NAC
Health Benefits

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Health Benefits | Antioxidant & Immune Support

| Modified on Feb 02, 2025
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NAC Health Benefits.

Renowned for its role in enhancing brain health, supporting liver function, improving respiratory conditions, and boosting immune response, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a potent supplement gaining widespread recognition. This article explores NAC’s diverse health benefits, highlighting its significance in reducing inflammation, enhancing fertility, and protecting against oxidative stress.

What is N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)?

NAC is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine known for its powerful antioxidant properties. It serves as a precursor to glutathione, the body's most critical antioxidant, helping to combat oxidative stress and support overall wellness.

Health Benefits of NAC

  • Boosts Brain Health: Regulates neurotransmitters and protects against neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Supports Liver & Kidney Function: Detoxifies the body and enhances organ function.
  • Improves Respiratory Health: Reduces mucus buildup and helps manage COPD, asthma, and infections.
  • Enhances Immune System: Strengthens immune defenses to fight infections.
  • Supports Mental Health: Assists in treating anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors.
  • Provides Antioxidant Protection: Reduces oxidative stress and protects cells from damage.
  • Boosts Fertility: Enhances sperm quality and supports female reproductive health.
  • Promotes Cardiovascular Health: Lowers oxidative stress and improves blood circulation.
  • Improves Skin Health: Supports collagen production and reduces skin inflammation.
  • Enhances Muscle Recovery: Reduces muscle fatigue and improves endurance.
  • Stabilizes Blood Sugar: Helps regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
  • Reduces Chronic Inflammation: Alleviates inflammation linked to chronic diseases.
  • Aids in Heavy Metal Detoxification: Binds to mercury and lead for safe removal.
  • Enhances Cognitive Function: Improves mental clarity, focus, and memory.
  • Reduces Allergic Reactions: Modulates immune response to minimize allergic symptoms.
  • Protects Against Influenza: May help reduce flu symptoms and duration.
  • Supports Insulin Sensitivity: Crucial for managing diabetes and metabolic health.
  • Alleviates Depression & Anxiety: Supports neurotransmitter balance for mental well-being.
  • Slows Neurodegenerative Diseases: May help with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s progression.
  • Protects the Brain: Shields against oxidative damage and inflammation-related disorders.

Dosage of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

  • General Health Support: 600-1,200mg daily.
  • Respiratory Conditions: 600-1,500mg per day, divided into two doses.
  • Mental Health & Addiction Support: 600-2,400mg daily, depending on severity.
  • Liver Detox & Antioxidant Support: 600-1,200mg daily.
  • Take With Food: Reduces potential digestive discomfort.

Side Effects of NAC

While NAC is generally safe, some individuals may experience:

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, diarrhea, or bloating.
  • Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
  • Headaches & Dizziness: Occasionally reported at higher doses.
  • Bronchospasms: Rare but possible in asthma patients.
  • Drug Interactions: Can interact with nitroglycerin and activated charcoal.

Precautions

  • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare provider before use.
  • Children: Only use under medical supervision.
  • Long-Term Use: Requires periodic medical evaluation.

Where to Buy

NAC Life Extension: Life Extension N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), immune, respiratory, liver health, potent antioxidant support, free-radicals, easy to absorb, 600 mg, 60 capsules. $11.40

NAC Pure Encapsulations: N-Acetyl Cysteine NAC Supplement for Lung Health & Immune Support, Liver Support & Antioxidants* - with Freeform N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine - 600 mg, 30 Capsules

NAC Bulk Powder: BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM NAC Powder - N-Acetyl Cysteine 600mg, NAC Supplement, NAC 600 mg - Brain & Antioxidants Supplement - Gluten Free, 600 mg per Serving, 417 Servings, 250g (8.8 oz). $21.96

Have You Used NAC?

Share your experience below! How has NAC helped you with respiratory health, detoxification, or mental clarity?


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Blood Clots

1 User Review
1 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Jill (Kentucky) on 02/05/2022
★☆☆☆☆

I have had 3 blood clots in my femoral artery. Two have been while taking NAC. I am now taking serrapeptase, nattokinase and lumbrokinase. These enzymes all work differently. Look into them and I think you will be happy. You can still get NAC at iHerb.

Replied by Tiffany
(Texas)
03/04/2023

Just curious, NAC is not indicated for blood clots, so what were you taking it for?

Replied by Brad
(Ontario)
09/14/2023

Are you saying that two of your blood clots went away while taking the NAC? I heard many good things about this in terms of "covids" and detoxing from a certain something something.

HisJewel
(New York)
09/15/2023

Greetings Brad,

It is not clear if the NAC helped Jill from the few words of the post; however she was certainly on to something. Look at the 2017 PubMed post below.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28487393/

EXCERPT:

Results: We demonstrated that intravenous NAC administration promotes lysis of arterial thrombi that are resistant to conventional approaches such as recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator, direct thrombin inhibitors, and antiplatelet treatments. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we provide evidence that the molecular target underlying the thrombolytic effects of NAC is principally the VWF that cross-link platelets in arterial thrombi. Coadministration of NAC and a nonpeptidic GpIIb/IIIa inhibitor further improved its thrombolytic efficacy, essentially by accelerating thrombus dissolution and preventing rethrombosis. Thus, in a new large-vessel thromboembolic stroke model in mice, this cotreatment significantly improved ischemic lesion size and neurological outcome. It is important to note that NAC did not worsen hemorrhagic stroke outcome, suggesting that it exerts thrombolytic effects without significantly impairing normal hemostasis.

