What does the NAC do?

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is the precursor to the body’s master antioxidant, glutathione, which is created when NAC combines with glycine. Supplemental NAC is an effective way at increasing glutathione concentrations in our body, and a meta-analysis of 28 clinical trials found that NAC supplementation significantly reduced biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Depending on diet, genetics, and training load, some athletes may have a subclinical glutathione deficiency that predisposes them to reduced exercise performance, slower recovery, and increased risk of infectious illness. NAC supplementation in these individuals has been shown to restore normal glutathione levels and greatly improve exercise performance.

A meta-analysis of healthy adults, including athletes and those who are not regularly active, has shown that NAC supplementation improves exercise performance, antioxidant capacity, and glutathione levels. In middle-aged and elderly adults, NAC reduced the odds of having a respiratory infection by 43% over six months, as well as the severity of infections not avoided.

Directions: Take 1–3 capsules in the morning and/or evening, using upwards of six capsules per day during times of intense training load.