AOR NAC Details Protects the heart Boosts glutathione levels Improves immunity Protects against toxins N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, or NAC, is an amino acid that acts as an antioxidant and is a precursor in the body to glutathione (GSH), a critical antioxidant. NAC is a more stable form of the amino acid cysteine (which is very unstable and oxidizes readily) because it has an acetyl group (CH3CO) attached. NAC is also more bioavailable and 6 times as cost-effective as the tripeptide glutathione. Glutathione consists of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. The body breaks this tripeptide apart before absorption, but the rate limiting (most valuable) amino acid for the purpose of making glutathione is the cysteine. Therefore, simply taking NAC makes much more sense. Mechanism of action Most of the beneficial effects of orally administered NAC are theorized to be a result of increased source of GSH groups. NAC can stimulate GSH synthesis, enhance glutathione-s-transferase activity, promote detoxification and act as an antioxidant.
