N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is a conditionally essential amino acid (CEAA) that’s a common liver support ingredient. Of course, that’s not its only benefit. In this edition of Ingredient Spotlight, we’ll take a closer look at what NAC is, the benefits, and what 5% Nutrition products you’ll find it in. 

What Is N-Acetyl-Cysteine?

Cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid (CEAA). The body makes it but it becomes essential if you are amino acid deficient. It’s one of the two proteinogenic amino acids that contain a sulfur atom (the other is methionine). N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of this amino acid. (1)

What Does N-Acetyl-Cysteine Do?

One of the biggest benefits of NAC is its role in the manufacture of the potent antioxidant glutathione. Made from NAC, glutamine, and glycine, glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants and may be the most powerful antioxidant used by the body. By helping to replenish levels of this powerful antioxidant, NAC supports immune health and function. (2)

Liver Health

As noted, another important benefit is liver and kidney support. You will often see NAC in products that support the liver and other organs because it helps detoxify the kidneys and the liver. (3)

Cognitive Health

Not only does NAC replenish glutathione, it also regulates brain glutamate levels. This supports cognitive health. Glutamate, a neurotransmitter, is important in a broad range of learning, behavior, and memory functions. Glutathione helps reduce brain cell oxidative damage that is associated with aging.

Performance Benefits

Some recent studies have suggested that n-acetyl-cysteine has performance benefits - namely that it can help lower fatigue thanks to its role in replenishing glutathione. (4)

The 5% Nutrition Products That Contain N-Acetyl-Cysteine

Liver and Organ Defender

No doubt you’re chasing gains. That means intense workouts, lots of real food, and aggressive supplement choices. Rich told us that the hardcore bodybuilding lifestyle can be hard on the organs, meaning the liver, kidneys, heart, and prostate gland. This is where 5% Nutrition Liver & Organ Defender enters the picture. Liver and Organ Defender is a well-dosed, broad-spectrum formula that covers the basic health needs of bodybuilders and athletes. There are 5 Support Blends in this outstanding product: Heart Support, Liver Support, Prostate Support, Kidney support, and Skin Support.

Keep an eye out for NAC in future 5% formulas!

Recap

N-acetyl-cysteine is a very impressive ingredient with powerful antioxidant and liver health implications. Right now, it’s available in Liver and Organ Defender, a product that makes a lot of sense for any hard-training bodybuilder or athlete. With that in mind, stop by 5% Nutrition and do your supplement shopping today, starting with a Liver and Organ Defender bottle!

References:

1. https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/c/l-cysteine.html
2. Minich, D. M., & Brown, B. I. (2019). A Review of Dietary (Phyto)Nutrients for Glutathione Support. Nutrients, 11(9), 2073. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092073
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213434423000154
4. Fernández-Lázaro, D., Domínguez-Ortega, C., Busto, N., Santamaría-Peláez, M., Roche, E., Gutiérez-Abejón, E., & Mielgo-Ayuso, J. (2023). Influence of N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation on Physical Performance and Laboratory Biomarkers in Adult Males: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 15(11), 2463. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112463