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When it comes to supplements that you might not have heard of but are still highly beneficial for a range of health issues, NAC is not exactly one of the most well-known! NAC supplements contain a semi-essential amino acid known as cysteine.

What Is NAC?

NAC stands for N-acetyl cysteine and as the name suggests it is a dietary supplement that contains a form of cysteine.

Cysteine can be found in a fair amount of food products that are high in protein, including chicken and eggs.

Cysteine is only considered a semi-essential amino acid as it can be produced from two other amino acids as well-methionine and serine but if your body is low on these particular amino acids, then you may need to take cysteine supplements. That’s where NAC supplements come in!

N-acetyl cysteine cannot be found in food and is not created within the body, but it still has its importance as it can be used to create the antioxidant known as glutathione when it bonds with two other amino acids: glycine and glutamine.

Glutathione is an essential antioxidant that not only aids with the maintenance of your immune system but also helps with various functions in the body.

This is why NAC supplements can be a great addition to your diet, as they can help to maintain your cysteine levels and make sure that you are giving your body everything it needs to stay happy and healthy!

With this in mind, we are going to be taking a look at some of the best NAC supplements that can give you that extra boost of N-acetyl cysteine. 

The List

1. N-Acetyl- L-Cysteine from Bulk Supplements

If it is a variety of different forms of the NAC supplement that you are looking for, the Bulk Supplements have definitely got you covered!

These supplements are available as both a capsule and a powder (allowing for it to be turned into a health drink or shake if you so choose), with tons of different sizes of supplement packs available as well that can be purchased from 100 grams (or 3.5 ounces) to 5 kilograms (or 11 pounds).

You can also opt for capsules, with either gelatin-based or vegetarian capsules that are gelatin-free, which is a great alternative to offer as it allows for the inclusion of those who do not include meat in their diets. 

Bulk Supplements also go into more detail in regard to the health benefits of NAC supplements, listing benefits such as the promotion of healthy moods, healthy brain function, healthy skin and even supporting sexual health and fertility!

The Bulk Supplements NAC supplement option also offers around 600 mg per capsule (around a quarter of a teaspoon of the powdered formula).

Capsules can be taken three times a day, as can the recommended amount of powdered NAC formula.

Unfortunately, not all countries have access to all Bulk Supplements due to varying import regulations, so you might not be able to get your hands on these particular NAC supplements if you live in Sweden, Germany, or the Netherlands. 

Ingredient List 

• N-Acetyl L-Cysteine

Other Ingredients (Non-Vegetarian)

• Bovine Gelatin

Free Of (Non-Vegetarian)

• Sugar
• Soy
• Dairy
• Yeast
• Gluten
• Additives

Other Ingredients (Vegetarian)

None

Free Of:

• Added Sugar 
• Soy
• Dairy 
• Yeast 
• Gluten
• Additives

Pros:

• Available as either capsules or as a powder, giving the consumer a choice if they favor one over the other.
• Available in different sizes. 
• A gelatin-free option for vegetarians. 

Cons:

• Statements not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 
• Due to the popularity of vegetarian options for supplements, they tend to sell out quickly and so it may be difficult to get hold of them. 

2. NAC Capsules by Double Wood Supplements

Double Wood is an incredibly potent option when it comes to NAC supplements, acting as one of the most potent capsule forms of the supplement that is available, despite having a slightly lower dosage than the standard supplements of this kind.

It is advised to take two capsules a day, with each capsule having around 500 mg of NAC. The dose can be upped to four capsules a day, if necessary, to increase the total daily dose from 1000 mg to 2000 mg. 

These particular NAC capsules boast ingredients that are entirely natural, with no synthetic materials whatsoever.

Synthetic materials can often be found in supplements that are of lower quality and that are more generic in terms of what they offer, so this inclusion of natural materials suggests that you are only getting the highest quality of NAC supplement with Double Wood.

The supplements also provide the expected benefits of NAC, such as supporting glutathione production and promoting healthy function for the liver and the lungs. 

Ingredients List

• N-Acetyl Cysteine 

Other Ingredients

• Hypromellose (capsule)
• Microcrystalline Cellulose
• Rice Flour

3. NOW NAC 600 mg Tablets

The NOW brand of NAC supplements is a great option, as not only do they contain cysteine, they also contain the two trace minerals known as selenium and molybdenum.

These are minerals that are essential as they facilitate the production of vital enzymes within the body. Selenium is a mineral that is commonly found in soil, but is also naturally produced within a variety of foods such as seafood, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

This mineral isn’t produced in the body, but it is incredibly important as it aids with the development of the immune system and with the maintenance of proper thyroid function.

