NAC adverse effects [POLL, multiple votes allowed]

[pamojja]

Intuitively, I would take liver-supporting supplements too.

Perplexity.ai has this at hand:

Spoiler: Common Unwanted Side Effects of NAC Supplementation

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is generally considered safe for most people when used at recommended doses, but it can cause several unwanted side effects, particularly if co-factor nutrients are missing.
Typical Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, and upset stomach are the most frequently reported12345679.
• Skin reactions: rash, itching, eye irritation, and skin swelling1345.
• Fatigue and headache16.
• Unpleasant odor and taste: due to its sulfur content, NAC smells like rotten eggs, which can contribute to nausea and vomiting579.
• Allergic reactions: rare but can include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and, in very rare cases, anaphylactic shock1345.
• Respiratory issues: may worsen asthma symptoms or cause wheezing and chest tightness, especially when inhaled169.

Serious but Rare Side Effects:

• Low blood pressure and flushing135.
• Increased risk of bleeding: NAC can slow blood clotting, which may be problematic for those with bleeding disorders or on blood-thinning medications19.
• Anhedonia (loss of pleasure): some anecdotal reports suggest high doses may cause apathy or reduced enjoyment of activities1011.

Risks When Co-Factor Nutrients Are Missing​

NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a critical antioxidant. For optimal glutathione synthesis, the body also requires other amino acids (notably glycine and glutamate) and trace minerals such as zinc and copper. If these co-factors are lacking, several issues may arise:

• Depletion of Glycine: High doses of NAC can increase demand for glycine, potentially leading to a deficiency and negative consequences, such as neurological symptoms or impaired glutathione production8.
• Trace Mineral Imbalance: NAC supplementation may deplete zinc and copper, which are essential for antioxidant enzyme function and overall health. This is why some experts recommend taking a multivitamin or supplementing with these minerals alongside NAC, especially with long-term use610.
• Reduced Effectiveness: Without adequate co-factors, the benefits of NAC (mainly via glutathione synthesis) may be limited, and side effects could be more pronounced86.

"Many people recommend supplemental zinc, copper and other trace minerals as well as taking two to three times the typical amount of vitamin C. These recommendations are based on people taking NAC over an 'extended period'..."6

Summary Table: Common Side Effects and Co-Factor Considerations​

Side Effect	Frequency	Worsened by Missing Co-Factors?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea	Common	Possibly
Skin rash, itching	Occasionally	No direct link
Fatigue, headache	Sometimes	Possibly
Anhedonia, apathy	Anecdotal	Possibly (glycine depletion)
Allergic reactions	Rare	No direct link
Bleeding risk	Rare	No direct link
Trace mineral depletion	With long-term use	Yes (zinc, copper)

Recommendations​

• Consider supplementing with glycine, zinc, copper, and vitamin C if using NAC long-term or at higher doses6810.
• Monitor for side effects, especially gastrointestinal and allergic reactions.
• Consult a healthcare provider before starting NAC, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications136.

In summary, while NAC is generally safe, missing co-factor nutrients can increase the risk of unwanted side effects and reduce its effectiveness. Supplementing with appropriate vitamins and minerals may help mitigate these risks6810.

1. Spoiler: Citations

   1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-nac
   2. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1018/n-acetyl-cysteine-nac
   3. https://www.drugs.com/sfx/nac-side-effects.html
   4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327219
   5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8234027/
   6. https://www.bfrb.org/post/n-acetylcysteine-for-hair-pulling-skin-picking-and-nail-biting
   7. https://examine.com/supplements/n-acetylcysteine/
   8. https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/17b59kq
   9. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-n-acetylcysteine-89416
   10. https://www.reddit.com/r/Supplements/comments/1auin7v
   11. https://rcm.mums.ac.ir/article_16843.html

   [*]

One easily forgets, how important vitamin C is in the regeneration of Glutathione. Especially after NAC increased it, and the bodies sudden higher use of this much needed molecule suddenly leaves less than initially available.

Antioxidant regeneration. Central building-block in the redox-chain of vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzym Q10 and lipoic acid and/or glutathione, Regeneration of glutathion-disulfide into glutathione.

