N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of cysteine, a semi-essential amino acid. It serves as a precursor to glutathione, the body’s most powerful antioxidant, and is widely used for detoxification, respiratory health, liver support, and brain function.
How NAC Works in the Body
🔹 Boosts Glutathione Production – NAC provides cysteine, which helps the body synthesize glutathione, crucial for detoxification and cellular repair.
🔹 Supports Liver Detox & Protects from Toxins – NAC is commonly used in hospitals to treat acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, as it prevents liver damage by replenishing glutathione.
🔹 Improves Lung Health & Clears Mucus – NAC is a mucolytic, meaning it helps break down and thin mucus, making it useful for conditions like chronic bronchitis, COPD, and cystic fibrosis.
🔹 Enhances Brain Function & Mental Health – NAC helps regulate glutamate, a key neurotransmitter, and is studied for depression, anxiety, OCD, and addiction recovery.
🔹 Reduces Inflammation & Oxidative Stress – NAC’s antioxidant properties help reduce chronic inflammation linked to aging, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Health Benefits of NAC
✅ Detoxification & Liver Protection
- Helps flush out heavy metals, alcohol, and toxins
- Prevents liver damage (especially from excessive Tylenol use)
✅ Lung & Respiratory Support
- Used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, COPD
- Helps with sinus congestion and post-nasal drip
✅ Brain & Mental Health
- Reduces oxidative stress in the brain, supporting cognitive function
- Studied for OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
- May help reduce addictive behaviors (alcohol, drugs, gambling)
✅ Heart Health & Inflammation Reduction
- Helps lower homocysteine levels, reducing heart disease risk
- Supports vascular health and improves circulation
✅ Immune System Support
- Helps fight viral infections by strengthening glutathione levels
- Some studies suggest NAC may reduce severity of flu symptoms
Food Sources of Cysteine (NAC Precursor)
Since NAC is a supplement, it is not found in foods, but you can increase cysteine intake with:
🥩 High-Protein Foods: Chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy
🌰 Plant-Based Sources: Sunflower seeds, lentils, garlic, onions, oats
NAC Dosage & Safety
💊 Common Dosages:
- 600–1200 mg/day for general antioxidant support
- 1200–2400 mg/day for respiratory issues & brain health
- Up to 6000 mg/day in medical settings (for liver detox & poisoning treatment)
🚨 Precautions:
- Mild side effects (nausea, diarrhea, bloating) can occur in high doses
- Not recommended for people with bleeding disorders (may thin blood)
- Consult a doctor if taking medications for blood pressure or liver conditions
Final Thoughts
NAC is a powerful antioxidant booster, detoxifier, and lung protector. It’s widely used in medicine and supplementation to support immunity, brain function, and respiratory health.