A deficiency in selenium can lead to issues with the thyroid and immune system further down the line. 

On the other hand, molybdenum is a chemical element and trace mineral that is used by the body to break down macronutrients and carry out vital processes in regard to enzymes in the body, acting as a cofactor to some highly critical enzymes such as xanthine oxidase, mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component, sulfite oxidase, and aldehyde oxidase.

As well as that, molybdenum can prevent harmful substances from accumulating and building up and can also metabolize iron in the body.

As you can see, both selenium and molybdenum are hugely significant when it comes to vital bodily processes, and the NOW NAC supplements offer both alongside N-acetyl cysteine.

They encourage protein synthesis and proper hormone balance, which is a huge plus point if you find yourself with problems like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

The supplement itself is also made with a vegetable-based cellulose capsule with no artificial fillers or binders added in, making it a great, natural choice of NAC supplement.

Ingredients List

• Selenium (from L-Selenomethionine)
• Molybdenum (from Sodium Moybdate)
• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Other Ingredients

• Hypromellose (cellulose capsule)
• Stearic Acid (vegetable source)
• Citric Acid

Pros

• Contains selenium and molybdenum, therefore offering two essential trace minerals, as well as n-acetyl cysteine. 
• Aids with the maintenance of cellular health. 
• Non-GMO (not made with any genetically modified organisms).

Cons

• Information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 
• Black speckling of the capsules can occur over time. 
• As NAC is an amino acid that contains sulfur, these supplements might have an unpleasant smell (this can be tackled by leaving charcoal packets and desiccants inside the bottle after opening, as this can help with odor control and oxidation). This is an issue that all the following supplements might have, so keep this in mind as we go!

4. N-Acetyl L-Cysteine Supplement from Nutricost

The NAC supplements from Nutricost are considered to be one of the better and purer forms of NAC available on the market, with only a couple of additional additives that will only be an issue for the pickiest supplement users when it comes to purity.

The Nutricost NAC supplements are also available in different sizes, giving you different options depending on how many capsules you want to commit to.

You can choose from 120 capsules, 180 capsules, and 240 capsules. There is 600 mg of NAC within each supplement capsule, which is the average amount in terms of the other NAC supplements that we have looked at.

They are also gluten-free, third-party tested (in ISO Accredited Laboratories), and manufactured in compliance with GMP regulations within an FDA Registered facility.

These capsules are also versatile in that they are another supplement that is suitable for vegetarians or those who do not eat gluten.

Ingredients List

• N-Acetyl L-Cysteine

Other Ingredients

• Hypromellose (Cellulose) 
• Stearic Acid (Vegetable Source)
• Magnesium Stearate (Vegetable Source)
• Rice Flour

Pros:

• Different capsule amounts are available. 
• Non-GMO 
• Gluten-Free
• Excellent quality

Cons:

• Although there are only minimal additional ingredients, those who want only pure NAC in their supplements might be disappointed. 

5. NAC- N-Acetyl- L-Cysteine By Thorne

Thorne is a company that provides a wide variety of health supplements with the goal of creating scientific and personalized wellness plans. One of the supplements that they offer is NAC and although it is a smaller size in comparison to some other NAC supplements we are discussing, it is just as effective and is an excellent supplement choice.

As well as promoting the function of the immune system, the Thorne NAC supplement also helps to support the detoxification of the liver and kidney, as well as aiding in protecting those particular organs from any toxicities.

On top of that, these NAC supplements are also designed to act as a particularly potent antioxidant.

As the Thorne NAC supplements are served in the form of a capsule and due to the small dosage (500 mg per capsule), they are a splendid way for those who are new to NAC- or to supplements in general to start out. 

Ingredients List

• N-Acetyl L-Cysteine

Other Ingredients

• Silicon Dioxide
• Leucine
• Hypromellose Capsule (derived from cellulose)

Pros:

• Excellent for newcomers to NAC or those new to supplements.
• Pure N-Acetyle L-Cysteine.  
• Smaller capsules may be more manageable for some people to swallow.

Cons:

• The smaller dosage might not be as effective for those who frequently take NAC supplements. 

6. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) by Life Extension

Another capsule form of the NAC supplement, the Life Extension brand of NAC, is an incredibly pure form of the supplement as there are only a few additional ingredients included.

Life Extension offers a wide range of supplements that have gone through the process of scientific research, product development, and clinical research.

There are also wellness specialists that are available to chat via their phone line service. This dedication to professional testing and support from specialists has led to a certain level of respect and trust when it comes to their products, and their NAC supplements are no exception.