Detoxification and excretion of drugs and chemicals. Ascorbic acid helps maintain the enzyme systems in the liver that detoxify and excrete drugs and toxic environmental chemicals (such as pesticides and heavy metals). Detoxification of xenobiotika (synthesis/anti-oxidative protection of CYP 450) in the liver, excretion of toxins.

 

[bad1080]

Make sure it is the right clays - I can give you links to trusted products if you like.

i am in germany so i have to buy what's available here or what i can import through iherb

 

[bad1080]

Intuitively, I would take liver-supporting supplements too.

i hope the milk thistle i ordered gets here soon...

 

[pamojja]

Life Force from Source Naturals is an excellent multi at a very good price.

I wouldn't start with such a high dose multi with so many plants extract. The variables are getting just too many. Also, invariably, for one's individual needs, one would get too much of some in the long term. Examples here for me: Folic acid, iron, manganese, beta-carotene.

i am in germany so i have to buy what's available here or what i can import through iherb

Though iherb would carry it. I usually take just one of LEFs Two-per-day tablet, also available there. And individually add up nutrients in higher need, as the B-vitamins for me. Sunday.de too, adds too much initially unneeded ingredients in their multi, but does have a large palette of all individual nutrients.

 

[bad1080]

Though iherb would carry it.

i looked at it and 36bucks for a month and a half is too rich for my taste

 

[pamojja]

i looked at it and 36bucks for a month and a half is too rich for my taste

https://at.iherb.com/pr/life-extension-two-per-day-multivitamin-v2-120-tablets/137715 - 19,- $, for 2 months, if taken as one-per-day only.

Note: doesn't has any copper and too little zinc. Which is perfect for me, since I couldn't get high serum copper down. or relatively low serum zinc up. Even with in average of 52 mg/d of zinc for 16 years.

 

[pamojja]

Also always consider, with NAC too:

I made the experience that it is always more efficient and safe to start with the lowest possible dose of a new supplement, then increase gradually over months and years. And better start with one agent at a time.

• You could catch an always possible allergic reaction early on, and not as severe as at full dose. Which also could come from other ingredients in a supplement. And are able to rectify the offender right away.
• You will know at exactly which dose what effect to expect. There could be a marked U-curve response, and sometimes more is not better. If it still would be, you'll find the exact effective dose eventually. And don't waste your money.
• Increasing one nutrient to high dose will invariably increase the need for others involved with the same metabolic pathway. By increasing slowly you'll catch them early on, were they are still easier to correct.
• Supplementing with many chronic diseases and biochemical-individuality is a life-long project. You don't take the pills and you're done. You probably will adjust it for the rest of your life. Because specific deficiencies will have improved, and other worsened. So take your time to find the most effective protocol for your preconditions and situation.

While doing actual lab-tests to see critical nutrients stay in range, ie. serum 25(OH)D, ferritin, retinol and retinol binding protein, copper, selenium, electrolytes, .. additional to regular tests like CBC, kidney and liver functions, hormones, etc.

Even such a multi like Two-per-day should be trialed at lowest possible doses for some days. By testing only crumbs broken off the tablets first.

 

[Violeta]

https://at.iherb.com/pr/life-extension-two-per-day-multivitamin-v2-120-tablets/137715 - 19,- $, for 2 months, if taken as one-per-day only.

Note: doesn't has any copper and too little zinc. Which is perfect for me, since I couldn't get high serum copper down. or relatively low serum zinc up. Even with in average of 52 mg/d of zinc for 16 years.

That's a very nice multi, pamojja.

 

[Wishful]

Reading about biofilms, I failed to consider they can be beneficial. Good biofilm. Bad biofilm.

That's all too common with theoretical treatments. Treatment X does <whatever biological pathway>, which sounds like it might help, but it also does thousands of other things in the body, which might not be helpful for whatever you're trying to treat. Those thousands of other things result in other chemicals that might have thousands of other effects of their own. We all have to experiment on ourselves to figure out what works--and what doesn't work--for us.

 

[Rufous McKinney]

binders bind the toxins for safe removal.

How do you deploy binders? Any handy tips?

 

[Rufous McKinney]

if taken as one-per-day only.

I consistently take One of my Two Per Day vitamins, also.

