Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) has garnered some scientific interest as a potential adjunctive treatment for anxiety disorders, although the evidence base is still emerging and not robust. NAC is a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione and has been studied primarily for its effects on oxidative stress and glutamate modulation in the brain. Several small clinical trials and animal studies suggest that NAC may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, possibly by modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission and reducing oxidative stress, both of which are implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders.

For example, open-label studies and a few controlled trials have explored NAC’s efficacy in conditions where anxiety symptoms are prevalent, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trichotillomania, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some of these studies have shown modest reductions in anxiety symptoms, often as a secondary outcome, but results are inconsistent and sample sizes are often small. A handful of systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that while NAC may have some benefit, the quality of evidence is low, and more rigorous, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence suggesting NAC could support anxiety management, the overall strength of evidence is limited (rated 2 out of 5). NAC is not a first-line treatment, and its use for anxiety should be considered experimental pending further research. Always consult a healthcare provider before using NAC for anxiety.

More about N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
More about Anxiety

Other ingredients used for Anxiety

Other health conditions supported by N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

Products containing N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

Metagenics AdvaClear
Metagenics AdvaClear
Designs For Health Amino-D-Tox™
Designs For Health Amino-D-Tox™
Pure Encapsulations AntiOxidant Formula
Pure Encapsulations Athletic Nutrients
Metagenics Axis Endo™ Mango
Metagenics Ceralin® Forte
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics Clear Change Daily Essentials
Designs For Health Detox Antiox™
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Designs For Health Detoxification Support Packets
Pure Encapsulations DIM Detox
Metagenics EstroFactors®
Metagenics GlutaClear®
Designs For Health Hepatatone Plus™
Pure Encapsulations Hist Reset
Pure Encapsulations HM Complex
Pure Encapsulations HM Complex
Metagenics Immune Active
Metagenics Immune Defense Pack
Integrative Therapeutics K-PAX MitoNutrients
Pure Encapsulations Lithium Orotate 5 mg
Pure Encapsulations Lithium Orotate 5 mg
Pure Encapsulations Liver G.I. Detox
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations Macular Support Formula
Pure Encapsulations Macular Support Formula
Designs For Health Metal-X-Synergy™
Metagenics MethylCare
Pure Encapsulations Mitochondria-ATP
Integrative Therapeutics Multiplex-1 No-Iron
Designs For Health N-Acetyl-Cysteine
Integrative Therapeutics NAC
Thorne NAC
Pure Encapsulations NAC+ Glycine Powder
Douglas Laboratories NAC (N-ACETYL CYSTEINE) 600 mg
Douglas Laboratories NAC (N-ACETYL CYSTEINE) 900 mg
Pure Encapsulations NAC (N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine) 600 mg
Pure Encapsulations NAC (n-acetyl-l-cysteine) 600 mg
Pure Encapsulations NAC (N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine) 600 mg
Pure Encapsulations NAC (N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine) 900 mg
Pure Encapsulations NAC (N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine) 900 mg
Pure Encapsulations Nutrient 950® with NAC
Designs For Health OcuForce™
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™ Detox Program
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™Chocolate Detox Kit
Designs For Health Plant Protein Cleanse
Designs For Health Plant Protein Cleanse Plus™ 570g
Pure Encapsulations Polyphenol Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations Polyphenol Nutrients
Designs For Health Pulmonary Revive™
Pure Encapsulations PureDefense with NAC
Pure Encapsulations PureDefense with NAC
Pure Encapsulations PureGenomics® UltraMultivitamin
Metagenics Renagen™ DTX
Designs For Health S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy
Metagenics Sinuplex®
Vitabase Super Antioxidant Formula
Pure Encapsulations Th2 Modulator
Metagenics Trancor®
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive® X
Metagenics UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Chai
Metagenics UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Vanilla