N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
A precursor to glutathione, the body's master antioxidant. Clinically established as a mucolytic and paracetamol antidote — and, as 'GlyNAC' (with glycine), a focus of aging research.
How it works
N-acetylcysteine supplies cysteine, the rate-limiting building block for making glutathione, the body's master antioxidant. This strengthens cellular detoxification and thins viscous mucus (its classic respiratory use). Medically it's also the antidote for paracetamol overdose.
Dosage
Typically 600–1,200 mg/day. The combination with glycine ('GlyNAC') is intriguing — small studies (Baylor) showed improvements in glutathione, mitochondria, and inflammatory markers in older adults.
Considerations
A solid clinical base as a mucolytic and emergency antidote for paracetamol poisoning. The longevity use (especially GlyNAC, combined with our glycine entry) is promising but rests on small studies. Note: in the EU, NAC is partly sold as a medicine (e.g. ACC) — so quality is usually good.
