How much NAC is safe per day

Posted by formergardener @formergardener, May 28, 2023

Hello. I read that NAC can protect the hair cells inside the air from damage done by some of the MAC meds. I also read about its protective effect on the liver and kidneys.

My question is how much is recommended for protection? I have been using 600 mg at night because it helps to thin mucus and is said to help battle mycobacterium avium.

Have any of you had personal experience with the effects from NAC?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Profile picture for terrimn @terrimn

@sueinmn Hi Sue, Can you please tell me what brand of NAC you use? Just saw my ID doc at UMN and he was very supportive of my decision to use it for bronchial support. I'll need to time it around the Big 3, but thankfully I choose to be flexible on my journey to beat down my MAI. Thank
you very much, Terri

Jump to this post

@terrimn I have used the NOW Brand, but was unhappy with the last order - was very close to use by date when purchased. Not using it now, but when I do, it will come from the supplement section at our local Co-op, where products move quickly and they are picky about the products.

REPLY
Profile picture for terrimn @terrimn

@sueinmn Hi Sue, Can you please tell me what brand of NAC you use? Just saw my ID doc at UMN and he was very supportive of my decision to use it for bronchial support. I'll need to time it around the Big 3, but thankfully I choose to be flexible on my journey to beat down my MAI. Thank
you very much, Terri

Jump to this post

@terrimn I purchase mine online from Swanson Vitamins. I'm very happy with the quality.
https://www.swansonvitamins.com/p/swanson-premium-nac-n-acetyl-cysteine-600-mg-100-caps

REPLY

When I could not source from Jarrow due to some FDA change a few years back, Jarrow referred me to Life Extension. I purchase other supplements from them also and have been very happy with quality and service.
https://www.lifeextension.com/search

REPLY
Profile picture for sadair20 @sadair20

@sadair20
Yes. For me it works like aspirin for migraines but without any of the side effects. It used to be prescribed to reduce oral inflammation. It was made from silkworm bacteria, but now is produced from algae. It's been around a long time, first as prescription only. I think it might be underrated as a safer anti-inflammatory than popular NSAIDS, probably because research results have not been steller (it might have a mild effect) and there is no money in it. It is worth trying in place of NSAIDS. and best if taken on an empty stomach.

REPLY
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

I had not heard of this, and the link you provided was interesting, so I jumped to my go-to source Google Scholar, and found this extensive 2020 article from the NIH - National Library of Medicine - originally from Biotechnology Reports, a self-publishing journal. Most of the authors are affiliated with the pharmaceutical company which manufactures the product.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7585045/
I found a lot of other articles too which talked about anti-inflammatory effects of the enzyme, potential anti-mucolytic effects, and possible anti-biofilm properties. There are also cautions regarding use with blood thinners, NSAIDs, asthma, etc.

So as with all supplements, be sure to check with (all) health care providers before starting, and buy from a reputable source.
Sue

Jump to this post

@sueinmn Hi Sue I am trying to find information on Serrapeptase as well. I’ve heard great things about it but then found out it is made from the bacteria Serratia marcescens which is the same bacteria they have found that’s causing my sinus infections. I also have CVID and bronchiectasis. I didn’t start using the Serrapeptase until after diagnosed but I was wondering if it was safe.

REPLY
Profile picture for tree1964 @tree1964

@sueinmn Hi Sue I am trying to find information on Serrapeptase as well. I’ve heard great things about it but then found out it is made from the bacteria Serratia marcescens which is the same bacteria they have found that’s causing my sinus infections. I also have CVID and bronchiectasis. I didn’t start using the Serrapeptase until after diagnosed but I was wondering if it was safe.

Jump to this post

@tree1964 I use a bromelain supplement. It is specially coated, so that it is not active in the stomach as a digestive aid. It works further down in the GI tract.

Studies show it has effectiveness in inflammation. It is good for sinus inflammation, joints, GI, and lung inflammation. Do some reading on it to decide if it is something you might like to try. I use the Life Extension brand and order from their website.

REPLY
Profile picture for formergardener @formergardener

@tree1964 I use a bromelain supplement. It is specially coated, so that it is not active in the stomach as a digestive aid. It works further down in the GI tract.

Studies show it has effectiveness in inflammation. It is good for sinus inflammation, joints, GI, and lung inflammation. Do some reading on it to decide if it is something you might like to try. I use the Life Extension brand and order from their website.

Jump to this post

@formergardener Yes thank you I was looking into that one as well. Do you take it on an empty stomach as well?

REPLY

@tree1964, yes, the bottle advises to take on an empty stomach. It is also advised to take NAC on an empty stomach.

REPLY
Profile picture for terrimn @terrimn

@sueinmn Hi Sue, Can you please tell me what brand of NAC you use? Just saw my ID doc at UMN and he was very supportive of my decision to use it for bronchial support. I'll need to time it around the Big 3, but thankfully I choose to be flexible on my journey to beat down my MAI. Thank
you very much, Terri

Jump to this post

@terrimn I use allergy research products. They are free of any substances except for the supplement you need!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.