Nootropic profile
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.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)?
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the conditionally essential amino acid cysteine. NAC has been used medically for decades as an FDA-approved prescription treatment for paracetamol overdose and as a mucolytic agent to break down mucus in respiratory conditions.
What it does for you
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How to take it
- 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.
Watch out for
- Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal discomfort. NAC has an unpleasant sulphurous odour that some people find...
- Rare adverse reactions: Anaphylactoid reactions (uncommon), including flushing, itching, angioedema, bronchospasm, and hypotension, particularly with...
- Drug interactions: NAC may interact with nitroglycerin (increased risk of hypotension and headache), activated charcoal (reduced NAC absorption), and blood...
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: NAC is possibly safe during pregnancy; it crosses the placenta but shows no evidence of foetal harm. Data on breastfeeding is...
The science, if you're curious.
- NAC serves as a direct precursor to glutathione (GSH), the body's master antioxidant. By providing cysteine, the rate-limiting amino acid in glutathione...
- Through its role in glutathione synthesis and its own thiol group, NAC neutralises reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS),...
- NAC influences the glutamate system by activating the cystine-glutamate antiporter, which helps regulate extracellular glutamate levels in the brain. This...
- By reducing oxidative stress and modulating glutamate transmission, NAC indirectly influences dopamine neurotransmission, restoring dopamine receptor...
Where to find it
- Dietary sources of cysteine: High-protein foods including chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products, legumes, sunflower seeds, and allium vegetables (garlic, onions).
- Supplement forms: NAC is available as capsules, tablets, effervescent tablets, and powder. Clinical and prescription forms include oral solutions and intravenous formulations.
The research
Frequently asked
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 main benefits people report from NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Stress Relief.
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 su...
Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal discomfort. NAC has an unpleasant sulphurous odour that some people find...Rare adverse reactions: Anaphylactoid reactions (uncommon), including flushing, itching, angioedema, bronchospasm, and hypotension, particularl...
NAC serves as a direct precursor to glutathione (GSH), the body's master antioxidant. By providing cysteine, the rate-limiting amino acid in glutathione...Through its role in glutathione synthesis and its own thiol group, NAC neutralises reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen speci...
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