N-acetyltransferases (NATs)

N-acetyltransferases (NATs) are enzymes in the body that help process drugs and chemicals by attaching an acetyl group—a small chemical fragment—to them. This process, called acetylation, helps make these substances more water-soluble, facilitating their removal through urine. NATs play a key role in how our bodies handle certain medications and environmental toxins, influencing drug effectiveness and safety. Different people have variations in NAT activity, which can affect how quickly they metabolize drugs and their risk of adverse reactions or disease susceptibility.