N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor of the amino acid L-cysteine that has proven to be a very powerful antioxidant.
NAC works by moderating mucus secretions, which is one of the major ways in which all variants of COVID can be transmitted.
It also stimulates the biosynthesis of glutathione. This “mother of all antioxidants” helps eliminate free radicals from the body no matter where they come from…diet, environmental exposure, viruses, toxic gut imbalances and so on.
NAC also has very low toxicity and has been approved by the FDA for many years.
Recently, prominent medical doctors such as Dr. Lee Merritt MD have been advocating for NAC to both prevent and treat COVID infections…even late stage infections characterized by cytokine storms. (reference)
Dr. Merritt also suggests ongoing use of NAC to protect the unvaccinated, who due to home or work environment, must be around COVID vaccinated individuals who are continuously shedding spike proteins.
Studies on NAC for COVID
To date, here are the most prominent studies on NAC:
- A review on various uses of n-acetyl cysteine. Cell Journal. 2017;19(1):11-17.
- N-acetylcysteine to combat COVID: An evidence review. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 2020;16:1047-1055.
- N-acetylcysteine as a potential treatment for COVID-19. Future Microbiology. 2020;15:959-962.
The first study above outlines the various uses of NAC used as a nutritional supplement for conditions such as PCOS, premature birth and recurrent pregnancy loss, acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, chronic bronchitis, liver cancer, ulcerative colitis, asthma, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
The second study published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management suggests that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties of NAC may prove beneficial to preventing infection from COVID-19.
Due to the success of NAC in treating sepsis, the research also indicates that it may be able to treat severely ill COVID patients. This includes those who are most at risk such as the elderly and immunocompromised.
The third study was published in the journal Future Microbiology. It suggests that 600 mg/day of NAC could serve as a preventive measure against COVID.
This includes those likely to have repeated exposures such as healthcare workers.
Most interestingly, the study suggests that NAC may be particularly beneficial in cases where personal protective equipment is in short supply.
In addition, NAC may prove beneficial for those who have been forced to take the COVID injections due to restrictive work situations. Evidence to support this purpose is anecdotal at this time and not confirmed via scientific study.
Why is Access to NAC Under Attack?
Unlike more difficult to obtain pharmaceuticals such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, NAC is available without prescription.
Thus, NAC is one of the most effective remedies available to everyday people to protect themselves from all things COVID (vaccinated spike protein shedders, COVID transmission/infection, AND reducing COVID symptoms).
Because of this, it is not surprising that the medical mafia in cahoots with government authorities are trying to prevent access to NAC despite its stellar safety record and research supporting its efficacy. (reference)
Thus, many are stocking up as recommended by Dr. Lee Merritt as we approach what may be a very difficult winter season for covid variant transmission (delta, mu, etc).
Best and Worst NAC
If having NAC on hand seems wise, the next question is…which brands are best?
I’ve been getting many requests about this, so I spent some time vetting as many NAC brands as I could find online.
Get the Right Dosage
According to the research, 600 mg capsules is the best dosage. If the product is powder based, 1/4 tsp is the equivalent dose.
Thus, avoid brands that have larger doses such as 1000 mg capsules. Too much NAC can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as explosive diarrhea and cramping.
Also avoid brands that are less than the scientifically supported dosage of 600 mg per capsule. I noticed several brands that were 500mg or even less.
Avoid “Juiced” NAC
I would also suggest brands that ONLY contain NAC.
“Juiced” NAC is not necessarily going to be any better and it might be worse synergistically speaking. There is no research to support these additional ingredients.
Some of the unnecessary ingredients in NAC supplements that I came across include:
- L-Selenomethionine
- Sodium molybdate
- L-Tyrosine
- Green tea
- Milk thistle
- Beta Glucan
- Dicalcium phosphate
Best Brands to Consider
After looking at over two dozen brands of NAC, here are the top ones I found that were also a reasonable price given that NAC is not an expensive substance. In other words, watch out for price gouging!
- Life Extension (Best)
- Health Thru Nutrition (this is the one I’m currently using, although I will buy Life Extension next time).
- Puremedics
- Integrative Therapeutics
I also noticed while putting together this review that many brands of NAC were sold out. This may be due to government pressure to remove it from the market, supply chain disruptions, or a combination of both.
Whatever the reason for the apparent shortage of NAC, if you plan to stock up for this coming winter cold/flu/covid season, I would not delay!
Do you have any information on nac while nursing?
I have not seen any research on this.
Ok thankyou. It appears they used it during pregnancy in the one study so I’d assume it is not toxic.
I use Pure Encapsulations. I had to order it directly from the company, as the brand was out of stock in the online stores that I use, (like iherb.)
My sister ordered some (from Vitacost.) It was their own store brand and it didn’t have any extra ingredients, but I don’t know about the quality.
I didn’t recommend Pure Encapsulations because the dosage is too high (900 mg per capsule). This risks side effects like gastrointestinal upset, cramping, diarrhea.
I would recommend sticking with the 600 mg dosage from the NAC studies .. you can open a capsule and use 2/3 each time.
Pure Encapsulations offers two different doses. I take the 600.
Oh great! Thanks for letting me know. I didn’t see that one!
Are these available on specific websites? I know that some websites, such as Amazon, often have fake versions of quality supplements. I prefer to buy directly or from other suppliers when possible. Thanks!
NAC is not available on Amazon anymore. I don’t buy it online, so not sure. I’ve been buying NAC at the healthfood store. Just do a search on the brand you want and all the places that carry it online should come up.