NAC 600mg N-acetyl-cysteine

600 mg of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) per capsule, without fillers or excipients. 60 vegan capsules. Selected by Vitarium from the Natuurlijk.fit range.

What each capsule contains

Capsule shell: pullulan (cassava extract, vegan, kosher and halal). No fillers, colourings or preservatives.

What NAC is

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is the acetylated form of the amino acid L-cysteine. Cysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid that the body can make itself from the amino acid L-methionine — which is why it is called semi-essential. Under certain circumstances production may be insufficient for requirements, in which case topping up through food or a supplement can be useful.

The acetylated form (NAC) has practical advantages over free L-cysteine: it is better tolerated by the gastrointestinal tract, has a higher bioavailability, and is less sensitive to oxidation during storage and passage through the stomach. At cellular level, cysteine is the direct precursor of glutathione — a central antioxidant in phase-2 liver biotransformation.

For NAC itself there are no EFSA-authorised health claims for consumer supplements. The text on this product page is therefore strictly factual and biochemical.

Important safety information

• Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Take care when using nitroglycerin or other nitrate medication — NAC may amplify the blood-vessel-widening effect (possible headache, low blood pressure)
• When using ACE inhibitors (enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril): in rare cases the blood-pressure-lowering effect may be amplified — consult your doctor if in doubt
• With chronic liver or kidney complaints: consult your doctor first
• With asthma: in rare cases NAC may trigger bronchospasm — stop immediately if complaints worsen
• NAC may have a slightly sulphurous smell when swallowed — this is normal and not a quality problem
• Do not exceed the recommended dose

Dosage

• Standard: 1 to 2 capsules a day
• Take between meals — at least half an hour before, or two hours after, a meal. Amino acids compete with each other for absorption; on an empty stomach NAC is absorbed more efficiently
• With plenty of water
• Or as advised by your health professional

Suitable for

Vegetarians and vegans. Gluten-free, lactose-free, soya-free. Free from GMO, preservatives and synthetic fragrances, colourings and flavourings.

Storage

Store dry, sealed and at room temperature. Keep the packaging closed. Keep out of reach of children.

Vitarium therapeutic editorial

NAC is one of the most widely used amino acid derivatives in orthomolecular practice — above all as a building block for the glutathione pool, in periods of increased oxidative load (for example after courses of medication, intensive sport, or in protocols around phase-2 liver biotransformation). For general use without a specific reason, the added value over a varied diet is usually limited; for targeted short cycles (2-6 weeks) at 600-1,200 mg/day, NAC is a fairly well researched supplement. When taking medication — particularly nitrates, ACE inhibitors, or in the case of asthma — consulting a doctor or pharmacist is the right first step.

This product is a food supplement. Do not exceed the recommended dose. A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important; a food supplement is not a substitute for these. Keep out of reach of young children. Consult an expert in case of pregnancy, lactation, medication use or illness.