What Are Nac Supplements? | Benefits & Side Effects

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is the supplement form of the semi-essential amino acid cysteine. In this article we will explain what NAC is, what its benefits are, and whether there can be any side effects from taking NAC.

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What are NAC supplements?

NAC is the supplement form cysteine.  Cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid, which means that the body can produce it from other amino acids. As long as our intake of methionine and serine (both essential amino acids) is high enough, cysteine shouldn’t be an issue.

Cysteine can be is found in many high- protein foods. Chicken, yoghurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds, and legumes are all good dietary sources of cysteine.

NAC, the supplement form of cysteine, acts as a precursor to glutathione, an antioxidant that can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable atoms that can break down and damage cells. Antioxidants (like glutathione) neutralise free radicals.

What are the benefits of NAC supplements

NAC increases the body’s cysteine levels and helps with production of the glutathione, an antioxidant that is produced by cysteine alongside glutamine and glycine.

Glutathione is one of the body’s most important antioxidants and helps fight cellular damage by breaking down free radicals. Alongside two other amino acids — glutamine and glycine — cysteine helps to make and replenish glutathione.