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NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

General Health · Evidence: Moderate · Importance: Optional

A cysteine derivative the body uses to make glutathione, its main intracellular antioxidant. Studied for respiratory, liver, and antioxidant support.

Educational only — not medical advice. BodEvo summarizes research cautiously and labels estimates as estimates. Talk to a physician or registered dietitian before starting any supplement, diet, or training program.

What the evidence says

Best evidence is in clinical settings (e.g., as a mucolytic and in acetaminophen overdose, which are medical uses). Evidence for general "antioxidant" supplementation in healthy lifters is limited and not a performance enhancer.

Typical dose & timing

Dose: Commonly 600–1,200 mg/day in studies; follow label and clinician guidance.

Timing: With or without food; consistency matters more than timing.

Role in a stack

Optional antioxidant/glutathione-support add-on, not a foundational performance supplement.

Redundancy check: Overlaps with other antioxidant supplements (glutathione, high-dose vitamin C/E); stacking many at once has diminishing evidence.

Cautions & safety

Can cause nausea or GI upset. May interact with nitroglycerin and some medications. Regulatory status as a supplement has shifted — check local availability.

Generally well tolerated at studied doses. Not a substitute for medical treatment. Talk to a clinician if you take medications or have a health condition.

Best for

antioxidant support · glutathione production · general health interest

Use it in the app: open the Supplement Library and Stack Builder — free, local-first, no account required.