Can I take Magnesium with NAC?

Understanding the interactions, benefits, and safety of combining these two powerful supplements.

Magnesium
+
NAC

Short answer

We found no documented interaction between Magnesium and NAC in the sources below. That isn't proof the combination is right for you: check each one's cautions, and ask your pharmacist if you take medication.

Magnesium

What it is: An essential mineral the body uses for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar and blood pressure control, and making protein, bone and DNA.

What the research says: Supplements may lower blood pressure slightly. People who get more magnesium from food tend to have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and it matters for bone health.

Cautions

  • Adults shouldn't take more than 350 mg a day from supplements unless a clinician advises it.
  • Too much from supplements can cause diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps.

Medicines to check

  • Osteoporosis medicines (bisphosphonates) and some antibiotics: take them apart from magnesium
  • Diuretics
  • Long-term acid-reflux or ulcer medicines can lower magnesium levels

In Holitro: Magnesium Glycinate (133 mg per capsule)

Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Consumers (updated March 2021)

NAC (N-acetylcysteine)

What it is: An antioxidant that's both a hospital medicine (for acetaminophen overdose) and a supplement.

What the research says: As a medicine it treats acetaminophen poisoning. As a supplement, results for lung conditions and as an add-on for depression are mixed.

Cautions

  • It can cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness or rash; less often low blood pressure or headache.

Medicines to check

  • Nitroglycerin: don't combine (severe headaches, lower blood pressure)
  • Antidepressants: animal studies suggest NAC may strengthen their effect
  • Cancer treatment: check with your care team

In Holitro: NAC (600 mg per capsule)

Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, About Herbs: N-Acetylcysteine (updated October 2022)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take medication.

Check your stack — free

Educational information only, not medical advice. This reflects general ingredient overlap, not a personalized safety review. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining supplements, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or nursing, or manage a health condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Stop Guessing Your Dosages.

Balancing dosages across multiple different bottles is risky, inefficient, and expensive. Magnesium is already lab-dosed in our Mood Support Pack, and NAC is in our Antioxidant Pack — either way, that’s one less bottle to manage.

Shop Mood Support Pack