Skin-picking disorders and nail biting all involve repetitive behaviors that cause functional deterioration and changes in physical appearance. People often try to stop these behaviors, but singular psychotropic drugs present with major side effects due to only targeting symptoms. Many have been looking into more "natural" singular treatments, such as glutamate-modulating agents such as n-acetylcysteine (NAC), which comes from the amino acid cysteine.  One thing researchers neglect is the whole body: the synergisms and antagonists in our daily lives.

The singular substance called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) should not be viewed as a magical supplement as many see others in the heavily commercialized and enigmatic supplement and health industry.  In fact, this supplement is also classified as a medication used in hospitals and doctor offices around the world.  NAC is the primary treatment for emergency room physicians, who administer it to prevent or halt liver damage in cases of acetaminophen poisoning. This is because boosting the body's glutathione levels helps to safeguard the liver, among other benefits.

NAC was initially synthesized in 1965 and patented for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, but that patent has since expired. Nowadays, it is primarily used to treat paracetamol overdoses, for which there is no patent.   NAC medications are effective in clearing mucus from the lungs and airways, making it easier for individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses to breathe. Additionally, NAC supplements have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of mental health disorders like depression, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. Ongoing studies are being conducted to further explore the benefits of NAC in these areas. 

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NAC is often referred to as ‘conditionally essential’ since your body has the ability to synthesize it from other amino acids. NAC serves as a building block precursor for L-cysteine, which in turn leads to the production of glutathione. It plays a key role in neutralizing free radicals, particularly those derived from oxygen. NAC is known for its potent antioxidant properties. It becomes essential only when the dietary intake of methionine and serine is low.

NAC is present in a variety of mundane sustenance sources

Cysteine is present in a wide variety of high protein foods, such as chicken, turkey, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds, and legumes. Ensuring an adequate intake of cysteine and NAC is crucial for a number of health benefits, including replenishing the most powerful antioxidant in your body, glutathione. These amino acids also play a role in supporting chronic respiratory conditions, fertility, and brain health.  A big problem is if you're only isolating NAC from these food sources, how do you know if you're obtaining enough of the cysteine from these food sources and if you need more for your individual constitution? 

The truth is most people still don't realize the significance of individualized measurements and don't know where to turn for such inexpensive concepts.  Most people simply "guess" what they need and they think that's sufficient until an unexpected common cold, dental cavity, or any other health problems show up and never really link the cellular nutritional status of their cells to these and other health problems because they don't obtain measurements.

Benefits of the singular supplement called NAC

Keeping glutathione levels in check is crucial for boosting antioxidants, promoting immune and respiratory well-being, enhancing brain and liver function, and improving the body's ability to detoxify. Glutathione is also essential for male fertility, regulating magnesium levels, and potentially aiding in maintaining healthier homocysteine and blood pressure levels. Due to the depletion of glutathione caused by infections, aging, and various health issues, supplementing with glutathione or NAC could be beneficial for many individuals.

There is also controversy especially in the United States, with the FDA has finding that NAC does not meet the definition of a dietary supplement under section 201 of the FD&C Act, as it was first approved as a new drug before being sold as a dietary supplement or food.

Many would see it as merely very poor reasons  they make are just a cover-up for their political motives, while the pharmaceutical industry's interests lie in economics, which they fiercely protect. The FDA, like an elephant, never forgets. Whether it's something they believe falls under their sole jurisdiction (like tryptophan in the 1970s) or shared jurisdiction (such as GHB in the 1990s, NAC now), they take offense at not being in complete control. They act like the "King George" of federal agencies, proudly asserting their dominance. This has led to numerous questionable, idiotic, or even illegal decisions by the FDA, going against the laws and Constitution of the USA.

One ongoing issue is the violation of the First Amendment, as highlighted by three US Circuit Court decisions. While other agencies might be deterred by such reprimands, the FDA remains unfazed. The rights recognized by the Circuit Court regarding truthful statements from the dietary supplement and drug industries (and more recently, US physicians) are being trampled upon by FDA policies and regulatory threats (such as cease-and-desist letters).