 

[Rufous McKinney]

which sounds like it might help,

I was told the proteolytic enzymes will go "clear out" "bad stuff" or "unnecessary stuff" and "clean up" in some highly selective fashion. These enzymes are really smart!

Later on , thinking about that further, I decided I rather "doubt" the enzymes are THAT smart.

 

[bad1080]

How do you deploy binders? Any handy tips?

i take the clay orally (it's available in capsules too) but maybe i misunderstood the question

 

[pamojja]

How do you deploy binders? Any handy tips?

Binder bind not only toxins, but can bind nutrients too. Therefore, I take them preferably on emptied stomach, at least 20 minutes before meals.

 

[Rufous McKinney]

Therefore, I take them preferably on emptied stomach, at least 20 minutes before meals.

i take the clay orally

I seem to be hung up on the entire binder concept:

1) assuming you've ingested something that in the body, starts up a detox situation

2) then WHEN would be the appropriate time to follow up that action with a binder?


Probably the answer is we have no idea. Therefore, all we can do is take it on an empty stomach, cross fingers.

the other issue is: I have a hard time believing binders do not simply absorb the first items they run into...(presumably thats in the stomach). Why do we think the binder is then going to get busy in the lower colon?

 

[bad1080]

WHEN would be the appropriate time to follow up that action with a binder?

at the latest when you get the side-effects and ideally some time before that (T-30mins or so would be my guess)

 

[pamojja]

Different binders come with different binding activity. By perplexity.ai

Supplemental Binders for Toxins in the Intestinal Tract​

A variety of supplemental binders are used to capture and eliminate toxins from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These binders work by attracting and binding to toxins, preventing their reabsorption and facilitating their removal from the body.
Common Supplemental Binders:

• Activated Charcoal
  Binds a broad range of toxins including mycotoxins, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and bacterial endotoxins (LPS)2457.
• Bentonite Clay (and other clays like Zeolite, Montmorillonite/Novasil)
  Effective at binding aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), and other mold toxins24567.
• Chitosan
  Binds to bile and associated toxins, including heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalates, and BPA. Also supports beneficial gut bacteria27.
• Modified Citrus Pectin
  Binds mercury and other heavy metals, aiding their elimination without disturbing essential minerals2.
• Chlorella
  A green algae that can bind heavy metals and certain toxins5.
• Glucomannan
  A water-soluble fiber from konjac root, binds aflatoxin, OTA, zearalenone, and Toxin T-24.
• Prescription Bile Acid Sequestrants
  • Cholestyramine and Colesevelam (Welchol): Bind bile in the GI tract, aiding in the removal of toxin-laden bile, especially effective for ochratoxin A (OTA)4.
• Probiotic Binders
  • Certain strains of Lactobacillus (e.g., L. pentosus, L. beveris, L. plantarum C88) and Saccharomyces (e.g., S. cerevisiae, S. boulardii) can bind mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, zearalenone, OTA, and gliotoxin1.
• Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS)
  Prebiotics derived from yeast cell walls, can bind certain mycotoxins1.
• IMD Intestinal Cleanse (Thiol-functionalized Silica)
  Proprietary silica-based binder for mercury and other heavy metals7.
• Acacia Gum (Gum Arabic)
  Supports gut health and may assist in binding toxins as part of multi-ingredient blends27.
• Aloe Vera
  Included in some binder blends for its soothing effect on the GI mucosa and to minimize side effects27.

Summary Table

Binder Type	Example Toxins Bound
Activated Charcoal	Mycotoxins, LPS, pesticides, heavy metals
Bentonite/Zeolite Clay	Aflatoxins, OTA, mold toxins
Chitosan	Heavy metals, PCBs, phthalates, BPA
Modified Citrus Pectin	Mercury, heavy metals
Chlorella	Heavy metals, various toxins
Glucomannan	Aflatoxins, OTA, zearalenone, Toxin T-2
Cholestyramine/Welchol	Bile-bound toxins, OTA
Probiotic Binders	Mycotoxins (aflatoxins, OTA, zearalenone)
MOS	Mycotoxins
IMD (Silica)	Mercury, heavy metals
Acacia Gum	Supports gut, may bind toxins in blends
Aloe Vera	Soothes gut, included in blends

Spoiler: Note

Note: These binders are often combined in multi-ingredient supplements for broader toxin coverage 257. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any detoxification protocol, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

