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Sources of N-Acetyl Cysteine

N-acetyl Cysteine, also known as NAC, is a modified form of the amino acid known as cysteine. Cysteine is found in high-protein foods and is synthesized by the body. NAC helps to boost the immune system and is useful in breaking down mucus and detoxifying the body of harmful substances. It comes in prescription forms and dietary supplements.

  1. Function

    • According to Dr. Maoshing Ni in his book "Second Spring," N-acetyl Cysteine helps detoxify a damaging substance known as acetaldehyde, which enters your system when you are exposed to car exhausts, cigarette smoke, nail polish remover and other pollutants. NAC also acts to remove the highly toxic heavy metal mercury and protects tissues from free radicals associated with ultraviolet radiation.

    Cysteine in Food

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, N-acetyl Cysteine is a modified form of cysteine. Cysteine is found in most high-protein foods, including yogurt, ricotta and cottage cheese, as well as wheat germ, granola and oat flakes. It also is found in pork and poultry products such as chicken, duck and turkey.

    Available Forms

    • N-acetyl Cysteine is administered either orally or intravenously. It is available both by prescription and as a dietary supplement. Prescription forms include NAC liquid solution and NAC aerosol spray. Other forms include NAC topical solution, L-cysteine powder and Cysteine/NAC supplement tablets or capsules.

    Uses

    • The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that N-acetyl Cysteine is commonly administered for acetaminophen poisoning in adults and children; this is an emergency condition. NAC may be useful in treating respiratory illnesses by dissolving mucus and improving symptoms associated with asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and emphysema. Studies show that NAC appears to have prevention properties associated with lung cancer. According to Dr. Ni, bodybuilders recently discovered that N-acetyl Cysteine helps to burn fat and build muscle.

    Dosages

    • Recommended dosages depend on the health condition. For respiratory conditions, 200 mg is taken twice daily. For antioxidant protection, 500 mg are recommended. For someone with HIV/AIDS, the dosage may be as high as 4,000 mg daily. Dr. Ni recommends 600 mg per day as a typical dose.

    Side Effects

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, N-acetyl Cysteine can raise the levels of homocysteine, the amino acid believed to be a cause of heart disease. Oral NAC may cause vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. NAC given intravenously can cause severe allergic reactions. Dietary supplements have the potential to interact with medications and should be taken only under the supervision of your health care provider.

    Possible Interactions

    • The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that N-acetyl Cysteine supplements can interact with certain drugs. This includes blood pressure medications, immunosuppressive medications, cisplatin and doxorubicin, nitroglycerin and isosorbide, and oxiconazole. If you are using any of these medications, do not use the supplements without first checking with your health care provider.

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