How Much NAC to Take

How Much NAC to Take

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is basically the supplement form of the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine does not fall in the category of essential amino acids as your body can make it from certain amino acids for example methionine and serine. We only consider it essential when the dietary consumption of methionine and serine is much low.

The recommended daily NAC supplement dosage is 600–1,800 mg. It can be administered as an IV or consumed orally, as in a liquid, powder form, and an aerosol spray.

Taking an appropriate amount of cysteine and NAC is critical for a number of health reasons, such as replenishing the potent antioxidant in the body, glutathione. These amino acids may aid in chronic respiratory disorders, fertility, and improving heart health.

How Much To Take NAC

If your diet is unable to support the adequate amount of NAC, then go for its supplements after taking advice from your doctor. You can buy NAC from the market in dietary supplement form, pill forms ranging from 300 to 900 mg. Twice or thrice daily administration is usually suggested by the makers of different formulas.

 There is no suggested daily allowance for NAC, as it is not vitamin and essential nutrient. 

The dosage utilized to get rid of radiocontrast dye damage is 500 mg to 1200 mg every twelve hours for forty-eight hours.

Oral doses over 1200 mg each day may lead to headache, restlessness, stiffness, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Individuals who consumed nitroglycerine should not consume NAC unless supervised by a doctor or physician. It may cause the nitroglycerine to function intensely and lead to lower blood pressure.

Oral N-acetylcysteine can be found over the counter in pills, tablets, capsules, soft gel, and powder form. Most are sold in 600-milligram (mg) formulations, although some are as high as 1,000 mg.

The safe and efficient oral dose of N-acetylcysteine in kids has not been developed. Unless recommended by a doctor, kids don't use N-acetylcysteine supplements.

Single amino acid supplements, such as N-acetylcysteine, are ideally consumed on an empty stomach. The absorption of amino acids may be influenced by the foods you consume them with and by other amino acids.

Why You Need to Take NAC

1. Treating Psychiatric Conditions

Enhancing the amount of NAC in your body can promote certain neurotransmitters' levels, and it can increase an individual's mental working.

According to a study, it may also aid in alleviating symptoms of different psychiatric problems such as

• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Different research-based studies support that it may relieve psychiatric symptoms. However, most doctors may not suggest it as a sole treatment.

Instead, an individual should depend on evidence-based treatments, like therapy and medication. A doctor may give suggestions about utilizing NAC to typical supplement treatment.

2. High Blood Pressure

N-acetylcysteine may decrease the risk of heart disorder by minimizing the oxidative stress on the heart and your cardiovascular system. In fact, regular usage of N-acetylcysteine supplements may decrease hypertension (high blood pressure), a triggering cause of atherosclerosis.

According to a research-based study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2015, NAC can reduce homocysteine levels in your blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that you take from consuming red meat. High levels are not suitable for a heart disorder, kidney disease, and also recurrent miscarriage.

The experts disclosed that a four-week course of NAC was linked to a significant drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure irrespective of weight, smoking, or blood lipid values.

3. Treating lung Problems and excess mucus

For individuals suffering from chronic lung problems, like bronchitis or cystic fibrosis, sure doctors suggest NAC. It is present in an inhalable form that can aid in reducing excess mucus.

Different clinical trials of NAC as a treatment for lung disorders have arrived at mixed results. But overall, it has a positive effect on the treatment of lung Problems and excess mucus.

4. Improving Insulin Sensitivity In Case of PCOS

Authors of the 2015 systematic review explained that consuming NAC can benefit individuals suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

This syndrome may cause insulin resistance and enhances blood sugar. The researchers explained that NAC might aid in reducing high blood sugar in individuals with PCOS.

However, NAC is not an alternative for medications like insulin or other techniques of blood sugar control. It may only be useful and beneficial as a supplement.

5. May Aid in Detoxification

NAC plays a significant role in the detoxification process of your body. It may aid in preventing the side effects of drugs and environmental toxins. Many doctors daily offer intravenous (IV) NAC to individuals with an acetaminophen overdose to stop or decrease kidney and liver disturbance.

It is also useful for other liver disorders because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. May Relieve Symptoms of Respiratory Conditions

NAC may relieve symptoms of respiratory problems by functioning as an antioxidant and expectorant, releasing mucus in your air passageways. As a potent antioxidant, it aids in replenishing glutathione levels in the lungs and minimizes inflammation in the bronchial tubes and lung tissue.

Individuals suffering from a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) feel long-term oxidative distress and inflammation of lung tissue that leads airways to constrict and triggering shortness of breath and coughing. Its supplements may use to improve COPD symptoms, and lung decline

People with chronic bronchitis may also get benefit from NAC. Bronchitis happens when the mucous membranes in the lungs' bronchial passageways get swell and close airways to your lungs. But NAC supplements after the doctor's advice are highly beneficial in treating this condition.

7. May Maintain Fertility in Both Men and Women

Approximately 10% of men and women trying to conceive are infected by infertility. In almost 30% of these cases, male infertility is the prominent triggering factor.

Several male infertility problems enhance when antioxidant levels are inadequate to fight against free radical production in the reproductive system. The oxidative stress may lead to cell death and decreased fertility. NAC may also help to improve male fertility.

Researchers recommend that NAC supplements may be considered as a treatment for male infertility. Additionally, it may regulate fertility in females suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by inducing or augmenting the ovulation cycle.

8. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

N-acetylcysteine may aid in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a 2015 research-based study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology International. N-acetylcysteine may improve ovulation and pregnancy rates.

Despite these pieces of evidence, the experts report that NAC may not improve other symptoms of PCOS, such as menstrual irregularities, low weight, and the growth of secondary male traits.

Side Effects of NAC

The side effects of NAC supplementation are typically mild and involve;

• Diarrhea
• Eye irritation
• Restlessness
• Stiffness
• Skin rash
• Vomiting

Individuals consuming nitroglycerin in the form of dietary supplements, pills, patches, or creams should not consume NAC, as the combination may lead to lowering your blood pressure.

Sources

Only small quantities of MAC are present in food. Cysteine is both naturally manufactured in your body and gets from an animal- and a plant-based diet. Due to it, cysteine is taken as a semi-essential amino acid.

Excellent food sources of cysteine involve;

• Chicken
• Red meat
• Dairy items
• Onion
• Whole Eggs
• Red peppers
• Brussels sprouts
• Garlic
• Broccoli
• Oats
• Wheat germ

A cysteine deficiency is rare; however, vegetarians and vegans with low consumption of cysteine high plant foods may be at risk.

Conclusion

N-acetylcysteine is an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory property. Consuming it as a supplement can aid in improving symptoms of a variety of medical conditions.

It is incredibly important to note that you should speak to your doctor before taking it as supplements. It is necessary to avoid side effects.