NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

Strong evidence as a glutathione precursor and mucolytic. Well-established for acetaminophen overdose. Growing evidence for psychiatric, respiratory, and metabolic applications.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

NAC is the standard treatment for acetaminophen toxicity. It reliably raises glutathione levels. Meta-analyses support NAC for COPD exacerbation reduction, and emerging evidence exists for OCD, trichotillomania, substance use disorders, and PCOS. It modulates glutamate via the cystine-glutamate antiporter, explaining psychiatric applications.

• Reliably increases glutathione levels
• Mucolytic properties for respiratory health
• Promising for psychiatric conditions via glutamate modulation
• Hepatoprotective effects

General antioxidant support: 600-1200 mg daily. Psychiatric applications: 1200-2400 mg daily. Respiratory: 600 mg twice daily. Take on empty stomach.

• Nausea and GI discomfort
• Sulfurous taste or body odor
• Rare allergic reactions
• Headache

FDA has debated its classification as a supplement vs. drug. May reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy agents. High doses can cause nausea.

Psychiatric applications are promising but still need larger confirmatory trials. Oral bioavailability is only ~6-10%. Some positive studies are small or open-label.

• Longevity55
• Immunity50
• Mood40
• Recovery40