With so many different supplements out on the market right now, it’s only right to question if you can take a certain one with another. Some of the internet’s most asked supplement-specific questions often regard if you can:
- Take x and y together
- Should you take x/y on an empty stomach or with a meal
- How much water should I drink with x/y when I take it?
- And what time of day should I take x/y for it to be most effective?
Though a lot of the time these questions can be answered with a quick search, some require a bit more nuance and research. Take for instance the topic of today’s query: can you take NMN and NAC together?
Right off the bat we want to take away the misconception that NMN and NAC are the same thing, they aren’t, but they each hold properties pertaining to keeping your body strong and healthy. But what are they and how exactly do they help? We’re here to answer all of your questions and more so you can confidently know all about the effects of NMN, NAC, and taking them together.
- What is NAC and NMN?
- What’s the difference between NAC and NMN?
- Can you take NAC and NMN together?
- Where can you get NAC and NMN supplements
Dr. Emil knows that everyone’s body is different, what works for some, may not work for others. It’s all about finding the right balance for you. So keep that in mind as you read on about NAC and NMN supplements and how it affects the body.
What is NAC and NNN?
Let’s take this in twos, starting first with NAC:
NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) is a modified form of the amino acid L-cysteine, and is a precursor to glutathione (an antioxidant) which is one of the body's main fighting forces in the immune system. Glutathione helps “repair cells damaged by pollution, stress and other harmful influences and is undeniably important.”
Another particularly live-saving benefit to NAC is its strong ability to support your liver and respiratory system. In fact, NAC is used as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose. NAC supplements along with ALCAR (Acetyl-L-carnitine) and Theanine are often used with those who are going through addiction recovery. We’ve looked in the past about how certain “studies show these three amino acids can help reduce drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms and cravings.”
And for those with respiratory problems like bronchitis (or moderate to severe seasonal allergies), NAC can reduce inflammation in the airways. It’s taking all of that yucky mucus in your lungs and, well, liquifying it. Although more studies need to be done to determine whether taking a NAC supplement can say for certain it helps with chronic lung diseases.
NAC is one of your body’s many protectors, it boosts antioxidant levels and can greatly benefit the liver and lungs, as well as cell production.
Alright, next up is NMN:
Longevity is a key word searched by many who are looking to extend their lives, and many will see the name: NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) supplements come up as a “solution” to longevity. What NMN does is help provide power to your cells, repair them, and keep your metabolism up as all three of these functions tend to decline the older you get.
NMN helps your body make NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) which is a molecule, particularly a cellular coenzyme, that is a part of the process of cell production, growth, DNA repair, and metabolism. NAD+ levels decline by 40-50% by the age of 50, which makes taking a NMN supplement a particularly enticing option for those looking to slow this decline.
Think of NMN as the prologue in a book, it’s essential to the main story, in this case that story is NAD+.
NMN contributes to NAD+ which keeps our cells on the up and up, and is a promising start to real lasting longevity amongst the general populace.
What’s the difference between NAC and NMN?
Now that we know what NAC and NMN do for the body, we can take a look at what their main differences are so we can get a feel of how they can directly affect you.
The two main words we’re going to be referencing a lot moving forward both in the technical term and broadly when detailing the effects of each are detoxification and longevity.
When we learned what NAC and NMN does for the body, these two things were the main descriptors of their functions. N-acetyl-L-cysteine is detoxing the body of harmful stuff, it is a moving part in forming glutathione, which if we’re comparing it to anything, think of Captain America boosting up Black Widow in ‘The Avengers’ so she can kick some alien butt. Steve is NAC and Natasha is glutathione in this equation. While NMN is all about building the coenzyme NAD+ which plays into our cell production, amongst other things.
NAC = detoxification
NMN = promoting longevity
There isn’t a “one is better than the other” in this manner because although their names sound similar, they each are targeting and helping different things in the body. NAC is great for those in need of extra immune support and for those who are told by their doctor to take it. While NMN is great for those looking to increase their longevity and give some extra strength to their NAD+ levels.
NAC helps make more of the antioxidant glutathione, which can in turn get rid of cell-damaging free radicals. As well as the possibility of being “able to prevent liver or kidney damage if you get treatment within eight to 10 hours of acetaminophen poisoning.”
