amino-acidEVIDENCEBUSOTC
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
aka NAC
Precursor to glutathione, the body's master antioxidant. Studied for OCD, addiction, and neuroprotection.
Dose range600–2400mg
Half-life6h
Onset—min
Safety5/5high evidence base
Mechanism of action
Donates cysteine for glutathione synthesis. Modulates glutamate in nucleus accumbens. Anti-inflammatory.
Benefits
OCD symptoms
EVIDENCEBSeveral RCTs.
Addiction (craving reduction)
EVIDENCEBMultiple RCTs.
Neuroprotection / antioxidant
EVIDENCEBMechanism + animal models.
Side effects
- Sulfurous smellcommonmild
- GI upsetcommonmild
Where to buy
Affiliate linksNo vendor products listed yet. Vendors — list a product.