PlainPill

NAC vs Taurine for anxiety

Short answer: For anxiety, users rate them about the same: 90% report improvement with NAC (246 reports) and 92% with Taurine (173 reports).

NAC has 387 meta-analyses and 767 randomized trials on PubMed; Taurine has 112 and 227.

Based on 1,575 reports about NAC and 786 about Taurine. Not medical advice.

NAC
Supplement
Taurine
Supplement
User score4950
Verdict
Mixed
Mostly positive
Positive
of reports that state an outcome
55%73%
Reports1,575786
ResearchAResearch: StrongAResearch: Strong
Meta-analyses / RCTs387 / 767112 / 227
Mainly used for
Weight loss
% reporting improvement
67% (3)—
Appetite
% reporting improvement
90% (29)—
Focus
% reporting improvement
81% (151)81% (36)
Energy
% reporting improvement
74% (69)88% (41)
Sleep
% reporting improvement
71% (41)92% (83)
Anxiety
% reporting improvement
90% (246)92% (173)
Mood
% reporting improvement
65% (257)88% (41)
Memory
% reporting improvement
77% (13)50% (2)
Performance
% reporting improvement
75% (8)95% (19)
Recovery
% reporting improvement
86% (14)100% (14)
Pain & inflammation
% reporting improvement
86% (28)78% (9)
Digestion
% reporting improvement
72% (18)50% (4)
Libido
% reporting improvement
29% (7)80% (5)
Hormones
% reporting improvement
88% (8)71% (7)
Blood sugar
% reporting improvement
100% (3)—
Heart & lipids
% reporting improvement
67% (12)100% (15)
Skin & hair
% reporting improvement
89% (18)100% (2)
Immunity
% reporting improvement
100% (33)—
Longevity
% reporting improvement
100% (7)100% (4)
Common side effectsanhedonia, fatigue, stomach issues, depressionanxiety, drowsiness, brain fog, vivid dreams
Typical dose reportedas needed3-4 g
NAC
Latest review conclusion

Taken together, these preliminary findings suggest that dietetic approaches might be included as part of BD treatment. Also considering the high risk of metabolic disorders in individuals with BD, they should be encouraged to choose healthy dietary lifestyles, including daily intake of fruits, vegetables, seafood and whole grains.

Nutr Neurosci, 2023 ↗
What a user said
“When I get wired up with mania, anxiety, insomnia. I usually take methylfolate and NAC.”
Full NAC profile →
Taurine
Latest review conclusion

Taurine showed noteworthy effects in preventing hypertension and enhancing cardiac function. Individuals prone to CVDs may find it advantageous to include taurine in their daily regimen.

Nutr J, 2024 ↗
What a user said
“Taurine”
Full Taurine profile →

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Percentages come from first-hand user reports and are not clinical outcomes. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. How we rate