Why is the FDA trying to ban NAC?

The FDA claims that there’s no evidence that NAC was used as a supplement prior to its use as a drug – so including NAC in a supplement makes the product an unapproved drug and thus illegal.

Why is NAC being taken off the market?

FDA last year asserted in warning letters that NAC couldn’t be lawfully marketed in dietary supplements because it was first studied as a drug in 1963. The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) made legal arguments challenging the agency’s position in a 2020 letter to FDA.

What is NAC supplement used for?

As a prescription drug, doctors use NAC to treat acetaminophen overdose. It may also help break up mucus in people with some lung diseases, like chronic bronchitis. As a supplement, some people use NAC to try to protect the liver. There’s evidence it can help prevent kidney or neurologic damage caused by some drugs.

When was NAC banned?

The Exclusion Provision Beginning in July 2020, the FDA began issuing warning letters to companies marketing NAC products as hangover cures.

What is NAC supplement?

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of cysteine. Consuming adequate cysteine and NAC is important for a variety of health reasons — including replenishing the most powerful antioxidant in your body, glutathione. These amino acids also help with chronic respiratory conditions, fertility and brain health.

Does NAC raise blood pressure?

Studies using dietary supplementation of the cysteine analogue N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have shown that, overall, it prevents or attenuates increased blood pressure in animal models of hypertension (22–33).

When should you take NAC supplement?

Doses of up to 1,200 mg per day (generally taken in divided doses) have been used safely in adults. However, as a rule of thumb, never take more than the recommended dosage listed on the product label. Single amino acid supplements, like NAC, are best taken on an empty stomach.