Last verified: 17 days ago
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
Also known as: N-Acetylcysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, NAC
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Antioxidant amino acid derivative. Animal studies show it reduces oxidative stress and protects cells.
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What it does
NAC is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine that acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and boosting glutathione, the body's main internal antioxidant....
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies for humans
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Found in
What the Science Says
NAC is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine that acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and boosting glutathione, the body's main internal antioxidant. In animal and cell studies, it has been shown to protect against oxidative damage in tissues including the retina, pancreas, and lungs, and to reduce harm from toxic exposures like heavy metals and radiation. The provided research is almost entirely from animal and cell models, so how well these effects translate to humans at typical supplement doses remains unclear.
What It Doesn't Do
No human clinical trial data in the provided studies. Don't assume animal results mean the same thing will happen in your body. Not proven to detox your liver, cure respiratory disease, or reverse aging based on the evidence here. Marketing claims about it being a 'master antioxidant' for everyday wellness are not backed by the studies provided.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Reduces oxidative stress markers like ROS and MDA in animal models of toxic exposure.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Protects retinal cells from oxidative damage and boosts glutathione in cell culture models.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Reduces pancreatic cell damage and preserves insulin levels after radiation exposure in rats.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 300 mg/kg/day in rats (animal model only)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown from provided studies — no human pharmacokinetic data included. Animal studies used oral gavage administration.
Red Flags to Watch For
- All provided research is in animals or cell cultures — no human clinical trials included in this data set
- Doses used in animal studies (78–300 mg/kg/day) do not directly translate to safe or effective human doses
- NAC is used as a pharmaceutical drug (e.g., for acetaminophen overdose) — supplement-grade products may differ significantly in purity and dose
- FDA has raised regulatory questions about NAC's status as a legal dietary supplement ingredient in the US
Products Containing NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
See how NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) do?
Antioxidant amino acid derivative. Animal studies show it reduces oxidative stress and protects cells.
What is the effective dose of NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)?
No established dose from provided studies for humans
Is NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) safe?
All provided research is in animals or cell cultures — no human clinical trials included in this data set
What doesn't NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) do?
No human clinical trial data in the provided studies.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25