N-Acetylcysteine: The “NACk” of all trades?

In the pursuit of health and fitness in a busy lifestyle, the ease and convenience of
administration is one of the main considerations when choosing dietary supplements.
Consumers generally prefer to take the least amount of pills in the least frequency in a single
day. Preparations that require only a single dosing in a day and at the same time provide a
wide range of benefits fit perfectly into that criteria. Hence, supplement products that pack
multiple punches instead of only one have been rising in popularity, and N-acetylcysteine is one
of the many candidates.

N-acetylcysteine, normally known as NAC, is a type of compound found in plants like
onions. It is a precursor to L-cysteine, which in turn is converted to L-glutathione in our body.
N-acetylcysteine is originally used as an antidote in paracetamol poisoning since the 1960s
and has been listed as one of the essential medicines by WHO. Eventually, due to its safety
profile and relatively low cost, it has found its way into OTC medicines and also dietary
supplements, serving a wide variety of purposes.

In respiratory conditions

NAC functions as a mucolytic. It breaks down viscous mucus into thinner consistencies that
are more easily expelled from the body. By doing that, the body does not have to exert a
strong cough reflex, which in times causes great discomfort, to remove phlegm and mucus. It
is widely used to relieve symptoms in people with respiratory conditions such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease and smoker’s cough.

As an antioxidant

NAC is converted into L-cysteine in the body. It is the rate-limiting step in the production of
L-glutathione. L-glutathione is the most abundant antioxidant in the body. It scavenges and
neutralizes free radicals found inside the body. It also plays a vital role in our immune
system. People with stressful lifestyles and unhealthy diets generally produce a lot more free
radicals, which will cause damage to the body cells if left unattended. Prolonged damage by
free radicals will lead to other dangerous illnesses, including cancer.

For skin

L-glutathione also plays a significant role in our skin. It is widely used in skin-whitening
products in combination with ascorbic acid, another potent antioxidant. In-vitro studies
conducted have shown that the activity is caused by the generation of lighter pigments by
the skin cells after being exposed to L-glutathione. Its antioxidant activity also helps to
protect skin cells from oxidative damage. Besides that, it also plays a role in accelerating
wound healing, especially in patients who are protein malnourished.

Anti-ageing

Could NAC also be one of the ingredients of the Elixir of Youth? Besides keeping your skin
firm and allowing yourself to look young, NAC could actually achieve more by slowing down
the ageing process of cells. While the mechanism is not yet fully understood, animal studies
suggested that the strong link between ageing and oxidative stress could be interfered with by
this antioxidant. There are also ongoing studies which hope to outline the uses of NAC in
slowing down the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Source: