NAC vs Zinc for immunity
Short answer: For immunity, more users report improvement with NAC — 100% of 33 reports, versus 86% of 28 for Zinc.
NAC has 387 meta-analyses and 767 randomized trials on PubMed; Zinc has 220 and 555.
Based on 1,575 reports about NAC and 1,257 about Zinc. Not medical advice.
| NAC Supplement | Zinc Supplement | |
|---|---|---|
| User score | 49 | 42 |
| Verdict | Mixed | Mostly positive |
| Positive of reports that state an outcome | 55% | 61% |
| Reports | 1,575 | 1,257 |
| Research | AResearch: Strong | AResearch: Strong |
| Meta-analyses / RCTs | 387 / 767 | 220 / 555 |
| Mainly used for | ||
| Weight loss % reporting improvement | 67% (3) | 100% (3) |
| Appetite % reporting improvement | 90% (29) | 33% (3) |
| Focus % reporting improvement | 81% (151) | 62% (26) |
| Energy % reporting improvement | 74% (69) | 71% (51) |
| Sleep % reporting improvement | 71% (41) | 82% (68) |
| Anxiety % reporting improvement | 90% (246) | 72% (29) |
| Mood % reporting improvement | 65% (257) | 80% (61) |
| Memory % reporting improvement | 77% (13) | 20% (5) |
| Performance % reporting improvement | 75% (8) | 90% (20) |
| Recovery % reporting improvement | 86% (14) | 86% (7) |
| Pain & inflammation % reporting improvement | 86% (28) | 56% (9) |
| Digestion % reporting improvement | 72% (18) | 0% (2) |
| Libido % reporting improvement | 29% (7) | 88% (95) |
| Hormones % reporting improvement | 88% (8) | 89% (63) |
| Blood sugar % reporting improvement | 100% (3) | — |
| Heart & lipids % reporting improvement | 67% (12) | 50% (2) |
| Skin & hair % reporting improvement | 89% (18) | 81% (31) |
| Immunity % reporting improvement | 100% (33) | 86% (28) |
| Longevity % reporting improvement | 100% (7) | — |
| Common side effects | anhedonia, fatigue, stomach issues, depression | nausea, fatigue, stomach issues, copper deficiency |
| Typical dose reported | as needed | daily |
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 ↗“When I get wired up with mania, anxiety, insomnia. I usually take methylfolate and NAC.”
Acne patients have decreased serum zinc levels. Zinc is effective for the treatment of acne, particularly at decreasing the number of inflammatory papules, when used as monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment.
Dermatol Ther, 2020 ↗“I also take D3, garlic and zinc that have proven effect in boosting immune system”
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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