This is the confusing propaganda that misleads us all

There's no such thing as a "balanced diet" & nutrition isn't merely food. Why is that? It's because we're all individuals. Orthomolecular nutrition is the individualized analysis application of the substances within the food which our bodies often do not obtain enough of and are often blocked by antagonists.

The issue at hand is that the FDA has taken a narrow interpretation of the 1994 drug exclusion provision (Section 201) of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which amended the FD&C Act with new regulations for dietary supplements. In essence, a substance that was first approved as a drug or was the subject of substantial public clinical drug studies before being marketed as a dietary supplement or food cannot be used in dietary supplements unless the FDA issues a regulation allowing its use. An example of potential issues is the use of red yeast rice, which naturally contains a substance called "monacolin K," or "lovastatin," that is identical to the active ingredient in the prescription drug "Mevacor," which was approved by the FDA in 1987 for treating high cholesterol levels.

The FDA alleged that the red yeast rice used in the product had been purposefully cultivated to contain high levels of "lovastatin" that, according to the FDA, were higher than the levels found in traditional red yeast rice. Another important issue is that red rice yeast often contains known carcinogenic fungal metabolites, which many companies do not test for, and is thus potentially dangerous for people who wish to take red rice yeast rather than "Mevacor."

Therefore, rather than being in favor of any pharmaceutical company, the decision appears to be based more on preventing companies from marketing dietary supplements that are substantially similar to drug products, while still preserving consumer access to other forms, doses, and intended uses of a substance as a dietary supplement. Drug preclusion should not confer monopoly status for all forms, amounts, and intended uses on dietary ingredients first used as a drug.

Many would see the above as the FDA's opposition to NAC as a dietary supplement seems to be more about protecting the interests of the drug industry rather than public health. Their justifications for this decision appear to be unfounded.

How do you know if you need NAC or any other substance?

When you step into supplement stores, you may notice that the staff are unable to provide personalized recommendations due to various reasons such as legal restrictions or lack of expertise. In Malaysia, a study revealed that nearly half of supplement users aim to boost their immune system, while a third use supplements for overall well-being. Some consumers seek to prevent illnesses or address nutritional gaps in their diet. Interestingly, 17% rely on doctor recommendations for their supplement intake. Surprisingly, only 11% pay attention to supplement instructions. 

Syngertistic & antagonist actions of NAC (Glutathione) and other substances

It is important to be aware that dietary supplements have the potential to interact with other medications being consumed or present risks for individuals with specific medical conditions, such as liver disease, or those who are preparing for surgery. Side effects from dietary supplements are more probable when consumed in high doses, used as a substitute for prescribed medications, or when multiple supplements are taken simultaneously. Certain supplements may elevate the risk of bleeding or alter the body's response to anesthesia if taken prior to surgery.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the intricate link between mental health and  cellular nutritional status. Various nutrients are vital for brain function, but the combination of glutathione, B vitamins, vitamin D, and magnesium has received significant attention for its potential mental health benefits. 

Awareness about individualized ortho-molecular medicine remains low. Wouldn't it be beneficial for stores to have knowledgeable staff or refer customers to experts for personalized assistance?

Taking supplements may not be a substitute for a  personalized intake, regardless of your objective. Contrary to what most people think, there's no such thing as a "balanced diet" and and this false concept should not be strived for.  Some individuals view supplements as a quick fix, but they should not be seen as a replacement for actual food -- yet many practitioners still recommend an endless list of supplements! (this is called "band-aiding") The benefits of a nutrient-rich salad far outweigh those of a manufactured pill. Nevertheless, how can one determine if their dietary intake is meeting their specific and ideal needs?  The truth is you don't until you obtain an analysis that shows imbalances such as those found on this chart:

References:

https://vodus.com/article/is-health-supplement-consumption-on-the-rise-in-malaysia

https://files.nccih.nih.gov/s3fs-public/Red_Yeast_Rice_11-30-2015.pdf