{"id":626842,"date":"2024-02-16T13:28:23","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T18:28:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626842"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:08:53","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:08:53","slug":"nac-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/nac-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"10 reasons to consider NAC supplements"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Antioxidant&rdquo; has become a hyper-common wellness buzzword, slapped on health food packages so often that many people don&rsquo;t think twice about it. But the power of antioxidants is very real, and if you need a single example of their whole-body health benefits, look to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/nac\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NAC is the supplement form of cysteine&mdash;a non-essential amino acid that helps create the important antioxidant glutathione&mdash;and it&rsquo;s exceptionally versatile. A proven counterattack against both free radicals and inflammation, NAC deserves to be researched further to see if it can assist with immune function, liver detoxification, mental health, heart protection, fertility, and even viral infection treatment. Below, we&rsquo;ll get into the details of NAC&rsquo;s most intriguing potential benefits.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"10-potential-health-benefits-of-nac\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 potential health benefits of NAC<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of NAC&rsquo;s uses are time-tested and well-documented, like its efficacy in treating acetaminophen overdose. But for other benefits&mdash;like any possible mental health and fertility effects&mdash;small studies have just begun to scratch the surface. Either way, it&rsquo;s displayed promise in a range of areas. Here are 10 reasons to speak to your healthcare provider about it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-it-can-boost-immune-health\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. It can boost immune health<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;NAC functions in the body by converting to l-cysteine, a nonessential amino acid. This is used to make glutathione,&rdquo; says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dr-menka-gupta\/?originalSubdomain=sg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Menka Gupta, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, founder of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nutranourish.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutranourish<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. &ldquo;Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and plays an important role in neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells and tissues.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antioxidants are the body&rsquo;s defense against free radicals, and when these two are out of balance, they cause oxidative stress. This type of stress damages cells in various bodily systems, so antioxidants are an indispensable asset to the immune system. By replenishing perhaps the body&rsquo;s most powerful antioxidant, NAC may theoretically improve its immune response to numerous conditions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-it-helps-reduce-inflammation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. It helps reduce inflammation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acute <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/inflammation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inflammation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is technically a good thing. It&rsquo;s the body&rsquo;s natural response to illness or injury, like when a sprained ankle swells up. But, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niehs.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/conditions\/inflammation\/index.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic inflammation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has been linked to cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and mental illness. In situations like this, NAC might help.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;NAC may help reduce inflammation, which is a key contributor to chronic pain,&rdquo; says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sean-ormond-443073169\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sean Ormond, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, founder of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/atlaspainspecialists.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Atlas Pain Management<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. &ldquo;This effect could be particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis and neuropathic pain.&rdquo; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8234027\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research has found NAC to be potentially effective<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at reducing inflammation related to a variety of conditions, including heart, lung, gastrointestinal, and infectious diseases.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-it-helps-relieve-symptoms-of-chronic-respiratory-conditions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. It helps relieve symptoms of chronic respiratory conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We often take breathing for granted, and we can thank glutathione for that. Among its most important functions is reducing airway and lung tissue inflammation, possibly preventing long-term lung damage. &ldquo;In chronic respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma, inflammation and oxidative stress play a major role,&rdquo; says Dr. Ormond. &ldquo;NAC helps reduce inflammation and improve lung function by increasing levels of glutathione.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients treated with NAC experience consistently fewer flare-ups of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/copd-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and chronic bronchitis than patients who go without it, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/err.ersjournals.com\/content\/24\/137\/451.short\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a meta-analysis of data published in 2015<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But it&rsquo;s not just a long-term treatment. In <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7398034\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a recent review<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it was determined to improve inflammation, but it did not consistently improve systemic oxygenation, ventilation duration, and recovery rate when administered intravenously to patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury. Further study is needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may also help reduce excess mucus in the airway, which could help people with lung disease (like cystic fibrosis) decrease their coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. However, NAC shouldn&rsquo;t replace standard treatments.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-it-can-protect-the-liver-and-kidneys-during-acetaminophen-overdose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. It can protect the liver and kidneys during acetaminophen overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acetaminophen is a medicine-cabinet mainstay for headaches and muscle soreness. It&rsquo;s harmless at low doses, but taking more than 4 grams per day can overwhelm and damage the liver. This type of overdose is the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspharmacist.com\/article\/acetaminophen-intoxication-a-criticalcare-emergency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common cause of acute liver failure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the United States.