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide has been seen to help muscular ameliorating, which is one of the biggest factors of aging, from taking the supplements over a course of 6-12 weeks. More studies need to be done to see the full effects on what can potentially be gained through taking these supplements on the regular, especially for those taking it to improve their longevity.
Can you take NAC and NMN together?
We know the science, we know what NAC and NMN can do for the body, now we get to the main question: can you take NAC and NMN together?
The short answer: Yes you can take NAC and NMN together.
The longer answer you’re looking for: There are currently no known negatives to taking NAC and NMN together. If you are taking NMN supplements, which boosts cell production along with a few other benefits, then those cells might need more support which can be where a NAC supplement can come in to help. There have been many people who actually take them as a duo.
We do think that NAC supplements are best for a “if needed” supplement rather than one to take on the daily for strength-building support like NMN. NAC supplements are great for those whose immune systems are in need of extra help, they don’t necessarily need to be taken regularly. Whereas it’s been found that NMN supplements “has increased NAD+ biosynthesis, suppressed age-related adipose tissue inflammation, enhanced insulin secretion and insulin action, improved mitochondrial function, improved neuronal function in the brain, and more.”
Though keep in mind data is relatively limited regarding NMN supplements, as no large and long-scale clinical studies have been done to monitor any possible positive and/or adverse effects occurring; but what has been done so far has been promising.
Where can you get NAC and NMN supplements
It is important for anyone who’s considering taking any kind of supplement or vitamin, not just NAC and NMN, to talk to your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional. Even more so if you are already taking a medication that could directly influence said supplement. By consulting a professional they can take in account current or future blood tests and give you the best advice on dosages tailored to your specific needs.
Dr. Emil Nutrition
Dr. Emil Nutrition has the Healthy Aging & Weight Loss / Sleep Bundle which features thirty 400mg capsules of NMN which we know from our mini info breakdown, helps boost NAD+ levels.
There are other benefits that we didn’t get too far into that include: an increase in energy levels, suppression of age-associated weight gain, support of a healthy metabolism and regulation of glucose metabolism, and it can lower the levels of inflammation which all come with aging.
Also with the NMN supplements is Bedtime Burn Elite which contains Green Tea Extract, Grains of Paradise, CLA Oil Powder, and more. These ingredients are all known for their metabolism-boosting, fat-burning qualities, and promotes better sleeping habits as it can help calm the mind and body.
Taking them on an empty stomach in the morning is the best way to absorb this supplement to make sure you’re utilizing its full effects.
Dr. Emil Nutrition has been featured in acclaimed news and health publications organizations like CNN, The Guardian, and Men’s Health, and has had countless testimonials backing the quality of his products. Using his both medicine and Sports + Exercise Science degrees, his knowledge has led him to create a space that makes holistic health and happiness accessible for not just select persons, but everyone.
Nutricost
Nutricost is an online retailer for a myriad of supplements including NAC. Best known to supplement-enthusiasts as a great “budget option” for those looking to partake but not looking to spend a lot. The Nutricost N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) Capsules comes with 120 capsules measured out at 600mg per serving- (also available is 30 capsules, 180 capsules and 240 capsules). This is a Vegan, Non-GMO & Gluten Free product tested by third parties.
Other ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose) capsule, rice flour, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), stearic acid (vegetable source).
Quick Supplement Questions:
Should I take NAC and/or NMN on an empty or full stomach?
You should take both NAC and NMN on an empty stomach to feel its full effects. NAC is best absorbed half an hour before eating a meal, and NMN is water-soluble which means you can take it empty or full, but empty is recommended.
What time of day should I take NAC and/or NMN supplements?
NAC supplements can be taken at any time of the day, but many say the morning is best, since you just slept and haven’t eaten in a while. It will best inline with peak metabolic activity and you’ll feel its effects more throughout your day.
It’s been said to take NMN supplements in the morning/midday, especially if you are taking it as an “energy booster” and want to indulge in all of its effects.
Can you take NAC and NMN together?
Yes you can absolutely take NAC and NMN supplements together. Some swear-by taking the two of these two specifically together for more noticeable effects, but there hasn’t been conclusive research done to prove that factoid for certain.
As of right now current research and tests prove it is safe to consume both of these supplements together. Although it isn’t necessarily needed to take NAC supplements as often as one might take NMN supplements (unless otherwise directed by a doctor or healthcare professional), you can pair these together to possibly strengthen not only your immune system, liver, and kidneys, but your cell production, DNA repair, and metabolism as well.
