N-acetylcysteine capsules are used to support general well-being, liver health, detoxification and anti-aging effects. This supplement is a derivative of the sulfur-containing amino acid L-Cysteine.
It is important for synthesizing Glutathione, which is the most important endogenous antioxidant found in the body. Oxidative damage caused by free radical particles has been linked to inflammation, skin damage, cancer, cognitive decline and many other conditions and diseases.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) capsules have been used medicinally for more than 30 years for applications including poisoning, infertility, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, cancer and more.
Consumers can buy NAC capsules online without a prescription. N-acetylcysteine pills are often favored over L-Cysteine supplements due to improved bioavailability.



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In the United States, N-Acetylcysteine has been approved as a drug by the Food and Drug Administration. It is also available to buy as a dietary supplement without a prescription from a doctor.
NAC can be used intravenously, by inhalation, rectally, topically or as an oral supplement. Oral capsules and tablets are the most commonly used for general health, mood disorders, anti-aging benefits and for supporting immune function.
N-Acetylcysteine pills come in dosages ranging from 400 mg, to 500 mg, 600 mg and 1000 mg per serving. As a dietary supplement, this product is typically used in a dosage of between 600 – 1800 mg per day.
N-acetyl cysteine is more expensive compared to L-cysteine supplements. The typical cost per dosage can range from $0.07 to $0.50 per serving, depending on the brand being purchased.
Whenever buying supplements online, choose products that have been manufactured in GMP-compliant facilities and that are sold by reputable companies. There can be significant variations in quality between different brands of products sold online or in local stores.
Acetylcysteine Capsules and Glutathione
Most of the reasons why health-conscious individuals purchase N-acetylcysteine supplements are related to increasing levels of glutathione in the body. Glutathione is commonly referred to as the body’s “master” antioxidant.
Glutathione is the most potent antioxidant our bodies synthesize, and it is also integral for the synthesis and maintenance of all other antioxidant substances we generate. Without sufficient glutathione, out protection from free radical particles, immune function and detoxification would all be impaired
In cases of acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning, the liver’s supply of glutathione is depleted to damaging, possibly fatal, levels. Emergency room doctors routinely use N-acetylcysteine to induce quick surges in glutathione synthesis; reversing the toxic effects of the excessive amounts of acetaminophen, thereby restoring hepatic functioning.
If you are considering buying acetylcysteine capsules to increase your glutathione levels, you’ll want to clearly understand the differences between L-cysteine supplements and N-acetylcysteine.
Oral supplementation of cysteine may be quite beneficial for health. However, the rapid glutathione spikes do not occur via L-cysteine supplementation. Although clinical trials have shown slight increases in glutathione via L-cysteine oral supplementation, the sharp production spikes only occur via intravenous injections of N-acetyl cysteine.
Acetylcysteine Mucolytic Effects
NAC is also sold as a prescription drug in the US. Since the 1960s, acetylcysteine has been used as a mucolytic agent, inhaled to help treat respiratory conditions.
Mucolytics like N-acetyl cysteine dissolve mucus deposits and help to restore proper functioning to the respiratory system. N-acetylcysteine is used to prevent and combat various conditions in which thick mucus production becomes problematic.
These conditions may include chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, amyloidosis and more. Also, mucolytics are used to treat inhalation damages in cases of smoke or other harmful substances.
Additional NAC Health Benefits
NAC and L-cysteine also demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects and may support cardiovascular, hepatic, renal and immune function.
N-acetylcysteine is showing promise in clinical trials as an neuroprotective agent, helping to prevent damage to brain cells caused by toxins. It has been shown to reduce depression, alleviate OCD symptoms and inhibit the onset and progression of mental/cognitive disorders.
To date, NAC and L-cysteine have been implicated as potential therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, cocaine addiction and epilepsy. While initial research is promising, more evidence is required to determine effectiveness for these uses.
N-acetylcysteine capsules have also been shown to improve lipid profiles and may be helpful for reducing the long-term risks for developing cardiovascular disease.
Human research has shown that NAC improves flow reductions in hemodialysis patients. Also, in surgery patients, N-acetylcysteine induced positive post-reperfusion MDA levels.
In-vitro experiments have shown LDL oxidation inhibition, and animal tests have demonstrated slowed atherosclerotic lesion progression. Further, NAC induces vasodilation of the cardiovascular system via the stimulation of NO (nitric oxide) synthesis.
Acetylcysteine Anti-Cancer Research
Research has shown the following anticancer and chemopreventive effects associated with N-acetylcysteine therapy:
- Bronchoalveolar lavage cell DNA adduct levels were reduced via 6 months of daily NAC administration at 1200 mg.
- N-acetylcysteine therapy increased response efficacy from peripheral blood mononuclear cells; along with increasing expression of CD95and CD25 cells.
- NAC therapy improved cellular apoptosis and antioxidant markers within the fibroblasts of Alzheimer’s disease patients.
- N-acetylcysteine demonstrates anticancer effects in murine tests via the modulation of TNF receptor and TNF-alpha processing.
Safety of N-Acetylcysteine Supplement
N-acetylcysteine and L-cysteine are both rated as Likely Safe for oral supplementation. The most commonly experienced side effects experienced with NAC are headaches, diarrhea, vomiting and/or nausea. In very rare cases, other side effects are possible and should be discussed with a doctor.
There are also possible drug interactions associated with acetylcysteine capsules. If you are currently using any medications, check with your doctor before taking this supplement.
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Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment