NAC (N-acetylcysteine)
Silver· human dataAlso known as: N-acetylcysteine
A glutathione precursor that is a genuine medicine in some settings, less proven as a wellness supplement.
NAC is a precursor to the master antioxidant glutathione and is a genuine medicine — used in hospitals for paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose and to loosen mucus, which shows the mechanism is real.
As an everyday supplement for liver support, lung health, fertility or psychiatric conditions the evidence is more preliminary, though some areas (like certain mental-health and respiratory uses) are actively studied. Regulatory status as a supplement has been contested in some countries. Well tolerated for most.
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Written and reviewed by Mathew Beale, MSc Biotechnology, University of Reading.
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