N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a prodrug to L-cysteine, meaning that L-cysteine is the result of the body metabolizing NAC. L-cysteine aids in the production of glutathione, which is a very important antioxidant found in the body. However, glutathione is highly digestible and so disappears from the body quickly. This is where NAC supplementation helps by increasing L-cysteine in the body, which then aids in producing more glutathione faster than it can be depleted.

NAC Supplement Benefits

Reduce Habitual Urges

Habit-forming urges can cause a decrease in the body’s cystine-glutamate exchangers in brain nuclei. It is this decrease that is implicated in causing these urges to become a habit. NAC supplementation can be used to augment cystine-glutamate exchangers and reverse their decline, subsequently reducing the habitual urge. 

Reduce Mineral Bioaccumulation

The body retains some minerals that are harmful to us. An example of this is the retention of lead. One study found that after supplementing with NAC for three months, workers who were exposed to occupational levels of lead had their red blood cell lead accumulations reduced, as well as an improvement in the glutathione status of red blood cells. 

Improve Mood and Reduce Stress with NAC Supplements

NAC supplementation can also lead to an increase in mood, as it stimulates the release of dopamine within the brain.  Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, and boosted levels of dopamine can help to improve mood. A reduction in the symptoms of stress is another benefit of NAC supplementation, as one study found that supplementing with NAC offered a reduction in nail-biting associated with stress, while another study found the same with regards to skin picking.