N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for liver support, detoxification, and immune support
- Well recognized for its detoxification capability in the liver
- Known for its antioxidant activity
- Supports good respiratory health by optimizing the thickness of mucus
- Increases glutathione, a key antioxidant and detoxification factor in the body
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a sulfur-containing amino acid, is the precursor of the amino acids L-cysteine and glutathione. Animal and human studies of NAC show it to have powerful antioxidant activity. In addition to antioxidant activity, NAC is effective in promoting normal liver detoxification.
As a sulfur source, NAC stimulates glutathione (an important antioxidant produced in the body) synthesis and activity, promotes liver detoxification, and is a powerful molecule capable of scavenging free radicals.
Research suggests NAC is capable of enhancing immunity. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, NAC was shown to positively impact lymphocyte cell numbers.
NAC helps maintain good pulmonary health due to its mucolytic activity. NAC's sulfur cleaves bonds in mucoproteins, causing mucus to be subsequently broken into smaller, less viscous pieces. NAC has been noted to decrease the viscoelasticity of nasal mucus and increase the clearance of mucus by the cilia by thinning of secretions, thus helping maintain good pulmonary health
