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ingestible · for liver support & detox

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026

A small RCT (Khoshbaten et al., PMC3270338) found NAC 600 mg twice daily significantly reduced serum ALT in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients over 3 months (77.0 to 51.7 units/L, p=0.014) compared to vitamin C. NAC is also the established medical antidote for acetaminophen-induced liver failure at high IV doses.$10-$25 per month

How to use

Take 600 mg of NAC twice daily with water, ideally with meals to reduce nausea. Supplements are widely available as 600 mg capsules. For liver support purposes, a 12-week course is typical. Do not exceed 1800 mg/day without medical supervision.

How it works

NAC is a precursor to glutathione, the liver's primary endogenous antioxidant. By replenishing glutathione stores, NAC helps neutralise reactive oxygen species that damage hepatocytes. It also has direct anti-inflammatory effects and supports detoxification pathways in liver cells.

Where to buy

NOW Foods NAC 600 mg (Amazon, iHerb, Walmart), Life Extension N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (iHerb, Vitacost), Jarrow Formulas NAC (Whole Foods, iHerb). Very widely available.

Typical cost: $10-$25 per month

Safety notes

May cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, especially on an empty stomach. Can interact with nitroglycerin and activated charcoal. Those with cystinuria (rare kidney condition) should avoid high doses. May thin blood - use caution if on anticoagulants. High doses (above 7 g/day) can be harmful. Not a replacement for medical treatment of acetaminophen overdose, which requires hospital-level IV NAC.

Drug & supplement interactions

  • Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you take.
  • Interactions can occur with prescription medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants.
  • Herbal remedies can affect how the body absorbs or metabolises drugs.
  • Check drugs.com interactions checker before starting.

Clinical source

Khoshbaten et al., NAC improves liver function in NAFLD, Hepat Mon, 2010

This information is compiled from primary clinical literature and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.