Meta Information

ID:nac

Name:NAC

Schema Version:1.5

Title

NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)

Alternate Names

• N-Acetylcysteine
• N-acetyl-L-cysteine

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

10

High Cost:

30

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Cost for a typical daily dose of 600-1200mg from common supplement brands.

Summary

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of the amino acid cysteine and a direct precursor to the master antioxidant, glutathione. By replenishing intracellular glutathione levels, which naturally decline with age, NAC helps mitigate oxidative stress, a key driver of cellular aging. It also supports detoxification pathways and has mucolytic (mucus-thinning) properties.

Purpose

Replenishes glutathione to combat oxidative stress and support detoxification.

Card Summary

A precursor to the master antioxidant glutathione, NAC helps combat age-related oxidative stress, supports detoxification pathways, and may protect cellular health.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Supports a core antioxidant system but lacks robust human longevity trial data.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

6.5

Justification:

Strong mechanistic data and human trials for specific conditions, but limited direct longevity studies.

Safety

Score:

3

Justification:

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) with a long history of use; mild GI side effects possible.

Flags

• May interact with nitroglycerin, potentially causing severe hypotension and headache.
• Can interact with activated charcoal and some blood pressure medications.
• High doses (>1800mg) may cause gastrointestinal distress like nausea or diarrhea.
• May blunt some positive adaptations to exercise if taken immediately post-workout.

Verdict

A safe, low-cost way to support foundational antioxidant defenses.

Qualifier

Pill only

Created

2026-04-23T23:46:48.901006Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of the amino acid cysteine and a direct precursor to the master antioxidant, glutathione. By replenishing intracellular glutathione levels, which naturally ...

Typical Protocol

• Take 600mg to 1200mg daily, often split into two doses on an empty stomach.