In this article, we will discuss the five best NAC supplements on the market and why you should consider using them. NAC is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your body from free radicals. It has many benefits, including improved joint health, reduced inflammation, better cognitive function, and overall immune health.

What is NAC?

N Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a precursor to something called Glutathione, which is a master antioxidant created in our body from 3-different amino acids: Cystine, Glycine, and Glutamic Acid. The most important amino acid of those three is Cystine, which is the amino acid needed for our body’s glutathione production, and N Acetyl Cysteine is the supplement form of Cystine.

How do NAC supplements work?

N Acetyl Cysteine supplements work by helping to boost glutathione production in our bodies. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Taking pure NAC as a dietary supplement helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can alleviate symptoms, and improve cognitive function or overall immune health.

Why are antioxidants important for our body?

Antioxidants are necessary for neutralizing what are called free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are atoms or molecules with an odd or unpaired number of electrons, and as a result of being unstable or positively charged, they can damage cells in our body and cause illnesses.

Free radicals come from normal metabolic processes in our body as we breathe oxygen or consume food. When an antioxidant comes across a free radical in the body, it offers protection by donating an electron, which in turn neutralizes the positively charged free radical.

Why should I take N Acetyl Cysteine?

Similar to vitamins, we do not necessarily need to take NAC, or N Acetyl Cysteine because our body naturally produces it. Furthermore, we can do things like adjusting our diet to support this process. However, some individuals prefer to supplement because it better suits their lifestyle or schedule, and the same can be said for taking NAC supplements.

Others with mental health disorders or who are interested in ways to optimize their brain health may look to a dietary supplement like N Acetyl Cysteine as a form of trying something new.

In what form can I take N Acetyl Cysteine?

N Acetyl Cysteine supplements are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. The best form of NAC for you depends on your personal preferences and needs. For example, if you have trouble swallowing pills or capsule form, you may prefer a liquid or powder form. Capsules and tablets are typically more convenient and easy to take on the go.

When it comes to dosage, the recommended dose of NAC is 600 mg per day to achieve and maintain optimal glutathione levels. However, some people may need more or less depending on their individual health needs.

Factors to consider when choosing the best NAC supplement

When choosing the best NAC supplement, it is important to consider various factors such as brand reputation, quality, effectiveness, and value.

There are many brands available on the market, so it is important to do some research to find a reputable brand that offers high-quality products. Additionally, you should read reviews from other customers for the latest and best insight.

Brand Reputation: When choosing the best NAC supplement, it is important to consider the brand reputation. There are many brands available on the market, so it is important to do some research to find the best NAC brands that offer high-quality products. Additionally, you should read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of the product and the company’s customer service. A good way to find out about a company’s reputation is to check its Better Business Bureau rating.

Quality: The quality of NAC supplements is important because you want to make sure you are getting a pure and potent product. Pure NAC should also come from naturally derived ingredients. Look for supplements that are made in GMP-certified facilities and have third-party lab results available. This will ensure that the product is both safe and of top-notch quality.

Effectiveness: As you explore NAC supplements, you want to make sure it is effective. Look for products that have been clinically tested and shown to be effective. Additionally, read customer reviews to see what people are saying about the product.

Value: While reviewing NAC supplements, you want to make sure you are getting good value for your money. Compare prices of different brands and look for discounts or sales. You can also find coupons online or in magazines to get the best price on your purchase.

These are all important factors to consider when choosing the best NAC supplements. Now let’s take a look at our review of the 5 Best NAC supplements based on these factors, and help identify the best fit for you.

Life Extension

Brand Reputation: Life Extension is a company that was founded in 1980, to extend the healthy human lifespan by discovering methods to control aging and eradicate diseases. According to the company, 98% of their supplement reviews are positive, with customers highly recommending life extension products and stating they are some of the best supplements available.

Quality: Compared to some other companies, Life Extension’s ingredients are allegedly chosen not based on cost, but rather on purity, potency, and scientific research. Their commitment to quality and safety has resulted in GMP registration from NSF International, and most if not all of their products are gluten-free.

Effectiveness: There are a large number of reviews for Life Extension’s NAC supplement, with the average rating being very positive. Customers report feeling calmer, more focused, and less anxious after taking the N acetyl cysteine regularly. Some people also saw an improvement in their skin complexion and digestion.

