N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) acts as a scavenger for oxygen free radicals and is a powerful antioxidant. It is used as a nutritional supplement to treat several health concerns ranging from psychological disorders to excessive mucus secretion and better insulin sensitivity in PCOS patients. It is also used to prevent the risk of premature delivery among pregnant women.
One study found that women with PCOS had a pregnancy rate of only 30% and a miscarriage rate of 20.4%. Simply put, drug therapy with a NAC regime significantly increased the pregnancy rate.
NAC supplement is around for decades and is being used as antioxidants to treat the health as mentioned above conditions and more. It can help fight free radicals and reduce damage caused by inflammation. You can incorporate it into your daily routine to alleviate stress, boost brain function, and get a robust immune system.
Here is how you can find the ideal supplement for your life.
Table of Contents
Check Dosage
Various brands have NAC pills that have different levels of antioxidants. Pills can range from 500 mg to 1200 mg per pill. Therefore, it is best to check the dosage before selecting your supplement brand. For most people who do not suffer from any significant health concerns but want to take the pill to improve their daily life, the 600 mg dosage will suffice. Generally, adults can take up to 2000 mg of the antioxidant. Medical uses may vary depending on the kind of illness being treated.
Those who suffer from any health conditions need to consult their doctor before starting the pill. The doctor will recommend the dosage and the number of drugs to be taken per day, based on its interaction with other medications you take.
Check Lab Test Reports
The health supplements market is riddled with contraband and untested pills. They are sold cheap and therefore appear attractive, but can be hazardous. Consequently, it is highly recommended that you check the lab report of the supplement you pick before you hit the purchase button.
The lab must be a third-party lab approved by the health department. Most reliable brands will display their lab reports of the products on their website. The information gives a detailed analysis of the contents of various harmful materials such as lead and mercury.
Check Sourcing
Companies use unethical sourcing practices to reduce costs and increase profits. Therefore, you should research where the company sources its raw materials from? Where is the manufacturing facility? And what production practices do they use? If you purchase the NAC supplement from a company that does not treat its workers humanely, you encourage such practices. It takes minutes to search for this information on the internet. Take the time to do it.
Check Usage
While safe for all users, certain brands may produce the supplement purely to meet the demands of a few illnesses such as PCOS or psychological disorders. Other brands may manufacture the supplement as a multi-purpose pill that can be taken for a medical condition or to improve one’s health. It is best to check if the brand you plan to purchase is for a specific purpose or general use.
Check Form
Available in capsule and tablet form, you can pick either based on your preference. Capsules are easy to produce and swallow. Tablets are pressed into shape and contain a higher dose in a single pill. They may be challenging to eat and can leave an unpleasant aftertaste. It is a matter of preference.
Check For Additives
Not all companies advertise it, but they may include additives into the supplement for taste, texture, and color. These can interfere with any other medicines you take, and therefore it is best to pick a brand with no additives.
Check Price
NAC supplement prices vary from brand to brand. The variation can be due to many factors such as raw materials sourcing, manufacturing location, practices, additives, etc. Therefore, it is suggested that you look at all other features before comparing prices. If you know someone who has already used a specific brand that is economical, you can go ahead with it. When taking the supplement on prescription, ask your GP to recommend the brand as it may exacerbate any pre-existing conditions.
Final Thought
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a semi-essential amino acid L-cysteine. While the body produces a little, the rest of the requirement needs to be met externally. Food may not provide the daily recommended dosage and, therefore, the need for NAC supplement arises. It can be challenging to pick one with so many brands out there. This guide can help you make the decision.