NAC Supplements are Suddenly Getting Lots of Hype

The world of supplements is always exploding with new trends, and chances are you’ve heard some buzz about N-Acetylcysteine, or NAC, recently. It’s actually been on the market for decades, but certain benefits haven’t been on many guys’ radar until now.

According to Jeff Gladd, MD, an integrative medicine physician and chief medical officer at Fullscript in Ottawa, Ontario, NAC is a naturally-occurring antioxidant most commonly found in high-protein foods such as beef, chicken, and eggs and is also available in supplement form.

“NAC is a precursor to the amino acid L-cysteine, which helps the body synthesize glutathione, arguably the most important antioxidant and support for detoxification in the body,” he explains.

NAC is actually FDA-approved to treat acetaminophen (AKA Tylenol) poisoning, though that’s typically limited to medical settings and not what the average consumer is seeking it out for. For this reason, the FDA has actually fought to have NAC prohibited from being sold as a dietary supplement as it works to evaluate its safety, though a few manufacturers continue to sell it.

What is NAC good for? According to Dr. Gladd, NAC supplements have grown in popularity as more people have realized their potential uses and benefits. Some research actually supports the claims that NAC offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some practitioners have prescribed it to treat COVID-19, but the general consensus is that more research is needed.

“NAC is best known for its immune, liver and lung health benefits; however, some individuals have begun using it for other purposes such as promoting cognitive function and supporting fertility,” he says. “NAC’s primary role is as an antioxidant, meaning that it protects the body from harmful free radicals that can cause damage to the body’s cells and contribute to chronic health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.”

Beyond being a potent antioxidant, other research suggests that NAC may be useful for people with some psychiatric conditions including OCD and anxiety, and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Gladd says. NAC may also benefit patients with various respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia.

“Furthermore, NAC may enhance male fertility by improving semen parameters,” he adds.

NAC safety and side effects NAC is generally well tolerated and rarely presents any side effects, Dr. Gladd says. However, as with all supplements, you’ll want to be open with your healthcare provider if you’re taking it, especially if you’re taking medications for certain conditions.

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“Uncommon side effects of NAC supplements may include diarrhea, gas, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, and heartburn,” he says. “NAC supplements may interact with the effectiveness of certain blood thinners and blood pressure medications, so be sure to speak to your healthcare provider [before taking NAC].

The bottom line: NAC may not be a total fad, but do your due diligence in ensuring it’s safe to take with respect to your individual health situation.