Conclusions: We provide evidence that NAC is an effective and safe alternative to currently available antithrombotic agents to restore vessel patency after arterial occlusion.


High Blood Pressure

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Jon (Tulsa, Oklahoma) on 10/24/2017
★★★★★

Art & Rebel,

I have been taking NAC for over 2 years and noticed my blood pressure had decreased (120/76). Prior, my pressure was 140/80 even on medication. I started taking meds for Hypertension when I was 35 years old. I am now 61 and have the best blood/lipid profile ive ever had in my life. My blood pressure is the lowest I've ever had with or without meds.

I attribute this to my experimentation with NAC, Turmeric etc. My doctor did not have a clue


High Blood Pressure
Posted by Art (Tustin, Ca. Usa) on 08/08/2012
★★★★★

My blood pressure has averaged around 130/85 for quite a few years, but in the past two years it has been inching up until it recently started hitting the 160/100 area despite regular use of magnesium, potassium, vitamin d and other supplements and vitamins as well as the apple cider vinegar/bs protocol which seemed to have no effect on my blood pressure. I also tried hibiscus tea as mentioned by others on this site, but that actually caused me to put on weight and worsened my high blood pressure....... I suspect, due to the sugar that I used to sweeten the tea. I've tried other ideas also, but to no avail and I didn't want to go on prescription drugs due to the potential negative side effects.

I recently read a 2008 study about people with diabetes and hypertension who were treated with a combination of arginine and n acetyl cysteine (nac), two commonly available substances at online vitamin sites.

http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/31/5/940.long

At the dosages used in this study, arginine and nac have a fairly good safety profile and from the study results, they not only lowered blood pressure, but produced side effects that were also positive such as lowering ldl cholesterol while raising hdl cholesterol (the good one) and lowering levels of adhesion molecules vcam1 and icam1. It also lowered high sensitivity crp, a common marker of inflammation in the body. Add in the antiatherosclerotic effects and it seems like a good combination so I started taking them two weeks ago. One drawback to this study is the small number of participants, but the results were striking enough to make me want to try it.

Nac by itself has hundreds of studies suggesting it has many health benefits in humans, some related to its efficacy as a potent antioxidant.

I just took my blood pressure reading and it was 123/83. I am taking more than what was used in the study, at least initially and plan to go down to the study dose after a month or so.

I take 600mg of nac with 1 gram of arginine, three times per day for a total of 1.8 grams of nac and 3 grams of arginine per day.

Art

Replied by Art
(Tustin, Ca. Usa)
08/24/2012
★★★★★

Just thought I would update as I have been taking the nac/arginine combination for almost a month now. I just took my blood pressure and the reading was 117/76 so this combination appears to be working very well for me and the first reading at two weeks of supplementing apparently was not a fluke at 123/83.

I also dropped my dose down to just twice a day instead of three times per day, so I am currently taking 600mg of nac with 1 gram of arginine two times per day for a total of 1,200mg of nac and 2 grams of arginine per day which is fairly close to the dosage used in that 2008 study.

Art


Lung Infection

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 10/06/2022
★★★★★

NAC N-Acetyl-Cysteine for Lung Disease

Recently I had a round with a lung infection. (I need to find a new hobby and stop going around sick people)

Things that did NOT work…. Nebulizing colloidal silver with grapefruit seed extract, nebulize and internally chlorine dioxide, homemade vapor rub, herbal blend tinctures….

Currently I started to take cayenne pepper in milk which really got the phlegm out and coughing up oysters (gross). But, I started to get a strange pain in my right lower lung (felt like a large mass of thick phlegm was stuck in the pipe and would not come up) this was causing me to be short of breath, lost of oxygen, feeling dizzy, pressure on my chest like someone was sitting on my chest. Sleeping flat on the bed caused coughing fit so I have to sleep in a incline position. The last few days were pretty ruff. O.K. at this point do I need to go to the ER?

I had been studying NAC for Reducing Respiratory Symptoms in Chronic Lung Disease (like Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, COPD). It acts directly as a scavenger of free radicals, especially oxygen radicals and is a powerful antioxidant. Some people can't take NAC due to interaction with medications. If you're taking a blood thinning agent, anti-cancer drug, nitroglycerin, or metoclopramide then it is best to talk with your doctor before you begin this supplement as it can interact with these medications.

Being very sceptical that NAC wouldn't do anything for my situation, I ordered the cheapest bottle off amazon. 600mgx60 capsules. They arrived next day and I took my first dosage that nite to see how I would react.

Important: Keep in mind I'm still taking the cayenne pepper 40,000 SU.

Day 1 - The only side effect I had was lite headed and dizzy (not a known side effect). But the odd thing was I wasn't coughing and the pressure in my chest let up alittle. 1x600mg evening dose.

