N-acetylcysteine (also known as NAC or acetylcysteine) is used to help break up mucus and is used by the body to build antioxidants. NAC is also used to treat acetaminophen overdose. NAC is also said to protect the liver and to support healthy immune functioning, and there is evidence it can help prevent kidney or neurologic damage caused by some drugs.

NAC liquifies mucus in respiratory disorders by reducing disulfide bonds. This mechanism of action is thought to help reduce the thickness (viscosity) of lymph in lipedema patients so that it will move more freely within the body. NAC also helps facilitate essential biological functions by bonding with two other amino acids–glutamine and glycine–to create glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in regulating numerous cellular activities and helps keep the immune system in check. Glutathione helps neutralize free radicals that damage cells and tissues at the molecular level.

Only minute amounts of NAC are found in food; it is derived from the amino acid L-cysteine. Cysteine is both naturally produced in the body and obtained from animal-based and plant-based foods. These foods are excellent food sources of the amino acid: poultry, eggs, dairy, red peppers, garlic, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, oats, and wheat germ.

Side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, fatigue, eye irritation, and skin rash. Less common side effects include asthma attack, anaphylactic shock, low blood pressure and headache (due to vasodilation). For those patients with mast cell activation syndrome, it should be noted that NAC is a diamine oxidase inhibitor.

Do not take NAC if you are taking nitroglycerin; NAC can further reduce blood pressure and cause severe headaches. NAC can slow blood clotting and should be avoided in people with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease. NAC should be stopped at least two weeks prior to any elective surgery. Caution should be exercised in people with kidney disease; metabolized NAC is excreted via the kidneys and has been known to cause kidney stones in rare cases–even in people without kidney disease. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Griffin, R. (2020, Mar 3). N-Acetyl Cysteine. Web MD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/n-acetyl-cysteine-uses-and-risks

N-Acetylcysteine. (2020, Oct 1). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/n-acetylcysteine

NAC. (2020, Jan 3). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/nac.html

NAC Contraindications. (n.d.). Glutathione Disease Cure. https://www.glutathionediseasecure.com/NAC-contraindications.html

Wong, C. (2021, Nov 14). What is N-acetylcysteine? Very Well Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-n-acetylcysteine-89416

Learn More

N-acetylcysteine Fact Sheet For Consumers | National Institutes Of Health
N-acetylcysteine Fact Sheet For Health Professionals | National Institutes Of Health

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