Should I supplement with NAC?
Recently I have been following various podcasts on Youtube by Lex Fridman, one particular podcast that struck me was an interview with the American Entrepreneur Bryan Johnson who is “The most measured human in history” who managed to develop Blueprint. One particular supplement that seems to show potential antiaging benefits, when combined with a fit and healthy lifestyle is NAC.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement that has been gaining popularity in recent years for its potential anti-aging properties. NAC is a form of the amino acid cysteine and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is commonly used to treat various health conditions such as respiratory issues and liver damage. However, there is growing evidence that suggests NAC may also have anti-aging benefits.
WHAT IS AGING?
Aging in biology refers to the gradual decline in physiological functions that occurs as an organism grows older. It is a complex process that is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Aging is characterized by a decline in various biological processes, including cellular metabolism, immune function, and tissue repair. These changes can lead to a higher risk of developing age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
At the cellular level, aging is associated with several changes. These include an increase in oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and a decline in autophagy (the process by which cells remove damaged organelles and proteins).
Environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and exposure to toxins also play a role in the rate of aging. Current research is still ongoing and how lifestyle may impact aging. A digital entrepreneur Bryan Johnson has been trying to reverse his age by the use of a particular lifestyle intervention that modifies the type of food intake and exercise in his program called BLUEPRINT (all his blood data can be found freely on this site).
Although not all supplements seem to have biological effect, some supplements are becoming promising in certain antiaging domains.
NAC and its effects on aging
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement that is derived from the amino acid cysteine. It has been used for many years as a mucolytic agent to help break up mucus in the respiratory tract in individuals with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis.
NAC has also been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may contribute to its potential anti-aging effects.
One study published in the journal Aging Cell in 2018 found that NAC supplementation increased the lifespan of roundworms (C. elegans) by up to 30%. The researchers also noted that NAC improved the health of the worms, reducing age-related declines in mobility and mitochondrial function. The study’s authors concluded that NAC may be a promising anti-aging supplement for humans.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2019 investigated the effects of NAC on cognitive function in older adults. The study involved 60 participants over the age of 60 who were given either NAC or a placebo for six months. The results showed that those who took NAC had significantly improved cognitive function compared to the placebo group. The researchers noted that NAC may be a useful supplement for preventing age-related cognitive decline.
The potential anti-aging effects of NAC are likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, NAC may help to protect cellular components from damage, improve cellular function, and delay age-related declines in physiological processes.
IS NAC ALONE THE SOLUTION TO AGEING ?
While N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may have potential anti-aging effects on its own, it is important to note that it is not a magic solution to aging. Making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress, are also important for reducing the effects of aging.
NAC can be used in conjunction with these lifestyle changes to provide additional support for healthy aging. For example, NAC has been found to help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, both of which are key factors that contribute to the aging process. By reducing oxidative stress, NAC may help to protect cells and tissues from damage and delay age-related declines in physiological processes.
Exercise is another important factor in healthy aging, and NAC may have benefits in this area as well. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Physiology found that NAC supplementation improved muscle function and reduced muscle fatigue in older adults. This suggests that NAC may help to improve exercise performance in older adults, which can contribute to better overall health and reduced risk of age-related diseases.
Reducing stress is also important for healthy aging, as chronic stress can lead to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. NAC has been found to have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects, which may help to reduce stress levels and promote better mental health.
NAC in combination with other supplements
While NAC can be effective on its own, combining it with other supplements can further support healthy aging.
One supplement that can complement NAC’s anti-aging effects is vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. It can also regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin E, which can enhance the antioxidant effects of NAC.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is another supplement that can support healthy aging when combined with NAC. CoQ10 is a key component of the electron transport chain in mitochondria, which is responsible for generating energy within cells. CoQ10 levels decline with age, and supplementing with CoQ10 can help to support mitochondrial function and reduce age-related declines in energy metabolism.
Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes, red wine, and some berries, is also a supplement that can complement NAC’s anti-aging effects. Resveratrol has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and may help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can also support healthy aging when combined with NAC. Alpha-lipoic acid can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, and it also helps to regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione, which can further enhance the antioxidant effects of NAC.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are important for brain and heart health. They also have anti-inflammatory effects, and may help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Combining omega-3 fatty acids with NAC can further support healthy aging.
It is important to note that combining supplements should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. While these supplements may have potential benefits for healthy aging, they can also interact with medications and may have side effects in some individuals. A healthcare professional can help to determine the appropriate dosages and combinations of supplements based on individual needs and health status.
To conclude
In summary, NAC can be a helpful supplement for supporting healthy aging when used in conjunction with other lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or making significant lifestyle changes.
The duration and dosing when using supplements should always be kept within normal limits and overdoing it might have negative side effects on health.
references
- Zuo L, et al. N-acetylcysteine attenuates age-associated arterial stiffness in mice. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2014;69(12):1477-1485.
- Yan LJ. Positive oxidative stress in aging and aging-related disease tolerance. Redox Biol. 2014;2:165-169.
- Gao L, et al. N-acetylcysteine supplementation restores methylglyoxal-induced impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis pathway in endothelial cells. Free Radic Biol Med. 2014;67:21-30.
- Kweon MH, et al. N-acetyl-L-cysteine suppresses TGF-β1-induced cellular senescence in human primary alveolar type II cells. Respir Res. 2018;19(1):107.
- Hasegawa S, et al. N-acetylcysteine suppresses age-related arterial medial elastocalcinosis in Fischer 344 rats. Mech Ageing Dev. 2014;141-142:43-51.
- Xu X, et al. N-acetylcysteine improves age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6J mice. Neurosci Lett. 2018;665:48-54.