Home › Ingredient Library › NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

Antioxidants

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

Glutathione precursor — detoxification, lung health, and mental health

Evidence Grade: B — Good clinical evidence Antioxidants
B
Evidence Grade B: Good clinical evidence Based on the volume and quality of published human clinical trials.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is the supplemental form of the amino acid cysteine and the rate-limiting precursor to glutathione — the body's most important endogenous antioxidant and detoxification molecule. NAC is approved by the FDA as a medical antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. It has significant research backing for lung health, psychiatric conditions (OCD, addiction), and liver protection.

Key Benefits

  • Glutathione production
  • Lung & respiratory health (COPD, mucus thinning)
  • Liver protection & detoxification
  • OCD and compulsive behaviour reduction
  • Addiction & craving reduction
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Best Form

Standard NAC; no significant form variation

Dosage

600–1,800 mg/day

⚠ Safety Notes

Safe at recommended doses. May cause nausea or GI upset. Mild antiplatelet effect — use caution with blood thinners. FDA has raised (contested) regulatory questions about NAC in supplements; most quality brands remain available.

This page is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.