Day 2 – No dizziness and less coughing and less pressure. 1x600mg evening dose.

Day 3 (today) – I have felt amazing today. More energy. Occasional cough and mucus but no pressure all day. 1x600mg evening dose.

Based on my 3 day experiment, NAC is the real deal. Dr. Christopher the herbalist stated cayenne pepper was the “leader sheep”. Cayenne helped to ram other herbs deeper into the cells. I am hoping this explains the dizziness I was experiencing.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241507/

Source: https://drbrighten.com/nac-benefits/

Source: https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/nac-top-43-science-based-health-benefits-n-acetyl-cysteine-nac/

Source: http://www.whale.to/a/curing_with_cayenne.html


Prevents Flu and Colds

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Jayna D. (Southern CA) on 02/20/2023
★★★★★

I have been taking Swanson Vitamins' NAC 600 mg. capsules since 2009 and have not had any flu, Coronavirus, and COVIDS since then. No flu shots either. It's about $10.00 a bottle. Child: 1/Day Adult: 2/Day This is a very good supplement for the whole body! I post publicly and freely on MeWe.


Pulmonary Fibrosis

2 User Reviews
4 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Robert H. (Galveston, Texas) on 02/16/2016
★★★★☆

IPF: After a triple coronary bypass about 2011 about 3 months later I noticed a continuing discomfort around my upper left side of my chest. A referral by my cardiologist to a pulmonary specialist discovered my IPF. He prescribed an albuterol compound for my nebulizer and to sleep all night with oxygen. By my second lung function text it showed a rapid deterioration in my ability to process ambient air. The Dr. arranged for me to receive a new medication called Esbriet (54 mg daily)with little results.

I located a holistic doctor who is a board certified doctor of internal medicine with 29 years of experience caring for mostly refinery workers which fit my life profile perfectly. She put me on 1800 mg of Nac daily and later Nac liquid for my nebulizer. My last lung function test after about 3 months on this protocol showed about 7% improvement across the board, which pleased her greatly. She recommended that I consider 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide intravenously 2 times a week for the next 10 weeks. I have located someone who will do this and I will begin this treatment as soon as I save up the money. I'l let ya'll know what happens.


Pulmonary Fibrosis
Posted by Chris (Seattle, WA) on 12/31/2008
★★★★☆

NSIP Pulmonary Fibrosis:

Just diagnosed at mild to moderate stage, but had been taking NAC with Selenium twice a day and also herbal Clear Lungs, very helpful with breathing. I need it in the emergency dose of every 4 hours. The product does not claim to be a cure, but does claim to help breathing and it does and acts quickly as it claims. No side effects. My MD recommended Selenium via Brazil Nuts. My specialist prescribed more NAC, but also Prednisone, Azathioprine,whose side effects sound so horrific it seems I would be sicker than I am now.

The Albuterol spray was given at the testing site, to which I immediately felt ill and had a severe headache. I have severe congestion of the tonsils. Is this usual, the doc thought it was unrelated. I have to avoid wind, fans, forced hot air etc because it sets me off, also I have allergies.Particularly to dust and dairy.

I certainly intend to try your suggestions. Would love any input and advice. Blessings to all.


Serotonin Toxicity

Posted by Kathy (Winston Salem, NC) on 03/06/2024

Posting/asking for a friend. She had Benzo poisoning / serotonin toxicity in 2019. It caused tendon rupture and numbness in her feet. This is still going on, drs say it damaged her entire neurological system, any help with that appreciated. But now and since then her immune system if low and she catches any visus passing by. Had flu in Jan, sinus infection, and now Covid .... I felt like she needs NAC, but she is afraid it will affect her nervous system... Anyone know? Ted or Art? please help

Replied by Art
(California)
03/06/2024
2392 posts

Hi Kathy,

She might try the melatonin lotion for her feet and tendons as well as other areas of pain as melatonin acts as a potent antioxidant, anti inflammatory and pain reliever. The following article discusses the effects that melatonin has on tendons :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7714296/

Here is a relevant quote :

' Exogenous melatonin application in overuse tendinopathy reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Melatonin might be an alternative potential molecule to corticosteroids in the treatment of chronic tendinopathy. '

The lotion is a non invasive approach that she may be willing to try. She apparently has a lot going on, but needs to start somewhere that she is agreeable to try. If melatonin lotion helps her, then she may be willing to try other things that may be beneficial for her, but first she needs to see some benefit before she is likely to consider other things. If she is not willing to test NAC, she currently is probably afraid to test much of anything.

This article explains how to easily make melatonin lotion at home :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/topical-melatonin-pain-relief-success-stories.html

Remember to apply sparingly and start with just one application per day to see how she tolerates it. If no problems then she can try up to two applications per day if needed.

Since she seems to be catching things like colds and flu, she may be willing to try a homeopathic remedy that I have found useful for much quicker recovery from colds and flu if taken at the first signs or symptoms and being a homeopathic remedy it is relatively non invasive and I talked about it here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/flu8.html#osc

Keep us posted on her course of action.

Art

Kathy
(Winston Salem, NC)
03/12/2024

Thank you so much I will pass this on for sure!