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it as a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK441917\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment for acetaminophen overdose<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If administered orally or intravenously within eight hours of the overdose, NAC is fully effective in protecting the liver and may help prevent secondary kidney damage.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-it-might-help-treat-certain-mental-illnesses\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. It might help treat certain mental illnesses<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health is a complex tapestry of neurotransmitters, life experiences, social factors, genetics, and more. Treatments are just as complex. While NAC might not be an all-in-one cure, it could benefit people with certain conditions. Per Dr. Ormond, &ldquo;NAC helps regulate glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, learning, and memory. It also supports the production of glutathione, which protects brain cells from damage.&rdquo; However, he says, &ldquo;While research on NAC for mental health is promising, it&#8217;s still in its early stages. More studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and determine the optimal dosage for different conditions.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27137430\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> demonstrated the promise of NAC supplementation for treating symptoms of depression, while <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatrist.com\/jcp\/efficacy-adjunctive-n-acetylcysteine-major-depressive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">another concluded<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that there&rsquo;s only limited support for NAC as a depression treatment.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Likewise, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33354859\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a recent systematic review<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on NAC as a bipolar disorder depression treatment found it superior to a placebo, while a separate <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32767039\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meta-analysis from 2020<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> said that NAC didn&rsquo;t seem to improve subjects&rsquo; depressive symptoms.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5993450\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">preliminary studies also suggest<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that, by regulating glutamate levels in the brain, NAC may have a positive effect on substance use disorders for people who use tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamines.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the research is limited, NAC shows promise for schizophrenia as well. There&rsquo;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0925492722000762\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some evidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it can increase glutathione and decrease glutamate in patients with schizophrenia, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/0004867419893439\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">certain small studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggest it could alleviate symptoms as well when taken with standard medication. These findings have not been consistent in all studies thus far.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For each of these conditions, NAC shouldn&rsquo;t replace traditional treatments, like therapy and medication, for mental health conditions. However, it could work well alongside them.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"6-improves-mental-longevity\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Improves mental longevity<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neurodegenerative diseases like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/alzheimers-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alzheimer&rsquo;s<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and Parkinson&rsquo;s have been linked to neuroinflammation, insufficient glutathione levels, and increased glutamate. As an anti-inflammatory and a precursor to glutathione, NAC may help with all three.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glutathione helps protect cells against oxidative damage, which can progress brain aging. And while glutamate plays a role in memory and cognitive functions, too much can damage cells. By increasing the former and controlling the latter, NAC may improve overall brain health&mdash;especially for people with neurodegenerative disease. An <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6320789\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">overview of many clinical trials<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> concluded that NAC could be considered as an add-on therapy for both Alzheimer&rsquo;s and Parkinson&rsquo;s, specifically when prescribed alongside traditional therapies.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"7-it-may-support-heart-health\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. It may support heart health<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/heartdisease\/facts.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that one person dies from cardiovascular disease every 33 seconds in the United States. It&rsquo;s a serious issue, and even though researchers disagree on NAC&rsquo;s value as a heart disease treatment, some evidence suggests it might work well. &ldquo;NAC may help improve the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow,&rdquo; Dr. Ormond says. &ldquo;Additionally, it may reduce inflammation and protect blood vessels from damage.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0002916523137397?via%3Dihub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One small study from 2015<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> showed that some people who took NAC for four weeks saw decreases in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Plus, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4831326\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NAC may improve cardiac fibrosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&mdash;a condition that can lead to heart failure&mdash;and shows potential for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29623672\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reducing heart damage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in people with diabetes, according to other clinical studies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But much like its use in chronic respiratory illnesses, NAC shouldn&rsquo;t replace any traditional treatments prescribed by a doctor.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"8-it-may-improve-fertility-in-men-and-women\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. It may improve fertility in men and women<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infertility can be frustrating and confusing&mdash;in part because it has so many potential contributing factors. Antioxidants, however, are considered helpful in helping solve the pregnancy puzzle. While there isn&rsquo;t scientific evidence that it improves fertility, certain studies have demonstrated that NAC supplements can improve <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33167060\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sperm production<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6377938\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">motility<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in men. It produced <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34592079\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">only insignificant improvement in cases of female infertility<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as well&mdash;specifically women with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-is-pcos\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Hope still exists that further research could find utility for NAC in some cases of infertility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;NAC modulates levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin, thus promoting regular ovulation. It also supports hormonal balance by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation,&rdquo; Dr. Gupta says.