Value: Life Extension’s NAC supplement is one of the more affordable options on the market. Their capsules are also larger than most, providing 600 mg per serving as opposed to the standard 500 mg. They offer a variety of discounts and sales across all their product lines, with a cost per milligram of $.0002 this might be the top choice for many.

Cost per Bottle: $7

Servings: 60 Capsules

Serving Size: 1 Capsule (600 mg)

Cost per Serving: $0.12

Cost per Milligram: .0002

NOW Foods

Brand Reputation: Founded in 1968, NOW Foods has been around for more than 50 years, with a supplement line consisting of more than 1,400 products. The company claims itself as one of the top manufacturers in the natural products industry, with several facilities in the U.S. and Canada. After 50 years, the company remains family-owned to this day and is committed to providing the best nutritional supplements at affordable prices. The brand’s mission is entirely for empowering people to live happier, healthier lives.

Quality: NOW Foods was one of the first supplement manufacturers in 2000 to be awarded an “A” rating by the National Products Association (NPA) in pursuit of their GMP certification. The company undergoes an audit annually and has since maintained its A-Rating. Compared to other suppliers, their ingredients are all organic and certified by Quality Assurance International (QAI).

Effectiveness: Of all our N Acetyl Cysteine supplement reviews, Now Food’s NAC supplement had the largest number of 5-star positive reviews. Based on their capsule size, quality and potency, customers reported a variety of mental and physical benefits. Unique from all other brands, NOW Food’s N Acetyl Cysteine supplement comes stacked with trace minerals that facilitate the production of several important enzymes.

Value: A bottle of NOW Foods NAC supplement contains 60 capsules, which is a one-month supply if you take the recommended dosage of two capsules per day. At $11 per bottle and a cost of $.00007 per milligram, their N Acetyl Cysteine supplement has the greatest value of all other brands listed.

Cost per Bottle: $11

Servings: 250 Capsules

Serving Size: 1 Capsule (600 mg )

Cost per Serving: $.04

Cost per Milligram: .00007

Thorne Research

Brand Reputation: Thorne Research is one of the most well-known manufacturers of supplements, offering a wide range of products for customers looking to maintain their health or maximize sport performance. Thorne’s supplements are manufactured in a facility that is certified by third-party organizations like NSF International and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s regulatory agency responsible for evaluating the safety of supplements.

Quality: Thorne Research’s ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers to ensure quality, and all products are tested in-house multiple times. They offer more than 30 products that are NSF Certified for Sport, meaning those products have been screened to ensure they’re free of substances banned for athletes. This is an important consideration when purchasing supplements, to ensure a company’s products are high quality, safe, and free of harmful contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides.

Effectiveness: Thorne Research’s NAC supplement is one of the more expensive options on the market, but customers report feeling its effects almost immediately. People have said they feel calmer and less anxious, with some also reporting improved digestion.

Value: Compared to other brands, Thorne Research’s size is lower at 500 milligrams per capsule or serving. At $26 per bottle or $.0006 per milligram, this makes their N Acetyl Cysteine the most expensive option compared to other brands.

Cost per Bottle: $26

Servings: 90 Capsules

Service Size: 1 Capsule (500 mg)

Cost per Serving: $0.29

Cost per milligram: .0006

Brand 4 / Quality 5 / Value 3 / Effectiveness 4

Bulk Supplements

Brand Reputation: Located in Henderson, Nevada, Bulk Supplements supplies over 500 nutritional supplement ingredients to hundreds of thousands of consumers and manufacturers. Bulk Supplements has an NSF Certified & FDA-registered cGMP facility with over 70 employees that take pride in providing excellent customer service and producing quality products for its customers.

Quality: Bulk Supplements has an NSF Certified & FDA-registered cGMP facility, where they are dedicated to maintaining health code and government regulations. Each of their supplements is tested by a reputable US-based independent lab, ensuring safe consumption for customers. They also have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available for each product on their website, so customers can see the results of the third-party tests for themselves.

