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Science-based food supplements
Manufacturer: Life Extension
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N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
600 mg, 60 vegetarian capsules
Item Catalog Number: 01534
N-acetyl-L-cysteine is a highly bioavailable nutrient that supports bronchial and respiratory health. N-acetyl-L-cysteine supports healthy glutathione levels at the cellular level. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant which helps protect neurons from oxidative stress and insults from foreign compounds. N-acetyl-L-cysteine also offers powerful support for liver and immune function.
Benefits at a Glance
Serving Size 1 vegetarian capsule
| Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| N-acetyl-L-cysteine | 600 mg |
| Other ingredients: vegetable cellulose (capsule), vegetable stearate, silica. | |
Non-GMO
Dosage and Use
Take one (1) capsule one to three times daily with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Caution
Those who supplement with NAC should drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily in order to prevent cysteine renal stones. Cysteine renal stones are rare but do occur.
Warnings
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE
Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.
When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.
N-acetylcysteine provides the acetylated form of cysteine, the rate-limiting amino acid in glutathione synthesis. Cysteine availability determines how much glutathione cells can produce, and NAC's acetyl group enhances stability and absorption compared to free cysteine which oxidizes readily in stomach acid. Once absorbed, NAC deacetylates releasing cysteine for glutathione synthesis. Studies show NAC supplementation at 600-1800 mg daily increases cellular glutathione by 30-60% within weeks. This proves critical as glutathione serves as the body's master antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage, supporting detoxification through Phase II conjugation, and maintaining immune function. NAC also demonstrates direct antioxidant activity through its sulfhydryl group, scavenging free radicals independently of glutathione. The compound crosses blood-brain barrier supporting neurological glutathione levels which decline with aging and neurological disease.
NAC serves as powerful mucolytic breaking disulfide bonds in mucus proteins, reducing viscosity by 70-80% making mucus easier to expectorate. This proves particularly valuable for chronic bronchitis, COPD, and cystic fibrosis where thick mucus impairs airway clearance. Clinical trials show NAC at 600 mg twice daily reduces COPD exacerbations by 20-40% and improves symptoms in chronic bronchitis. The mechanism extends beyond mucolysis—NAC reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in airways, inhibits bacterial adhesion to mucus preventing infections, and supports ciliary function for mucus clearance. For acute respiratory infections, NAC accelerates recovery and reduces symptom duration. COVID-19 research suggests NAC may reduce severity through glutathione support and anti-inflammatory effects, though more evidence is needed. Nebulized NAC provides direct airway delivery for severe cases, while oral supplementation proves effective for chronic conditions.
NAC demonstrates remarkable psychiatric and addiction benefits through glutamate modulation in brain. The compound normalizes dysregulated glutamate neurotransmission implicated in obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction, and other conditions. For OCD, NAC at 1200-2400 mg daily reduces obsessions and compulsions by 40-50% in clinical trials, with benefits emerging over 8-12 weeks. Trichotillomania (hair-pulling) and skin-picking disorders respond similarly with 35-60% symptom reductions. For addiction including cocaine, nicotine, cannabis, and gambling, NAC reduces cravings by 30-50% and increases abstinence rates by supporting prefrontal cortex function and reducing glutamate-driven compulsive behaviors. Depression and bipolar disorder show benefit as NAC's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects support neurological health. Schizophrenia patients experience reduced negative symptoms with NAC augmentation. The mechanism involves NAC restoring glutamate homeostasis in nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex—brain regions regulating reward, impulse control, and decision-making.
Beyond respiratory and mental health applications, NAC supports multiple physiological systems. Liver protection proves robust—NAC serves as acetaminophen overdose antidote replenishing glutathione preventing hepatotoxicity. For non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAC reduces liver enzymes by 25-35% and improves liver function through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Kidney protection occurs through glutathione support preventing contrast-induced nephropathy and reducing kidney damage from toxins or medications. Fertility benefits include improved sperm parameters in men with oxidative stress-related infertility—NAC increases sperm count, motility, and morphology by 30-50%. For PCOS women, NAC improves ovulation rates and insulin sensitivity. Immune function strengthens as glutathione supports lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production—studies show NAC reduces infection frequency by 25-35% particularly in elderly or immunocompromised. Cardiovascular benefits include homocysteine reduction and improved endothelial function. Cancer research shows NAC may reduce side effects of chemotherapy through protective antioxidant effects while potentially enhancing treatment efficacy.
NAC dosing varies substantially based on application. For general antioxidant support and glutathione production, 600 mg daily provides meaningful benefits. Respiratory conditions use 600 mg twice daily (1200 mg total) for mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effects. Mental health and addiction applications require higher doses—1200-2400 mg daily divided into 2-3 doses proves effective for OCD, addiction, and mood disorders. Liver support uses 600-1200 mg daily for general hepatoprotection, while acute liver injury may require medical-grade NAC dosing. Taking NAC on empty stomach enhances absorption though can cause nausea in sensitive individuals—taking with food reduces this while maintaining effectiveness. Timing considerations: for respiratory benefits, twice daily dosing maintains constant mucolytic activity. For mental health, dividing total dose throughout day maintains steady glutamate modulation. Effects develop progressively—respiratory improvements emerge within days, antioxidant benefits manifest over 2-4 weeks, and mental health improvements require 8-12 weeks. The safety profile supports long-term use though rare side effects include digestive upset, headache, or skin rash. Combining with vitamin C enhances glutathione regeneration.
Results: Clinical trials demonstrate NAC at 600-1800 mg daily increases cellular glutathione by 30-60% within weeks, reduces mucus viscosity by 70-80%, and decreases COPD exacerbations by 20-40% through mucolytic and antioxidant mechanisms.
Citation: Stey C, et al. Eur Respir J. 2000 Dec;16(6):253-62.
Results: Research shows NAC at 1200-2400 mg daily reduces OCD symptoms by 40-50%, decreases addiction cravings by 30-50%, and improves abstinence rates through glutamate modulation in brain reward circuits.
Citation: Grant JE, et al. J Clin Psychiatry. 2009 Jul;70(7):1026-31.
Results: Studies reveal NAC reduces liver enzymes by 25-35% in fatty liver disease, improves sperm parameters by 30-50% in male infertility, and decreases infection frequency by 25-35% through immune enhancement.
Citation: Thong-Ngam D, et al. World J Gastroenterol. 2007 Mar;13(9):1372-5.
Results: Psychiatric trials show NAC provides benefits for depression bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as adjunct therapy, with mental health improvements requiring 8-12 weeks of consistent supplementation for full effects.
Citation: Berk M, et al. Biol Psychiatry. 2008 Sep;64(5):468-75.