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"9-it-can-help-treat-pcos\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. It can help treat PCOS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PCOS is a fairly common condition characterized by elevated levels of androgen hormones in people assigned female at birth. Its symptoms include irregular periods, excess body hair, weight issues, insulin resistance, ovarian cysts, and sometimes infertility. Not only can NAC potentially <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fnut.2023.1209614\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increase insulin sensitivity in people who have PCOS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, regulating blood glucose, but in some preliminary studies, it has also displayed some efficacy in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4306416\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improving ovulation and pregnancy rates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"10-it-may-alleviate-the-symptoms-of-certain-viral-diseases\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. It may alleviate the symptoms of certain viral diseases<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NAC made some waves in 2020 when people began discussing it as a potential treatment for COVID-19. As evidence accumulated, there wasn&rsquo;t enough to call it a prevention or a cure, but it <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">did <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">show some promise in helping treat its symptoms. Since it can reduce airway inflammation and mucus accumulation in the lungs, some early research linked it to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9651994\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduced inflammatory markers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as well as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10390689\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased oxygen saturation and decreased mortality<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in COVID-19 patients. Unfortunately, these findings were not confirmed, and it is not recommended as a treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the research surrounding NAC&rsquo;s role in COVID-19 treatment is still evolving, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hindawi.com\/journals\/jnme\/2021\/9949453\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">other research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has identified it as a potential supplemental treatment for influenza and tuberculosis, among other pathogens. &ldquo;Research suggests that NAC works against viral infections by boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and preventing the replication of viruses,&rdquo; Dr. Gupta says.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-use-nac\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to use NAC<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N-acetylcysteine is an FDA-approved drug only for acetaminophen overdose but sees <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/off-label-prescription-drugs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">off-label<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> use too. It comes in various forms, including capsules, intravenous, and inhalers. Technically, you can get cysteine from high-protein foods like beef, poultry, whole grains, and eggs, but certain conditions may require higher doses. Only oral NAC dietary supplements are available over-the-counter. Intravenous NAC requires a doctor&rsquo;s supervision, and inhaled versions need a prescription and the use of a nebulizer.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common dosage for adults is 600&ndash;1,200 milligrams (mg) of NAC per day, but it depends on the person and their health conditions. For example, &ldquo;People with certain pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or bleeding disorders, should consult their doctor before taking NAC,&rdquo; Dr. Ormond says. Usage and dosage for children must be individualized as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"nac-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NAC side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At doses of less than 1,200 mg per day, side effects of NAC are fairly rare but not impossible. When they occur, they&rsquo;re often mild, including nausea, vomiting, and skin rash. When inhaled, it may cause oral swelling, runny nose, and chest tightness.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People might not tolerate NAC as well at high doses, like those used for acetaminophen overdose. In these cases, NAC could cause headaches, skin reactions, fever, chills, and, in rare cases, severe allergic reactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"nac-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NAC interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When taking N-acetylcysteine, be cautious about its interaction with activated charcoal. Sometimes, doctors use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/activated-charcoal-benefits\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">activated charcoal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to prevent poisoning in cases of acetaminophen overdose. Using charcoal and NAC together could reduce their effectiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line-is-nac-good-for-you\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line: Is NAC good for you?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammation and oxidative stress are bad for the human body. As a precursor to a powerful amino acid, N-acetylcysteine could one day be used for respiratory illness, immune health, cardiovascular wellness, mental disorders, fertility support, and more. There&rsquo;s only limited preliminary research on some of these potential benefits, and NAC may work best as one part of a multifaceted treatment. But its antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory properties make it exceptionally versatile.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&ldquo;Antioxidant&rdquo; has become a hyper-common wellness buzzword, slapped on health food packages so often that many people don&rsquo;t think twice about it. But the power of antioxidants is very real, and if you need a single example of their whole-body health benefits, look to N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC).&nbsp; NAC is the supplement form of cysteine&mdash;a non-essential [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":626843,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[812],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-626842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellness","tag-supplements","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>10 NAC benefits<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"These 10 NAC benefits are worth considering for optimal immune health, fighting inflammation, and more.\" 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