N-Acetyl Cysteine

What does the research say about N-Acetyl Cysteine?

5 health outcomes synthesised

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has been studied for 5 health outcomes, with the strongest evidence supporting a beneficial effect on reducing mortality risk (4 studies, moderate strength). Research also explores effects on oxidative stress, platelet count, cognitive function, and inflammatory markers, with typical doses in the range of 600–1200 mg/day.

Strongest evidence: The only outcome with moderate evidence strength is Reduced Mortality Risk, where 3 of 4 studies showed beneficial large effects, including a 41% risk reduction in COVID-19 patients and significant benefits in rodenticide poisoning and acute liver injury. Effective dose was not consistently reported.

Mixed or weaker evidence: Four outcomes have low evidence strength. For Reduced Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha, only 1 of 4 studies found a small benefit (in NASH patients at 1200 mg twice daily). Increased Platelet Count had 2 of 4 studies beneficial (1200 mg/day in critically ill and post-transplant patients) but 2 neutral. Improved Cognitive Function showed 2 of 3 reviews beneficial but only 1 significant, with no consistent dose. Reduced Oxidative Stress had 3 of 3 studies beneficial (moderate effect) at 600-1200 mg/day in children with MASLD and adults with coronary artery disease.

Effective dose patterns: Across outcomes, a common dose range is 600–1200 mg/day, notably for platelet recovery and oxidative stress reduction. However, many studies lacked specific dosing information.

Population insights: Benefits for mortality were seen in acute conditions (COVID-19, poisoning, liver injury). For oxidative stress, children with MASLD and obesity showed improvements. Platelet benefits were observed in critically ill adults on linezolid and after stem cell transplant. TNF-α reduction was only significant in NASH patients.

Notable caveats: All syntheses have small evidence bases (3-4 studies), so conclusions are preliminary. Publication bias is a concern for positive results, and many studies lacked consistent reporting of dose, form (e.g., oral vs. IV), and duration. Several outcomes had a mix of beneficial and neutral findings, indicating uncertainty.

Frequently asked

What is N-Acetyl Cysteine good for according to research?
Research shows promising effects for reducing mortality risk (moderate evidence, 4 studies) and reducing oxidative stress (low evidence, 3 studies all beneficial). It may also help increase platelet count in specific populations and improve cognitive function, though evidence is low and mixed.
What dose of N-Acetyl Cysteine is typically used in studies?
Effective doses range from 600 to 1200 mg daily, with 1200 mg/day (e.g., 600 mg twice daily) used for platelet recovery and TNF-α reduction. For oxidative stress, 600-1200 mg/day was used in children with MASLD.
Who benefits most from N-Acetyl Cysteine?
Populations with the strongest evidence include COVID-19 patients, rodenticide poisoning patients, and those with non-acetaminophen acute liver injury for mortality. Other groups showing potential benefits include children with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (oxidative stress) and critically ill adults on linezolid (platelet count).
Are there caveats or limitations in the research on N-Acetyl Cysteine?
Yes, all outcomes are based on small evidence bases (3-4 studies), so conclusions are preliminary. Publication bias may inflate positive results. Many studies lack detailed dosing, form, and duration information, and several outcomes show mixed or neutral findings, reducing certainty.
Does N-Acetyl Cysteine help with reducing mortality?
The evidence is moderate: 3 of 4 studies found large beneficial effects, including a 41% reduced risk of death in COVID-19 patients and significant improvements in rodenticide poisoning and acute liver injury. One small neutral trial in surgical pediatric patients did not show benefit.
Does N-Acetyl Cysteine help with cognitive function?
Evidence is low. Two of three review studies reported small to moderate benefits, but only one reached statistical significance. No consistent dose or population was identified, so effects remain uncertain.

Moderate evidenceReduced Mortality Risk
Low evidenceIncreased Platelet Count
Low evidenceReduced Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha
Low evidenceImproved Cognitive Function
Low evidenceReduced Oxidative Stress
Reduced Interleukin-6 Levels
Reduced C-Reactive Protein Levels
Reduced Lactate Levels
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Reduced Length of Hospital Stay

Most-studied combinations with N-Acetyl Cysteine

most supplement research is combination research

Also studied with:Glutathione (3), L-Carnitine (4), Vitamin D (2), Vitamin E (5), Vitamin C (3)

