N-Acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine, or NAC, is a cysteine derivative that supplies material for glutathione synthesis. As a medicine, it also thins mucus.
Also listed as N-Acetyl Cysteine, NAC, N-Ac, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
Where is the liver benefit established?
NAC is an antidote for acetaminophen overdose. A review covering 34 studies and 19,580 patients found protection against liver injury and reduced mortality, with treatment timing important. This is time-sensitive medical care, not evidence for routine “detox” supplementation. 1
The established benefit concerns acetaminophen poisoning, not general liver cleansing. 1
Can it reduce respiratory flare-ups?
A Cochrane review of 38 trials found a small reduction in flare-ups with oral mucus-thinning medicines in chronic bronchitis or COPD, a long-term obstructive lung disease. NAC was one of several medicines studied. Effects were smaller in newer trials, with little meaningful improvement in lung function or quality of life. 2
Why is GlyNAC being studied?
A 16-week trial randomized 24 older adults to glycine plus NAC or placebo. The combination improved glutathione, oxidative-stress measures and several physical-function outcomes. These encouraging findings do not isolate NAC’s contribution or demonstrate longer human life. 3
A small combination trial supports further research, not a proven NAC-alone anti-aging effect. 3
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Longevity2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
Organ Function1 effect
Immune Support1 effect
Weight Management1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Stress & Mood1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cognition2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
All studies
9 publications are linked to N-Acetylcysteine, newest first.