N-Acetyl Cysteine · N-Acetylcysteine · Acetylcysteine
Glutathione precursor and liver shield for heavy peptide protocols.
FDA
Approved
WADA
Not Listed
HALF-LIFE
~2–6 hours
ROUTE
Oral
SCHEDULE
Daily
In Plain English
Glutathione precursor and liver shield for heavy peptide protocols.
Status & Legality
NATTY?
No Test ExistsNo established test exists for this compound.
FDA
ApprovedFDA approved for human use.
WADA
Not ListedNot currently on WADA prohibited list.
COMPOUNDING
Rx AvailableAvailable at licensed pharmacies with prescription.
PRESCRIBED
By prescriptionPhysicians can prescribe this compound legally.
ROUTE
OralAdministration via oral.
Glutathione synthesis
Liver protection
Antioxidant support
Heavy protocol adjunct
NAC is the rate-limiting precursor to glutathione — the body's master antioxidant. In peptide protocols, it serves as hepatic protection when running compounds with any liver burden (oral peptides, high-dose BPC). IV NAC is the standard of care for acetaminophen overdose, establishing its hepatoprotective mechanism at a high level of clinical evidence. Oral NAC at 600–1200 mg/day significantly raises tissue glutathione.
Sulfurous breath or body odor
GI upset at high doses
Rare: anaphylaxis with IV form only
Contraindicated with nitroglycerin
Taking with food when empty-stomach is needed — NAC absorption drops significantly when taken with protein; wait 30 min before or 2 hours after food
Not pairing with Vitamin C — Vitamin C regenerates oxidized glutathione and extends NAC's antioxidant effect significantly
Ignoring the nitroglycerin contraindication — this is a serious, dangerous interaction; if you take nitroglycerin for any reason, do not use NAC
Nitroglycerin — DANGEROUS combination causing severe hypotension; absolute contraindication
Activated charcoal — reduces NAC absorption significantly; separate by at least 2 hours if both are needed
Vitamin C — synergistic; Vitamin C regenerates glutathione that NAC builds; always co-administer
NAC is the most evidence-backed hepatoprotective supplement available — it's IV NAC that's used as the standard of care for acetaminophen overdose, confirming the mechanism at the highest clinical evidence level. For peptide protocols with any oral compounds, 600 mg twice daily on an empty stomach is inexpensive insurance. Always pair with TUDCA for dual liver protection.
Stats
Sources & Studies
Mokhtari V. et al., Cell J, 2017