The 600mg Life Extension NAC supplements contain a cysteine formula that is easy to absorb and offers the usual benefits that are associated with the supplement, such as acting as a powerful antioxidant to prevent oxidative stress, encouraging the healthy function of the liver, and promoting healthy glutathione levels.

The capsules are made from natural vegetable cellulose, which is another plus point for this particular choice of NAC supplement. 

Ingredients List

• N-Acetyl-L Cysteine

Other Ingredients

• Vegetable Cellulose (Capsule)
• Vegetable Stearate 
• Silica

Pros:

• Very few additional ingredients make for a relatively pure form of NAC supplement. 
• Thorough scientific research and development via the Life Extension company.
• The capsules are easily absorbed and are easy to take.

Cons:

• A little more expensive than the powdered form of the NAC supplement. 

7. Botany N-Acetyl- L-Cysteine (NAC) Powder

This NAC supplement is the first in this list that comes in powder form, which may be more accessible to those who struggle to swallow capsules.

This particular powder is one of the purest NAC powders on the market, with Botany boasting a minimum purity of 98% with every batch.

The company provides batch purity reports for all of the products that it offers, which is a great way for consumers to check exactly how much of the supplement that they want is actually in their chosen product in its purest form.

It is also free of any external factors such as flow agents, adulterants, and excipients to ensure this pure nature is maintained. 

The Botany NAC powder has 100 grams of NAC powder in each jar, which offers 100 servings for those who use around 1000 mg of NAC supplements daily.

This powder comes in a PET single-walled jar with a tamper-proof seal helping to reduce damage whilst in transit as well UV resistance to minimize the degradation of the powder.

Ingredients List

• N-Acetyl L-Cysteine

Other Ingredients

• None

Pros:

• One of the purest NAC supplements on the market. 
• Powder form might be easier for those who have difficulties struggling with swallowing capsules. 
• A substantial amount of servings in each jar. 

Cons:

• No instructions in terms of serving sizes. 
• The powdered form may not be to everyone’s taste. 

8. Jarrow Formulas NAC Sustain N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Supplements 

Jarrow Formulas NAC supplements are a little different from some of the other options in that it offers a somewhat unique capsule formula. Despite having the usual 600 mg dose, the capsules utilize excipients and binders to bring the NAC elements together and bind them.

This leads to a form of the supplement that is released more slowly, with some of the NAC releasing into the bloodstream immediately and the rest diffusing at a much slower rate. 

Most NAC supplements don’t use this method, but it is hypothesized that this is a much more advantageous way to go about introducing NAC into the body.

If you are not a fan of this extended-release method of NAC, then you might want to steer clear of this option.

However, if you like the idea of having a sustained level of NAC that will keep going throughout the day, then the Jarrow Formulas supplement option could be the perfect choice for you. 

Ingredients List:

• N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine

Other Ingredients:

• Polyacrylate
• Silicon Dioxide
• Stearic Acid (Vegetable Source)
• Magnesium Stearate (Vegetable Source)
• Cellulose 
• Calcium Phosphate

Pros:

• An extended release of NAC allows for a more sustained release throughout the day. 
• 100 servings of capsules per container at 600 mg each.

Cons:

• A lot of ingredients in comparison to some other NAC supplement choices. 
• Some might not like the unique nature of the Jarrows formula due to its slow/quick release nature.

9. Integrative Therapeutics NAC Supplements

This take on the NAC supplement is also an excellent choice due to its high-grade nature and its minimalistic design. Much like the Nutricost NAC supplement, this is an almost entirely pure option with only a few additional ingredients.

The Integrative Therapeutics NAC supplement has even fewer ingredients, though, with only three extra ingredients included. 

The Integrative Therapies NAC supplements are both gluten-free and dairy-free. There is also no corn, no soy, no artificial colors or flavors, no preservatives, and no wheat!

Unfortunately, they are not vegetarian-friendly, as the capsules themselves are made of gelatin. 

Ingredients List: 

• N-Acetyl L-Cysteine

Other Ingredients 

• Gelatin (Capsule)
• Calcium Laurate
• Cellulose

Verdict

As you can see from this extensive list, there are plenty of options available when it comes to NAC supplements (and these are only a few of the choices that are on the market!)

We have only touched on some of the health benefits that are associated with NAC, but there is a wide range of advantages that this supplement can have on both mental and physical health, so it is certainly a worthy choice of supplement.

If you are considering investing in NAC supplements, there are a few factors to consider. Do you want to take it in capsule or powder form?

Do you need a supplement that is vegetarian-friendly? What kind of health benefits are you hoping to achieve with an NAC supplement?

There are so many factors to consider, but hopefully, this list has made the prospect of searching for the right NAC supplement to suit your personal needs a little less daunting for you!

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.

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