NAC
By Amazing Nutrition
4.6 (370 reviews)
In Stock
Pricing Information
Ingredient N-Acetyl Cysteine
Amount per Pill 600 mg
Total Amount 300 g
Price per mg USD 0.00007
Supplement Ingredients
Ingredients Amount Per Serving
N-acetyl-L-cysteine
N-Acetyl Cysteine
1.2 g
Outcomes Supported by Research
Reduced Virulence / Lower Risk of Fungemia1 studies
Increased Antibacterial Activity Against Pathogens1 studies
Reduced Listeria Monocytogenes Population1 studies
Immune Response to Rotavirus Vaccine Antigen1 studies
Reduced Anti-Listeria Effect1 studies
Product Description
Supports liver health and detoxification with 1200 mg of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)
Promotes glutathione production, a vital antioxidant for cellular protection
Aids respiratory health by helping to reduce mucus in the lungs
Boosts immune system to help fend off illnesses and infections
Enhances mental clarity and brain function through oxidative stress reduction
Each capsule is easy to swallow and designed for optimal absorption
Sourced from high-quality ingredients for purity and efficacy
Other ingredients
gelatin (capsule)
magnesium stearate
silicon dioxide
microcrystalline cellulose
Free of
preservatives
artificial colors
flavors
sweeteners
sugar
milk
lactose
soy
gluten
wheat
yeast
egg
corn
sodium
Serving Size: 2
Servings per Container: 125
Pill Type: Capsule
Flavor: -
UPC: 810180026192
Available From
Available From
Merchant Price Stock Action
Amazon
$-
Out
iHerb
$21.99
In
Vitacost
$20.19
In
Vitamin Shoppe
$-
Out
Fundamentals, NAC, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, 600 mg
By Force Factor
4.7 (5.9K reviews)
Out of Stock
Pricing Information
Ingredient N-Acetyl Cysteine
Amount per Pill 600 mg
Total Amount 120 g
Price per mg USD 0.0002
Supplement Ingredients
Ingredients Amount Per Serving
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
N-Acetyl Cysteine
600 mg
No Artificial Colors
No Artificial Flavors
Preservative Free
Sugar Free
Product Description
Supports Liver Health: N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is known for its ability to help detoxify and support liver function.
Enhances Antioxidant Production: NAC is a precursor to glutathione, one of the body’s most vital antioxidants, which helps to protect cells from oxidative stress.
Boosts Immune Function: By boosting glutathione levels, it plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system.
Sugar Free: Ideal for those mindful of sugar intake.
No Artificial Additives: Free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, offering a pure and clean supplement option.
Vegetarian Capsules: Suitable for those following vegetarian diets, ensuring inclusivity in your health regimen.
Convenient Dosage: 600 mg of NAC per capsule provides an optimal dose for daily health support.
Other ingredients
Hypromellose
vegetable magnesium stearate
silicon dioxide
Free of
artificial colors
artificial flavors
gelatin
sugar
artificial sweeteners
preservatives
Serving Size: 1
Servings per Container: 200
Pill Type: Vegetable Capsule
Flavor: -
UPC: 818594018574
Available From
Available From
Merchant Price Stock Action
Amazon
$-
Out
iHerb
$21.49
In
Vitacost
$21.49
In
Vitamin Shoppe
$39.99
In

Don Colbert M.D. Liver Gallbladder Cleanse

By Divine Health

5 (3 reviews)

In Stock

Pricing Information
Ingredient	N-Acetyl Cysteine
Amount per Pill	250 mg
Total Amount	120 g
Price per mg	USD 0.0002

Supplement Ingredients
Ingredients	Amount Per Serving
selenium Selenium	100 mcg
L-selenomethionine Selenium	-
N-acetyl-L-cysteine N-Acetyl Cysteine	1 g
Alpha Lipoic Acid	600 mg
milk thistle extract Milk Thistle	250 mg
Silybum marianum	-
Organic Beet (Beta Vulgaris) Root Concentrate Beet	600 mg
artichoke extract Artichoke	125 mg
Cynara scolymus L	-

Organic

Product Description

Supports Liver & Gallbladder Health: Promotes detoxification and maintains the health of the liver and gallbladder with a thoughtfully curated blend of ingredients.
High-Quality Organic Ingredients: Contains organic milk thistle extract, known for its liver-protective properties, and organic beetroot concentrate that supports liver function.
Antioxidant-Rich Formula: Features Alpha Lipoic Acid and selenium, powerful antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and aid in liver detoxification.
Enhanced Detoxification: N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) supports glutathione production, a critical antioxidant that detoxifies the liver.
Digestive Aid: Includes artichoke extract to enhance bile production, thereby supporting digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.
Doctor Formulated: Developed by Don Colbert M.D., ensuring a blend of ingredients specifically chosen for their detoxifying and liver-supporting properties.
Organic Certification: Made with certified organic ingredients, ensuring no synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or artificial additives.

With Divine Health's Don Colbert M.D. Liver Gallbladder Cleanse, experience a holistic approach to maintaining liver and gallbladder health using a blend of organic and potent ingredients, curated by a trusted medical professional.

Other ingredients

vegetable capsule (hypromellose)
rice flour

Free of

Serving Size: 4

Servings per Container: 30

Pill Type: Capsule

Flavor: -

UPC: 860010993255

NAC Detox Regulators

By Doctor's Best

4.8 (20.6K reviews)

Out of Stock

Pricing Information
Ingredient	N-Acetyl Cysteine
Amount per Pill	600 mg
Total Amount	108 g
Price per mg	USD 0.0002

Supplement Ingredients
Ingredients	Amount Per Serving
selenium (from SelenoExcell® high selenium yeast) Selenium	50 mcg
saccharomyces cerevisiae Saccharomyces cerevisiae	-
Molybdenum Molybdenum	50 mcg
molybdenum glycinate chelate Molybdenum	-
N-acetylcysteine N-Acetyl Cysteine	600 mg