“Many acute and chronic health conditions, including aging [related issues], diabetes and heart disease are linked to low glutathione levels. For this reason, glutathione supplementation is often recommended to prevent or treat disease,” explains Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, Medical Toxicologist and Co-Medical Director at the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, DC. “Because oral glutathione is not well absorbed by the human body, its precursor – NAC – is often used to achieve higher levels of glutathione.”
Although NAC is believed to be associated with a number of health benefits, many of these claims lack sufficient evidence from human research. However, the supplement has received FDA approval for the treatment of acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning.
FDA approved for acetaminophen poisoning
NAC is a commonly used — and FDA-approved — drug to treat acetaminophen poisoning. Taken in large doses, paracetamol can damage the liver. When administered orally or intravenously, NAC can reduce the extent of this damage—although it cannot reverse damage that has already been done.
NAC is thought to work by increasing levels of glutathione, which acts as a powerful detoxifier in the liver. The glutathione then helps inactivate N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone-imine (NAPQI), a toxic byproduct of acetaminophen. However, timely administration is crucial. Research shows that NAC is most effective when administered within eight hours of taking acetaminophen.
May help relieve symptoms of respiratory illness
There is evidence that NAC may be an effective treatment for certain respiratory conditions, such as chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Many of these respiratory diseases are characterized by excess mucus production and inflammation. Although the body produces mucus to protect itself from pollutants in the air, too much of it can interfere with proper breathing and impair lung function.
NAC is believed to help break up and thin mucus secretions in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways.
May help improve certain mental illnesses
There is preliminary evidence that NAC may help improve certain mental illnesses.
For example, a small 2018 study found that NAC improved symptoms of schizophrenia when taken in addition to antipsychotics. Supplementation was associated with improvements in negative symptoms, including emotional expression, thinking and language productivity and motivation, and better attention span.
Evidence also supports NAC in treating other mental illnesses, such as mental illness. B. substance use disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and mood disorders. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of NAC under these conditions.
May improve brain health
Some research suggests that NAC may improve brain health and help reduce symptoms associated with some neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It can also help relieve neuropathic pain caused by damage to the central nervous system.
More research is needed to confirm the effects of NAC on brain health. Still, the supplement’s ability to increase glutathione levels and protect against oxidative stress — a disruption in the balance between free radical production and antioxidant defenses that can cause cellular damage — may contribute to its neuroprotective effects.
May help treat certain viral infections
“The potential activity of NAC against SARS-CoV-2 is still in clinical trials. However, there are clinical studies that support its use to reduce the severity, duration and frequency of influenza, common cold, recurrent bronchitis and recurrent pneumonia,” says Dr. Jia-Yia Liu, infectious disease specialist and creator of NACPRO+, a dietary supplement based primarily on the properties of NAC.
Research suggests that NAC works against viral infections by boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and preventing viruses from replicating. While more research is needed to confirm these effects, NAC supplements may offer some benefits for people struggling with viral infections.
May improve male infertility
Some studies suggest that NAC may help improve sperm quality and reduce oxidative stress in infertile men.
A small 2019 study found that men who took NAC orally for three months had significantly higher sperm counts and motility (the ability of sperm to move effectively). The results also suggest that NAC may help improve abnormal sperm structure and reduce DNA damage to the sperm.
Based on these data, it is believed that NAC supplementation may positively affect overall sperm quality and therefore help improve male infertility.
May improve chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that occurs when your kidneys are damaged and unable to function properly. As a result, the body can’t get rid of waste and excess fluid, leading to other health problems – including high blood pressure and heart disease.
Some research suggests that NAC supplementation may have the potential to slow the progression of CKD. However, other studies contradict these results. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of NAC in CKD
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