N-acetyl cysteine + glutathione

N-acetyl cysteine + glutathione is a combination of two antioxidant compounds frequently used as a dietary supplement or in intravenous infusion therapy. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an acetylated derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine and serves as a precursor to the endogenous antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione itself is a tripeptide composed of glutamate, glycine, and cysteine, and plays a central role in cellular redox balance by neutralizing free radicals and supporting detoxification processes. The rationale for combining NAC with glutathione lies in their synergistic effects on enhancing the body's antioxidant defenses. NAC increases intracellular levels of cysteine, which can be rate-limiting for de novo synthesis of glutathione during oxidative stress[4][6]. Supplementation with both may provide more robust support against oxidative damage than either alone[2]. This combination has been explored for potential benefits such as reducing fatigue, improving immune function, supporting liver health (especially in cases like acetaminophen toxicity), aiding respiratory conditions by acting as mucolytics, and possibly providing neuroprotective effects[2][4][6]. Mechanistically: - NAC acts primarily by replenishing intracellular stores of cysteine to boost endogenous synthesis of reduced (active) glutathione. - Glutathione directly scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), supports detoxification enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, reduces inflammation via modulation of cytokines like IL-6 or TNFα, and helps maintain mitochondrial function[4]. This combination is most commonly available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement or administered intravenously at wellness clinics.

Other names

NAC + glutathioneN-acetylcysteine and glutathione combination