Effectiveness: Bulk Supplement’s NAC supplement is one of the most affordable options on the market and is just as effective as more expensive brands. Customers report feeling much calmer and healthier after taking the N acetyl cysteine regularly, and favor its powder form as they can easily incorporate it with smoothies or other supplement stacks.

Value: Since Bulk Supplement’s NAC supplement comes in a powder-based form, their bags contain a much larger number of servings at 833 (1/4 teaspoons). At $44 per bag or $.00009 per milligram, this makes Bulk Supplement’s N Acetyl Cysteine one of the more affordable options on the market.

Cost per Bag: $44

Servings: 833

Serving Size: 1/4 Tsp (600 mg)

Cost per Serving: $.05

Cost per milligram: .00009

Source Naturals

Brand Reputation: Source Naturals was founded in 1982, and has grown into a nutritional supplement leader dedicated to helping customers achieve optimal mental and physical health. Their specialists leverage scientific knowledge with a holistic approach to create products that support the underlying mechanisms our bodies use to maintain balance. Source Natural’s supplements combine an array of natural ingredients, nutrients, and herbs for both an effective and safe experience for its customers.

Quality: Source Natural’s quality starts with the sourcing of botanical powders, extracts, and raw materials, including organic and non-GMO ingredients. They have control over all facets of their raw material sourcing and quality testing, with multiple tests being performed on each ingredient to ensure purity and potency. All their products are manufactured in the USA in an FDA-inspected, GMP-certified facility.

Effectiveness: While Source Natural’s customer base isn’t as large as other brands for N Acetyl Cysteine, most reviews rate its effectiveness very high in comparison because of its tablet form. Reported benefits span both physical and mental areas, within even just a few days or weeks.

Value: Source Natural’s bottles come with 120 servings, and 600 milligrams per tablet which is on the higher side for one’s dosage. For $18 per bottle or $.0003 per milligram, Source Natural’s N Acetyl Cysteine supplement comes at a higher cost when compared to other NAC supplements.

Cost per Bottle: $18.30

Servings: 120

Serving Size: 1 Tablet (600 mg)

Cost per Serving: $.05

Cost per milligram: $.0003

Conclusion

No matter which brand of NAC supplement you choose, it is clear that this nutrient plays an important role in maintaining overall health and immune function. With its proven ability to boost antioxidant levels, improve respiratory health, and support the body’s natural detoxification processes, NAC is a must-have for anyone looking to take their wellness to the next level.

Now that you know a little more about the best NAC supplements and their associated brands, it’s time to make a decision on which one is right for you. If you’re looking for the best overall value and quality from a reputable brand, NOW Foods may be the best option based on our review. However, if cost is not a limiting factor and you seek the highest quality, Thorne Research or Source Naturals might be a better alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are there any risks associated with taking N Acetyl Cysteine?

Potential side effects from taking NAC supplements include diarrhea, fatigue, upset stomach, or skin irritation. Anyone taking or who plans to take N Acetyl Cysteine supplement should always consult their primary care physician first. Monitoring blood results for any side effects or interactions with other medications being taken is always the safest route when taking a dietary supplement. If you are pregnant, suffering from asthma, or on any blood-related medications, your doctor may tell you to avoid taking N Acetyl Cysteine.

Is it ok to take NAC supplements every day?

While most manufacturers recommend administering their NAC supplements two times daily, there is no formal daily allowance or limit outlined. Unlike vitamins, NAC supplements are not essential nutrients, but you should always consult your doctor before introducing anything new to your body.

Now that you know a little more about the best NAC supplements and their associated brands, it’s time to make a decision on which one is right for you. If you’re looking for the best overall value and quality from a reputable brand, NOW Foods may be the best option based on our review.

Can you take NAC with other vitamins?

While there may be some potential interactions between certain vitamins and NAC, it is ultimately up to you to decide which ones work best together. Before taking any new supplement, consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional who can help guide you in making the right choices for your specific health needs.

Who should not take N Acetyl Cysteine?

NAC supplements should not be taken by anyone with a history of asthma, or who is currently taking any blood-thinning medications. Additionally, those who are pregnant or nursing should always consult their doctor before starting NAC supplementation, as it has the potential to affect certain bodily functions and processes. Finally, people with existing health conditions or other issues should avoid NAC along with any other supplements, without consulting their primary care physician first.