N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): An Antioxidant Powerhouse for Longevity and Wellness

The longevity and wellness benefits of the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) seem to include boosting glutathione levels as well as improving detoxification, immune function, respiratory health, and more. These benefits are linked to the reality that NAC supplementation may help to reduce the effects of free radicals in those with high levels of oxidative stress, a phenomenon that is believed to contribute to aging and chronic disease.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which is sometimes called “Acetyl-L Cysteine” or “acetylcysteine,” is thought to be a supplement form of cysteine, an amino acid. Since cysteine is thought of as an amino acid, it is most commonly found in most high-protein foods, such as meat, dairy products, eggs, beans, and nuts. NAC may have numerous health benefits, including fighting free radicals, antioxidant properties, improving immune function, protecting the liver, reducing respiratory symptoms, and supporting detoxification.

The primary benefit of NAC supplementation is considered to be its role as a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant¹  that may neutralize damaging free radicals throughout the entire body. Specifically, in combination with glutamine and glycine (two other amino acids), NAC may be needed for the body to produce glutathione.²  Supplementing with NAC may also help to increase the body’s levels of glutathione.

Glutathione isn’t just any antioxidant - it’s widely considered to be one of the most potent antioxidants that the body produces.³  This potency means that glutathione may be highly effective at minimizing systemic oxidative stress, which often contributes to inflammation, cell damage, aging, and a host of chronic diseases over time.

 

NAC health benefits don’t just include the possibility to increase levels of glutathione to fight free radical damage, which is believed by many to be a major contributor to aging and chronic disease.⁴  Having plenty of glutathione in the body may also support improved function of the immune system.⁵  

In those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, glutathione is believed to minimize damage to liver cells.⁶  This may be why those suffering from liver disease (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), cirrhosis, and hepatitis have been found to have lower levels of glutathione than the average person.⁷  In addition, NAC is often used to detoxify heavy metals⁸  and treat acetaminophen overdose,⁹  while possibly minimizing damage to the liver and kidneys in those with these conditions.

These benefits are thought to be borne by scientific research. For instance, a high-quality study (meaning that it was double-blind and used placebo controls) often found that those who supplemented with NAC for four weeks were considered to have lower blood pressure and better cardiovascular health, both of which typically indicate reductions in systemic oxidative stress.¹⁰  NAC may also have been found to reduce symptoms of many lung conditions, functioning as an effective expectorant (which is especially beneficial when the lungs are experiencing elevated stress, as when having an infection, etc.) among other positive respiratory effects.¹¹

NAC supplements and, by extension, glutathione, are also posited to possibly have further anti-aging-related health effects but will need more research to confirm these benefits. One of these benefits is that NAC supplements may regulate the brain’s levels of glutamate, a crucial neurotransmitter, which typically help to minimize symptoms of mental health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder.¹²  Glutathione may also improve fertility in both women¹³  and men,¹⁴  increase insulin sensitivity (mitigating insulin resistance, which can result in type 2 diabetes),¹⁵  and prevent oxidative damage to heart tissue to lower cardiovascular disease risk.¹⁶

The health benefits of NAC supplementation may or may not be immediately noticeable. In those with low glutathione levels, though, taking NAC may result in higher energy levels, better sleep, greater ability to focus, and additional signs of effective detoxification and overall health and wellness that commonly vary from person to person.

There are several ways to support the body’s glutathione production through intake of cysteine/NAC. The first is thought to be via diet—increasing cysteine consumption by eating more high-protein foods - while the second way is thought to be through NAC supplementation.

Cysteine can usually be found in a majority of common high-protein foods. These include foods such as chicken, beef, pork, lamb, fish, legumes as found in soybeans, dairy products, almonds, grains, as well as a host of other sources.¹⁷

Although there seem to be countless supplements that incorporate NAC, an NAC supplement that also contains quercetin as well as compounds that increase bioavailability and absorption is likely to be most effective for anti-aging purposes. Body Kitchen’s Mega NAC + Quercetin meets all of the criteria.

This supplement contains not only 600 mg of NAC and 600 mg of quercetin, but also 30 mg of BioPerine®, a patented form of black pepper extract that is made up of 95 percent piperine and may increase the bioavailability of other supplements by 30 percent or more (as demonstrated in clinical trials). ¹⁸

The doses of both NAC and quercetin in this supplement are those that have been shown to be effective in clinical trials. Provided at clinically effective doses, both of these compounds may neutralize free radicals and lower the body’s overall oxidative stress. These antioxidant effects are commonly accompanied by even more potential benefits for respiratory health, inflammation, liver detoxification, skin health, and immune system regulation.

Quercetin is a plant pigment that can naturally be found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables, and it can often offer potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This means that supplementing with quercetin may help reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses as in cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and neurological disease, among others.¹⁹  

It may also reduce one’s risk of an overactive inflammatory response, which is believed to contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases similar to rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.²⁰  In addition, clinical trials demonstrate quercetin’s ability to bolster markers of cardiovascular health, but more research is needed to better understand this potential effect.²¹

While the two compounds seem to demonstrate many positive health effects, it’s important to be mindful of quercetin and N-acetyl cysteine’s side effects.

The most common side effects of NAC are digestive symptoms, as in experiencing diarrhea and nausea, itching and skin swelling, fatigue, wheezing, and irritation of the eyes. The more serious, less common side effects of NAC may include worsening of asthma symptoms, anaphylaxis, and low blood pressure. Those on prescriptions, including immunosuppressants or chest pain medications should also be aware of potential interactions with NAC.²²

Side effects of quercetin may include upset stomach and headaches, as well as kidney damage as a result of ingesting high doses. It is also recommended to take intermittent breaks from supplementing with quercetin. The antioxidant compound may interact with numerous prescription drugs: medications that are altered by the liver, as well as antibiotics, anticoagulants, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and cyclosporine.²³

When dealing with medically serious and individualized matters like side effects and drug interactions, which can be dangerous if handled improperly, it is important to speak with a doctor who is familiar with your medical situation. Thus, it’s crucial to seek advice from your doctor before beginning to take NAC and quercetin supplements, as they (medical professionals) can typically weigh the benefits with any possible risks or contraindications due to your health conditions, risk factors, and current medications and supplements.