Antioxidant
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
Also known as: N-Acetyl Cysteine, N-Acetylcysteine, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) - Detox Focus
Precursor to glutathione, the body's master antioxidant. Supports liver, respiratory, and mental health.
Daily target & upper limit
600 mg / dayNAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) dosage reference →Primary uses
- Glutathione support
- Liver health
- Respiratory health
- Mental health
- Glutathione production
- Liver detox
- Mucolytic
- Acetaminophen antidote
- Ovulation
- Insulin sensitivity
- Antioxidant
- PCOS support
How it works
- Rate-limiting precursor to glutathione
- Mucolytic (thins mucus)
- Modulates glutamate
- Acetaminophen antidote
Dosage
- Typical range
- 600-1800 mg daily
- Timing
- Divided doses, away from food
- With food
- Away from food for glutathione; with food OK for respiratory
- Duration
- Safe long-term
- Special populations
- Liver support, respiratory, OCD/addiction
Forms
- Capsules
- Powder
- Effervescent
- IV
- Sustained-release
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Sulfur smell/taste
Contraindications
- Caution active cancer treatment
Products containing NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
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Evidence notes
Well-studied glutathione precursor
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Cited research for NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention nac (n-acetyl cysteine). Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
- Dean O, Giorlando F, Berk M (2011)Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry: current therapeutic evidence and potential mechanisms of action
- Kelly AM, Dwamena B, Cronin P, et al. (2008)Annals of Internal Medicine
Effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) compared head-to-head
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