Loading...
Loading...
Also known as: N-Acetyl Cysteine, N-Acetylcysteine
A powerful glutathione precursor and mucolytic agent with broad applications in liver protection, mental health, respiratory health, and longevity support.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is the acetylated form of the amino acid L-cysteine. It is the rate-limiting precursor to glutathione — the body's master antioxidant. Used clinically for decades as an acetaminophen overdose antidote and mucolytic agent, NAC has emerged as a versatile longevity and health optimization tool.
Oral glutathione has poor bioavailability — it's broken down in the gut. NAC bypasses this by providing the cysteine needed for cells to make their own glutathione. This makes NAC the most practical way to raise intracellular glutathione levels.
In 2020, Amazon briefly removed NAC supplements after the FDA questioned its status as a dietary supplement (since it was approved as a drug first). NAC has since been restored to the market, and the FDA has not taken further enforcement action.
NAC is deacetylated to L-cysteine, which is the rate-limiting substrate for glutathione synthesis via glutamate-cysteine ligase. It directly scavenges free radicals, replenishes intracellular glutathione stores, modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission (reducing excitotoxicity), and chelates heavy metals.
Typical Dose
600-1800mg
Frequency
Daily (1-3 divided doses)
Cycle Length
Ongoing
Half-Life
~6 hours
Decades of clinical use. FDA-approved (IV, for acetaminophen overdose). Multiple RCTs for mental health, respiratory, and fertility applications.
Well-tolerated. Common: GI discomfort, nausea (take with food). Rare: rash. Theoretical concern about reducing chemotherapy efficacy (avoid during cancer treatment without oncologist approval). May increase homocysteine — pair with B vitamins.
An mTOR inhibitor and FDA-approved immunosuppressant being investigated as the most promising pharmacological intervention for extending lifespan.
A direct NAD+ precursor that restores declining cellular energy metabolism and activates sirtuins for anti-aging effects.
The world's most prescribed diabetes drug, now being studied as a potential anti-aging intervention in the landmark TAME clinical trial.