1. https://rhealthc.com/restoration-healthcare-recommends/toxin-binders-in-the-detox-process/
2. https://www.lifeextensioneurope.com/eu-ultra-binder
3. https://jilldumas.com/binder-supplements/
4. https://mosaicdx.com/resource/8-binders-for-mycotoxins/
5. https://restorativehealthclinic.com/product/binder-blend-binding-detoxification-supplement/
6. https://cellcore.com/blogs/articles/9-old-school-toxin-binders-plus-meet-a-better-binder
7. https://www.quicksilverscientific.com/products/ultra-binder-r-2
8. https://annamarsh.co.uk/binders-and-mold-illness/

Activated charcoal, for example, against Montezuma's revenge too.

Many commonly used binders (such as activated charcoal, clays, and zeolites) can adsorb not only toxins but also essential nutrients like vitamins (especially B vitamins and vitamin E) and amino acids, as shown in multiple in vitro studies
.
However, the degree to which binders affect nutrient absorption varies:

• Some binders show high affinity for certain vitamins and amino acids, while having little to no effect on others
• For example, bentonite and montmorillonite clays can bind vitamins E, B1, B2, B6, and amino acids like lysine and methionine, but show low or no binding for vitamins A, D, and B3
• Some binders, such as hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS), have been shown in animal studies not to bind certain vitamins and minerals, suggesting some selectivity is possible

Therefore, better as far away from meals as possible.

Why do we think the binder is then going to get busy in the lower colon?

Perplexity.ai again:

When toxin binders are taken on an empty stomach, their greatest binding action generally unfolds in the upper digestive tract—primarily the stomach and the proximal (upper) part of the small intestine. This is because most toxins, such as mycotoxins, are rapidly absorbed in these regions, making early binding crucial to prevent their entry into the bloodstream 257..

However, the effectiveness of different binders can depend on the local pH and specific chemical interactions. For example, the acidic environment of the stomach can reduce the ionization and adsorption capacity of some binders (like certain clays), while the more neutral to alkaline pH of the small intestine can increase their binding potential1. Therefore, although binding starts in the stomach, many binders reach their peak adsorption capacity in the small intestine, where both the environment and the presence of toxins favor effective binding 17.

In summary, the upper GI tract—stomach and especially the proximal small intestine—is where most supplemental binders act to capture toxins when taken on an empty stomach 257.

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9685567/
2. https://www.allaboutfeed.net/specials/selecting-the-most-effective-toxin-binder/
3. https://rhealthc.com/restoration-healthcare-recommends/toxin-binders-in-the-detox-process/
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030220300928
5. https://ew-nutrition.com/a-complex-battlefield-mycotoxins-in-the-gastrointestinal-tract/
6. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/16/5/205
7. https://www.bionte.com/en/mycotoxin-biosorbents-alternative-in-the-mycotoxins-control/
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6115947/

The idea is to mob as many toxins present in the upper digestive tract, where most is absorbed and reabsorbed, as possible. The rest the liver takes care of, with lower working load.

 

[Wishful]

Why do we think the binder is then going to get busy in the lower colon?

They're at least as smart as enzymes? At least the ones in ads. Maybe even as smart and impressive looking as Scrubbing Bubbles!


Are we really sure that these binders aren't also binding important chemicals in our gut? I suppose it depends on how much of the toxin is there, relative to whatever beneficial chemicals the binders also remove.

I'm pretty sure it's not as simple as "any toxin binder = better health".

 

[JES]

i am in germany so i have to buy what's available here or what i can import through iherb

I recommend buying from Amazon.de, local shops or within EU when possible. Just much less hassle than having your package go through customs and having to double check every time you buy something that it's not banned in the EU or declared as a medical substance. Also VAT and other charges get added, so it's not even likely any cheaper.

 

[Rufous McKinney]

Different binders come with different binding activity. By perplexity.ai

thanks for posting this.

Most of the studies seem focused on mycotoxins which are contaminating the feed given to livestock we raise for food. Alot of the work is not in situ. So there seems to be some evidence that various types of binders can help reduce mycotoxins showing up in the daily meal.

I guess all we can do is try things and see if they do anything positive. I also wonder about all this bad stuff stored up already.