42]. 

5. NAC Has Anti -Aging Effects, May Increase Lifespan

A couple of decades ago, researchers found that NAC increases the lifespan of Drosophila flies. More recently, a 2017 study (Life Extension and Insilico Medicine) labeled  NAC as being a geroprotector- a compound that is capable of preventing and reversing aging at a deep, cellular level. It offers geroprotection, which means it prevents the cells from entering an aged, senescent state, which is a state that promotes inflammation, and chronic diseases) Using artificial intelligence biomedical algorithms, researchers identified those natural compounds that activate anti-aging pathways through the body. NAC was one compound with such effects (the other 3 compounds were myricetin, gamma tocotrienol and EGCG). Life Extension has now this combination of all four compounds in Geroprotect [43]. A little bonus: NAC could also improve wrinkles and reverse skin aging [44],[45].

 

6. Dosage, Interactions, Safety

You may wonder,why not take glutathione directly? This is because glutathione does not cross the blood brain barrier. In addition, many glutathione supplements are destroyed by stomach acid, thus unable to reach the gut. NAC is not available in food, but the amino acid cysteine is found in meats, eggs and yogurt.

Recommended dosage of NAC: it is better to start with a low dose i.e. 600 mg and increase it gradually. A typical dose is 1500-1800 mgs, to a maximum of 3 g daily. Dr Wahls recommends 1-2 grams daily [16]. For best benefits, combine it with vitamin C, B vitamins and alpha lipoic acid.

Taking activated charcoal may make NAC less effective. If you take corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs talk to your doctor before taking NAC, as the supplement may increase the effects of these drugs.

NAC has an excellent safety profile. The most common side effects are mild and include digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or changes in bowel movements.