N-Acetyl Cysteine, or NAC, has gained popularity recently due to its diverse benefits, ranging from immune support to anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. As the supplement form of the amino acid cysteine, found in poultry, eggs, and beef, NAC is crucial for various bodily functions.

When NAC breaks down, it transforms into glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. Glutathione plays a huge role in keeping your immune system running smoothly. This enables NAC to bind to heavy metals and neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and aiding detoxification. Studies have shown its efficacy in preventing liver damage, particularly in cases of fatty liver disease, and is commonly used as a safe treatment for acetaminophen overdose.

NAC also promotes lung health by thinning mucus, facilitating airway clearance, and improving respiratory health. These mucolytic properties of NAC have been shown to treat asthma and COPD related symptoms.

While glutathione helps reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in brain cells, NAC also has the potential to stave off age-related conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. This suggests that incorporating NAC can improve brain function and enhance mood, potentially fighting mood disorders and age-related diseases.

NAC has even shown potential to aid performance in the gym by reducing exercise-induced stress and muscle cell damage, leading to improved recovery and increased force output. Studies have concluded using NAC significantly increases force output by 15% in exercising participants, suggesting its anti-inflammatory properties can delay muscle fatigue. 

Research on humans is still developing, but there is strong evidence to suggest the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of NAC and glutathione are beneficial to all functions of your body, from boosting your immunity, removing toxins and free radicals, and improving your mood and energy.

 In the midst of the cold and flu season, adding NAC into your routine becomes especially beneficial. Not only does NAC support overall immune health, but it also has the potential to reduce viral replication, providing an additional layer of defense against common illnesses during this time of year.

For added immunity and detox we recommend taking one scoop (600mg) once a day. If you are exposed to illness or become ill yourself, we recommend taking  NAC up to 4 times (2400mg) daily mixed into your beverage of choice until symptoms subside.

Rehman, Tahniat et al. “Cysteine and homocysteine as biomarkers of various diseases.” Food science & nutrition vol. 8,9 4696-4707. 12 Aug. 2020, doi:10.1002/fsn3.1818

Kerksick, Chad, and Darryn Willoughby. “The antioxidant role of glutathione and N-acetyl-cysteine supplements and exercise-induced oxidative stress.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 2,2 38-44. 9 Dec. 2005, doi:10.1186/1550-2783-2-2-38

Mokhtari, Vida et al. “A Review on Various Uses of N-Acetyl Cysteine.” Cell journal vol. 19,1 (2017): 11-17. doi:10.22074/cellj.2016.4872

Amin, Ahmed F et al. “N-acetyl cysteine for treatment of recurrent unexplained pregnancy loss.” Reproductive biomedicine online vol. 17,5 (2008): 722-6. doi:10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60322-7

Ooi, Soo Liang et al. “N-Acetylcysteine for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: A Review of Current Evidence.” BioMed research international vol. 2018 2469486. 22 Oct. 2018, doi:10.1155/2018/2469486

Khoshbaten, Manouchehr et al. “N-acetylcysteine improves liver function in patients with non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease.” Hepatitis monthly vol. 10,1 (2010): 12-6.