N-Acetyl-Cysteine ​​(NAC) 600mg - 100 capsules

N-Acetyl-Cysteine ​​(NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine, a key component in the production of the body's most powerful antioxidant, glutathione. NAC has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

Why is it considered a nootropic?

Although it has traditionally been used as a mucolytic and for acetaminophen overdoses, recent studies suggest that NAC has potential benefits for brain health. Because it improves cognitive function, modulates neuroinflammation, and protects neurons, it is classified in the field of nootropics.

Mechanism of action :

• Antioxidant : Increases the production of glutathione, a crucial antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage.
• Neurotransmitter Modulator : Regulates glutamate levels, the main excitatory neurotransmitter, avoiding excitotoxicity that can damage neurons.
• Anti-inflammatory : Reduces brain inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors.

Benefits :

1. Neuroprotection and Cognitive Improvement :
   • Reducing Oxidative Stress : By increasing glutathione levels, NAC protects brain cells from free radical damage, which may have implications in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
   • Neurotransmitter Modulation : By regulating glutamate, it can have a positive effect on disorders such as schizophrenia and depression by balancing neurotransmitter activity.
2. Mental health :
   • Depression : Studies indicate that it can improve symptoms of depression by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, and also by influencing neurotransmitters such as glutamate.
   • Bipolar Disorder : Has shown potential in reducing manic and depressive episodes.
   • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD) : Reductions in symptoms and compulsions have been observed in some people with OCD when supplementing with NAC.
   • Addictions : It can help reduce desire or craving in addiction disorders such as cocaine or nicotine use.
3. Detoxification :
   • Paracetamol Overdose : NAC is the standard treatment in paracetamol overdose, due to its ability to restore glutathione stores in the liver.
   • Elimination of Heavy Metals : Helps in the chelation of toxic metals, facilitating their elimination from the body.
4. Lung Health :
   • Mucolytic Properties : By breaking disulfide bonds in mucus, it allows better clearance of mucus in conditions such as chronic bronchitis, COPD and asthma.
5. Cardiovascular health :
   • Blood Pressure Reduction : Studies suggest that it can help reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.
   • Endothelial Protection : By reducing oxidative stress, it can help maintain the health of the vascular endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels.
6. Fertility and Reproductive Health :
   • Sperm Quality : An improvement in sperm morphology, concentration and motility has been observed with the use of NAC.
7. Support in Medical Treatments :
   • Chemotherapy : It can help reduce some side effects of oncological treatments, thanks to its antioxidant properties.

Absorption : NAC is rapidly absorbed from the intestine and is best taken on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. Although it can be taken with food if it causes stomach upset.
Adverse effects and contraindications :

• Adverse effects : Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fever, headache, drowsiness.
• Contraindications : It should not be used without medical supervision in people with asthma, ulcers or kidney problems. It is also important to consider its interaction with certain medications, so prior medical consultation is recommended.

It is important to remember that any supplement or medication should be used under medical supervision and consider the particularities of each individual. N-Acetyl-Cysteine, although it has various benefits, is not free of adverse effects or contraindications in certain groups of people or specific situations.

More information about NAC and its dosage: https://nootropicsexpert.com/n-acetyl-l-cysteine/

References on studies:

[i] Neuwelt EA, Pagel MA, Hasler BP, Deloughery TG, Muldoon LL “Therapeutic efficacy of aortic administration of N-acetylcysteine ​​as a chemoprotectant against bone marrow toxicity after intracarotid administration of alkylators, with or without glutathione depletion in a rat model. ” CancerResearch . 2001 Nov 1;61(21):7868-74 ( source )

[ii] Scalley RD, Conner CS “Acetaminophen poisoning: a case report of the use of acetylcysteine.” American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy . 1978 Aug;35(8):964-7. ( source )

[iii] Neergaard L. “Most Popular painkiller is lead cause of acute liver failure” National AIDS Treatment Advocacy Project natap.org Dec. 25, 2005 retrieved June 17, 2016 ( source )

[iv] Eakin K., et. Al. “Efficacy of N-Acetyl Cysteine ​​in Traumatic Brain Injury” PLoS One . 2014; 9(4): e90617. ( source )

[v] Hashimoto K., Tsukada H., Nishiyama S., Fukumoto D., Kakiuchi T., Shimizu E., Iyo M. “Effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine ​​on the reduction of brain dopamine transporters in monkey treated with methamphetamine.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences . 2004 Oct;1025:231-5. ( source )

[vi] Saleh AAS “Anti-neuroinflammatory and antioxidant effects of N-acetyl cysteine ​​in long-term consumption of artificial sweetener aspartame in the rat cerebral cortex” The Journal of Basic & Applied Zoology Volume 72, October 2015, Pages 73–80 ( source )

[vii] European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) . “Amino acid offers potential therapeutic alternative in psychiatric disorders.” Science Newsline Medicine sciencenewsline.com October 7, 2013 Retrieved June 18, 2016 ( source )

[viii] Monti DA, Zabrecky G., Kremens D., Lian TW, Wintering NA, Cai J., Wei X., Bazzan AJ, Zhong L., Bowen B., Intenzo CM, Iacovitti L., Newberg AB “N -Acetyl Cysteine ​​May Support Dopamine Neurons in Parkinson's Disease: Preliminary Clinical and Cell Line Data.” PLOSONE , 2016; 11 (6): e0157602 ( source )

[ix] Dewan MC, Rattani A., Gupta S., Baticulon RE, Hung Y., Punchak M. Agrawal A., Adeleye AO, Shrime MG, Rubiano A., Rosenfeld JV, Park KB “Estimating the global incidence of traumatic brain injury” Journal of Neurosurgery Volume 130; Issue 4 (Apr 2019) ( source )

[x] “Traumatic Brain Injury” A Roadmap for Accelerating Progress 2022 Chapter 2 National Academies Press ( source )

[xi] Yi JH, Hazell AS “Excitotoxic mechanisms and the role of astrocytic glutamate transporters in traumatic brain injury.” Neurochemistry International . 2006 Apr;48(5):394-403 ( source )

[xii] Farkas O., Povlishock JT “Cellular and subcellular change evoked by diffuse traumatic brain injury: a complex web of change extending far beyond focal damage.” Progress in Brain Research . 2007;161:43-59. ( source )

[xiii] Hoffer ME, Balaban C., Slade MD, Tsao JW, Hoffer B. “Amelioration of acute sequelae of blast induced mild traumatic brain injury by N-acetyl cysteine: a double-blind, placebo controlled study.” PLoS One . 2013;8(1):e54163. ( source )

[xiv] Berk M., Copolov DL, Dean O., Lu K., Jeavons S, Schapkaitz I., Anderson-Hunt M., Bush AI “N-acetyl cysteine ​​for depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder–a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.” Biological Psychiatry . 2008 Sep 15;64(6):468-75 ( source )

[xv] Dauletbaev N., Fischer P., Aulbach B., Gross J., Kusche W., Thyroff-Friesinger U., Wagner TO, Bargon J. “A phase II study on safety and efficacy of high-dose N- “acetylcysteine ​​in patients with cystic fibrosis.” European Journal of Medical Research . 2009 Aug 12;14(8):352-8. ( source )

[xvi] De Flora S., Grassi C., Carati L. “Attenuation of influenza-like symptomatology and improvement of cell-mediated immunity with long-term N-acetyl cysteine ​​treatment.” The European Respiratory Journal . 1997 Jul;10(7):1535-41. ( source )