Cysteine is an amino acid involved in making protein, collagen, and supporting a variety of other metabolic functions and biological processes in the body. Cysteine helps the body to detoxify from chemicals and heavy metals, protects cells against free radical damage, and helps break down excess mucus in the lungs. When cysteine levels are low, it may impair these processes.
Low cysteine levels can be caused by a number of factors, including insufficient dietary intake, metabolic imbalances, as a result of some health conditions, or as a side effect of certain medications.
N-acetyl cysteine, or NAC, is simply the supplement form of cysteine. Wondering how to find the best NAC supplement? Here’s what you should know.
Benefits of NAC Supplements
Emerging research suggests that NAC supplements may have wide-ranging benefits. These include:
- Helping relieve symptoms of certain respiratory conditions
- Supporting fertility in men and women
- Supporting blood sugar regulation
- Lowering inflammation
However, NAC supplements are most widely known for their antioxidant and detox support and their association with cognitive and mental health.
Antioxidant Support
One of the most important roles NAC may have is in supporting antioxidant production. NAC (along with glutamine and glycine) is a necessary ingredient for making glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants. By helping support the production and replenishment of glutathione, NAC helps support the body’s immune system, fighting against illnesses and free radical damage.
Detox Support
Because of NAC’s antioxidant effects, it can also support the body’s natural detoxification process. NAC can protect against liver and kidney damage caused by environmental toxin exposures; in fact, doctors often administer intravenous NAC to people with an acetaminophen overdose.
NAC and Glutamate
One of the most important roles NAC plays in the body is in helping to regulate levels of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter that stimulates nerve cells so that chemical messages pass seamlessly from nerve cell to nerve cell.
Glutamate is required to support proper brain function, and glutamate levels have a direct effect on most important cognitive processes, from thinking and learning to memory. Glutamate is often used as the primary backup energy source for brain cells, as a sleep-wake cycle manager, and as a pain signaler. Glutamate is also used to make GABA, another important neurotransmitter associated with healthy sleep cycles, anxiety regulation, relaxation, and muscle function.
Too much or too little glutamate in the brain is associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and with mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Because NAC helps regulate and control glutamate, it may have a direct effect on helping to manage or lessen symptoms related to these conditions. That’s why NAC for OCD is one of the ways this supplement is often used.
NAC for OCD
Researchers have found promising results when looking at NAC for OCD. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a debilitating psychiatric condition that has been linked to dysregulation in the brain’s glutamatergic system. Some studies have found that NAC “may play a role in treating moderate to severe OCD.” Experts hypothesize that NAC may help reduce symptom severity in people with OCD because of the link between NAC and glutamate production.
People may turn to NAC supplements to support mood and cognition, a healthy immune system, detoxing, lowered inflammation, respiratory wellness, and overall health.
Looking for the best NAC Supplement? Start with the three below.
Best NAC Supplement Options
NAC N-Acetylcysteine from Thorne Research
NAC N-Acetylcysteine from Thorne Research is a potent antioxidant supplement that supports liver detoxification and thins the mucus for improved respiration. Each capsule in this formulation contains 500 mg. of NAC, to be taken up to three times daily, in order to promote antioxidant activity, stimulate glutathione synthesis and activity, support immune function, and more.
NAC N-Acetyl L-Cysteine from Integrative Therapeutics
NAC N-Acetyl L-Cysteine from Integrative Therapeutics contains 600 mg of NAC per capsule, providing a potent source of free radical-fighting antioxidants to help combat oxidative stress. This all-natural formula provides powerful support for replenishing glutathione and supporting healthy detoxification.
N-A-C Sustain 600 Mg from Jarrow Formulas
N-A-C Sustain 600 Mg, an NAC supplement from Jarrow Formulas, is an antioxidant and glutathione precursor that is important to detoxification and supports liver function. This formulation is vegan and gluten-free and features a unique SUSTAIN bilayer Quick Release plus Sustained Release format for optimal release.
Now that you know some of the best NAC supplements for antioxidant and detox support, be sure to browse our wide selection of NAC from Natural Healthy Concepts.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
