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NAC

Amino Acids

Also known as: N-Acetyl Cysteine, N-Acetylcysteine

NAC is the supplemental form of the amino acid cysteine and is the rate-limiting precursor to glutathione, the body's master antioxidant. It supports liver detoxification, respiratory health, and mental health.

Best Timing

Take on an empty stomach for best absorption (30 min before meals). Can be taken with food if GI upset occurs.

Absorption

Oral bioavailability is 6–10%. Despite low bioavailability, oral NAC effectively raises glutathione levels. Take away from food for best absorption.

Health Goals
🛡️Immunity😊Mood🦠Gut🧬Longevity
Who Should Take This
High-Stress IndividualsAthletesElderly (60+)
  • Precursor to glutathione (master antioxidant)
  • Supports liver detoxification and protection
  • Mucolytic — thins and loosens mucus in respiratory tract
  • Supports mental health (OCD, addiction, mood)
  • May reduce inflammation
  • Supports fertility (both male and female)
  • Used in hospitals for acetaminophen overdose
General antioxidant/liver support600–1,200 mg

Daily

Respiratory/mucolytic600 mg

2–3 times daily

Mental health support1,200–2,400 mg

Daily in divided doses

Before alcohol consumption600 mg

Before and after drinking

Supports liver glutathione

  • -NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) – standard oral form
  • -Sustained-release NAC – reduces GI side effects
Cysteine-rich foods (chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy, garlic, onions)NAC specifically is only available as a supplement
Vitamin CSynergy

Both support glutathione production and antioxidant defense.

SeleniumSynergy

Selenium is a cofactor in glutathione peroxidase. NAC provides the cysteine for glutathione.

Alpha-Lipoic AcidSynergy

ALA recycles glutathione. NAC provides the building block. Powerful antioxidant stack.

ZincSynergy

NAC and zinc both support immune function and antioxidant defense.

N-acetylcysteine in depressive symptoms and functionality

Berk M, Dean OM, et al. - BMC Medicine (2014)

NAC 2g/day for 24 weeks significantly improved depressive symptoms and functionality in bipolar depression.

A review of the evidence for N-acetylcysteine in OCD and related disorders

Oliver G, Dean O, et al. - Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology (2015)

NAC showed significant benefit in reducing OCD, trichotillomania, and gambling disorder symptoms across multiple trials.