NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of the amino acid cysteine that serves as a powerful antioxidant and precursor to glutathione, the body's master antioxidant. It supports liver health, respiratory function, and mental health through neuroprotective and neurotransmitter-regulating mechanisms.

The key benefits of NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) include: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Stress Relief.

Glutathione Synthesis: NAC serves as a direct precursor to glutathione (GSH), the body's master antioxidant. By providing cysteine, the rate-limiting amino acid in glutathione production, NAC effectively increases intracellular glutathione concentrations in both peripheral tissues and the brain. Antioxidant Activity: Through its role in glutathione synthesis and its own thiol group, NAC neutralises reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), protecting cells from oxidative stress and preserving neuronal integrity. Glutamate Modulation: NAC influences the glutamate system by activating the cystine-glutamate antiporter, which helps regulate extracellular glutamate levels in the brain. This prevents glutamate excitotoxicity whilst supporting healthy synaptic plasticity. Dopamine Regulation: By reducing oxidative stress and modulating glutamate transmission, NAC indirectly influences dopamine neurotransmission, restoring dopamine receptor sensitivity and normalising dopamine release. Anti-inflammatory Effects: NAC reduces neuroinflammation by suppressing the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), leading to decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β.

General wellness and antioxidant support: 600–1,200 mg per day, typically split into two doses (600 mg morning and evening). Mental health and cognitive support: 1,000–2,400 mg per day, divided into 2–3 doses. Therapeutic/clinical use: Up to 3,000 mg per day under medical supervision for conditions such as OCD, addiction, or psychiatric disorders. Liver support and detoxification: 1,200–1,800 mg per day. NAC is best absorbed on an empty stomach, ideally 30 minutes before meals or two hours after eating. NAC reaches peak blood concentration approximately 2 hours after oral administration and remains active in the body for 6–8 hours, which is why splitting the daily dose into two or three administrations helps maintain steady antioxidant levels. Avoid taking NAC simultaneously with high-dose zinc or iron supplements, as these may interfere with absorption.

Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal discomfort. NAC has an unpleasant sulphurous odour that some people find difficult to tolerate. Rare adverse reactions: Anaphylactoid reactions (uncommon), including flushing, itching, angioedema, bronchospasm, and hypotension, particularly with intravenous administration. Drug interactions: NAC may interact with nitroglycerin (increased risk of hypotension and headache), activated charcoal (reduced NAC absorption), and blood thinners. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: NAC is possibly safe during pregnancy; it crosses the placenta but shows no evidence of foetal harm. Data on breastfeeding is limited. NAC has a well-established safety profile as an FDA-approved medication with decades of clinical use. Toxicity is uncommon and typically only occurs with very high doses or specific routes of administration. Most adults can safely take NAC by mouth.