N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a pharmaceutical drug and nutritional supplement with numerous health and medical uses. Acetyl cysteine plays an important role in the formation of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant in your body. Taking NAC supplements allows the brain to use more glutathione, in a way that can help alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and Alzheimer's disease. Speak to your doctor before taking N-acetyl cysteine supplements.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness characterized by loss of contact with reality, and disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. A study published in "Biological Psychiatry" in September 2008 found that supplementation with N-acetyl cysteine may significantly improve any symptoms you have related to schizophrenia. The experiment involved 140 patients with chronic schizophrenia who received NAC at a dosage of 1 g twice a day for 24 weeks. According to researchers, NAC has potential as a safe and moderately effective augmentation strategy for chronic schizophrenia.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that involves periods of elevated or irritable mood, alternating with periods of depression. A study published in the "Journal of Affective Disorders" in March 2011 found that individuals with bipolar disorder experience a glutathione deficiency. Glutathione is an antioxidant that acts as a defense against oxidative damage. The experiment involved 14 individuals, seven in each group. Volunteers were randomized to NAC or placebo in addition to treatment as usual, in a double-blind fashion. According to researchers, people treated with NAC showed a marked and significant improvement in bipolar symptoms.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, involves the loss of brain function that can cause problems with your memory, thinking and behavior. A study published in the January 19, 2007 issue of "Cerebellum" found that supplements of N-acetyl cysteine may be an important tool in combating Alzheimer's disease. According to researchers, NAC works by reducing the oxidative stress on neurons and mitochondria and decreased cell death associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Side Effects
Along with its beneficial effects, NAC also has some side effects. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, oral administration of NAC may cause you gastrointestinal disturbance, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and conjunctival irritation. Speak to your doctor before taking N-acetyl cysteine supplements.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cysteine
- "Biological Psychiatry"; N-Acetyl Cysteine as a Glutathione Precursor for Schizophrenia: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial; M. Berk; September 2008
- "Journal of Affective Disorder"; N-Acetyl cysteine Add-on Treatment for Bipolar II Disorder: A Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial; V. Magalhaes et al.; March 2011
- "Cerebellum"; N-Acetylcysteine and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Basic and Clinical Pharmacology; M. Arakawa et al.; Jan 2007
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: N-Acetylcysteine
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