NAC and Alcohol: A Science-Backed Combo for Hangover Prevention?

A night on the town with your best pals is a fun way to unwind, but the pounding headache, queasy stomach, and fatigue that follow the next morning? Not so much.

That’s why people are turning to N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a supplement that’s best known for its antioxidant power, to help their bodies process alcohol more effectively.

NAC does this by boosting your body’s production of glutathione, a key antioxidant that breaks down toxic byproducts of alcohol such as acetaldehyde. As a result, supplementing with NAC may help your body process what you drink more smoothly and bounce back with fewer post-drinking symptoms. It’s not a cure-all (there’s no such thing as a perfect hangover cure!), but adding it to your pre-drinking routine could help you feel better the next morning.

Here’s what the science has to say about NAC for hangover prevention.

What Is N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)?

NAC is the supplement form of an amino acid called cysteine that’s most common in protein-rich foods like meat and dairy products.

Because it’s a precursor to glutathione, supplementing with NAC helps the body produce this antioxidant, which is important for detoxification (more on that in the next section).

The Science on NAC and Alcohol

In addition to neutralizing free radicals, which are implicated in many chronic diseases, research shows that NAC supplementation can reduce damage to liver cells in those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can also make it easier for the body to break down toxins in the long run.

However, research has not yet proven that NAC can actually prevent or “cure” hangovers. Instead, taking NAC before drinking may help you feel less terrible after drinking, because it is a powerful antioxidant that can minimize inflammation and oxidative stress.

In one randomized trial published in Nature in 2021, 49 participants received doses of 600 mg to 1800 mg of NAC before they began drinking alcohol. The researchers found that there were no significant effects of taking NAC in men, but that women taking NAC before drinking experienced less nausea and weakness after drinking than those who didn’t. While these effects are promising, more research will be needed to confirm the benefits of pre-drinking NAC supplementation in women.

Interestingly, a study of NAC and alcohol in mice found that NAC taken before drinking was protective for the liver, but when taken after drinking, NAC contributed to liver damage. This effect may or may not be the same in humans, but either way, it’s a good idea to take NAC at least a few hours before you drink—this gives the body enough time to increase its glutathione levels before you begin drinking alcohol. This helps the body process acetaldehyde—a major contributor to hangover symptoms—more efficiently.

Supplements With NAC (and More) for Post-Drinking Symptoms

Support your body’s ability to bounce back from dehydration and acetaldehyde exposure—two of the main causes of hangover symptoms—with these Capsulyte supplements formulated by Dr. Dan Nguyen, MD, MBA:

Start with PREGAME

PREGAME contains 300 mg of NAC in each serving, as well as:

• Clovinol®, an antioxidant that can lower negative post-drinking feelings by about 55 percent
• DHM, another antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound
• Siliphos®, which is derived from milk thistle and may protect against alcoholic liver disease-related cirrhosis

Bounce back with HYDRATION

One of the top contributors to hangover symptoms is dehydration, so finding ways to improve your hydration before, during, and after drinking alcohol is essential to reducing hangover symptoms. Consider providing your body with an extra vitamin and electrolyte boost in the form of HYDRATION, which contains:

• Hydra 4G™: An optimal blend of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium
• B vitamins: Support energy metabolism, neurological function, and blood cell formation
• Liposomal Pureway C™: An antioxidant that may support the immune system
• Zinc: An essential mineral for immune function

Learn even more about the science behind hangovers (and how you can best support your body through them) on the Capsulyte blog.