N-acétylcystéine
N-Acetylcysteine is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, also known as NAC . You may know it from certain treatments for chronic bronchopulmonary diseases such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
NAC is a nutrient with a thousand powers that we would like to present to you in this article.
Why consume it and what are its benefits on the body? Let yourself be enlightened on the subject of one of the most powerful natural antioxidants!
What is N-Acetylcysteine?
N-Acetylcysteine is an amino acid naturally synthesized by the body. It is a constituent element of proteins that act on cell renewal and repair. We can therefore say that it contributes to the normal functioning of the body .
The role of the cysteine molecule? Help the body build up reserves of glutathione , a powerful natural antioxidant that cleanses the body and protects it from oxidative stress, a term which corresponds to the attack on cells by free radicals and which is at the origin of many pathologies such as cellular aging, cancer, etc.
NAC is also helpful in detoxification of the kidneys and liver. It will strengthen the immune system and improve basal metabolism, the role of which is to keep the body alive. But we’ll tell you about that below! 😉
NAC sources
Cysteine is synthesized from two other amino acids: methionine and serine . This means that the body is capable of producing the molecule itself without external intervention such as diet or supplementation.
But it happens that certain biological conditions favor poor synthesis leading to a cysteine deficiency . Furthermore, age, poor diet and oxidative stress reduce our NAC reserves.
Here are two ways to maintain a sufficient level of this sulfur-containing amino acid in the body:
1. A diet rich in cysteine
The amount of cysteine present in the body may be too low due to a health problem or a poor or unbalanced diet. To overcome this problem, it is first necessary to increase your dietary intake of acetylcysteine. The foods to favor are fish, cheese, eggs, especially the yolk, vegetables and oilseeds.
Other easy-to-find sources of acetylcysteine are:
- the chicken ;
- cheeses ;
- mustard seeds;
- the cabbage ;
- the onions ;
- garlic.
For better absorption of the molecule, it is advisable to add to your diet foods rich in vitamin B6 (such as garlic, cereals, vegetables, fruits, wheat) and vitamin B12 (offal, eggs, fish, meats, cheeses).
2. Taking a food supplement
Acetylcysteine as a food supplement is an interesting alternative to ensure intake of the recommended daily amount. Using a Multivitamin complex, for example, is an excellent way to combat acetylcysteine deficiency and thus reduce premature aging of the body, in addition to stocking up on essential vitamins and minerals.
Acetylcysteine deficiency: what are the consequences?
Increasing your intake of N-Acetylcysteine through diet or dietary supplementation will replenish the level of glutathione , a substance produced by the liver and involved in many bodily processes and which is also important for stimulating our natural defenses .
You should know that our NAC reserves decrease with age, which is why it is important to be vigilant about the risks of deficiencies and not hesitate to supplement to preserve this level of glutathione at a sufficiently high rate.
Indeed, when the deficiency appears, the production of proteins cannot be done optimally. A phenomenon which becomes toxic for the cells which bind together, and which can potentially lead to neurological pathologies.
Another consequence of a NAC deficiency will be the loss of balance between the production of antioxidants and the body's needs. Diseases linked to oxidative stress then appear with chronic inflammation or accelerated aging of the body.
If the symptoms are mild, failure to deal with oxidative stress can have a serious impact on certain neurodegenerative diseases. The cardiovascular system can also be affected by a thickening of the arteries which can have very serious consequences.
We recommend you
Multivitamins
Complete formula with optimal dosage of 29 nutrients (vitamins, minerals and plant extracts).
- ✅ All-in-one complex
- ✅ 150 mg of N-acetylcysteine per dose
- ✅ Made in France
- ✅ 1 month of treatment
What are the benefits of NAC?
We cannot talk about the benefits of NAC without mentioning its antioxidant action ! NAC helps cleanse the body of toxins and pollutants naturally produced by the body or externally produced such as pesticides.
No more feeling of fatigue and discomfort all day long, the body becomes more resistant and can protect itself more effectively against viruses and bacteria. A real satisfaction for the organization… and morale!
It contributes to the synthesis of glutathione and our natural defenses
Glutathione is a molecule that is present in almost every cell in our body. Synthesized by the body itself, its role is vital for the functioning of the organism.
Without it, it would have great difficulty defending itself against internal and external attacks. Glutathione is an ally for the liver , it supports it in the detoxification process of ingested toxic substances. A healthy organ can easily combat oxidative stress ; but, in the presence of an illness, it will need an additional supply of antioxidants. The beginning of health problems…
N-acetylcysteine helps replenish intracellular glutathione and maintain a healthy body!
It is a powerful antioxidant
Antioxidants are substances that prevent and slow down damage caused by free radicals. They occur naturally (endogenous) or are produced by the body (exogenous). Every day, our body is exposed to factors that increase the production of free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, cigarettes, improper cooking of food, etc.
NAC neutralizes free radicals to reduce the risks during exposure to a contaminated environment.
It is then easy to understand the interest and benefit of supplementing our diet with NAC. The molecule helps reduce the reactive effects of oxygen and oxidative stress that can damage our cells.
It has anti-inflammatory properties
If appropriate medication can help reduce inflammation, unfortunately taking medication is never harmless. NAC acts directly in the body to block the formation of substances responsible for inflammation , thus avoiding the worsening of the reaction phase and the associated adverse effects (pain, fever, etc.).
It cleanses the kidneys and liver
As discussed previously, NAC plays a central role in the detoxification process. The kidneys perform the function of purifying the blood, its wastes and toxins. The liver is used for the storage and distribution of nutrients. When a dysfunction appears, vital activities of the body are put in danger. Acetylcysteine stimulates detoxification actions and reduces the damage caused by toxic substances on the kidneys and liver.
It improves respiratory condition
Nac can relieve symptoms of respiratory infections . It will replenish glutathione levels in the lungs and reduce inflammation in the bronchi. This is why the N-acetylcysteine molecule is also available in the form of syrups and inhalers to clear mucus in the respiratory tract.
How to choose the right N-acetylcysteine supplement?
The quality of the food supplement you choose is important to guarantee the effectiveness of your treatment and this starts with the origin of the product.
NAC can be obtained through chemical synthesis, fermentation or even animal extraction. At Novoma, as you know, the transparency and origin of our ingredients is essential. We have chosen a NAC from corn, 100% pure and obtained by fermentation, for an active ingredient of plant origin. The form chosen is a dry, stable and easily assimilated form.
At Novoma, we have decided to offer NAC in our Multivitamins , a vegan formula, which provides 150 mg of N-Acetyl-Cysteine for 4 capsules.
In this supplement, we have combined it with a combination of 28 other nutrients (vitamins, minerals and plant extracts) to create a Multivitamin formula adapted to meet the needs of your body. Recommended as a treatment of at least 30 days and can be taken continuously, our Multivitamins will offer you thanks to its composition: vitality, quality sleep, relaxation thanks to its anti-stress properties, as well as active and healthy immune defenses.
Made in France, our Multivitamins have been specially designed to allow you to promote your well-being with visible results from the first month!
N-acetylcysteine: contraindications
Like any medication or food supplement, it is possible that certain side effects appear during a treatment (such as vomiting or dizziness), but the symptoms are mild, temporary and relatively rare.
If NAC can cause side effects , overdose is often the cause. It is therefore advisable to respect the recommended dosages.
Taking a food supplement based on NAC is contraindicated in:
- pregnant or breastfeeding women;
- children;
- people taking nitroglycerin.
