5 Reasons You Need NAC

It’s best known for promoting a robust immune response, but NAC does so much more—and new research suggests that it may even play a role in protecting against Covid-19.

- By Lisa Turner

Short for N-acetyl cysteine, NAC is the supplement form of cysteine, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods such as beef, turkey, eggs, fish, and nuts. Because your body can produce it from the amino acids methionine and serine—also found in high-protein foods—it’s classified as a non-essential or conditionally essential amino acid.

Cysteine is necessary for the production of glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants. Called the “master antioxidant,” glutathione protects against free radical damage to cells and plays a critical role in immunity, healthy aging, and disease prevention.

By promoting glutathione production, NAC supports immune health, and supplementing with NAC has been shown to enhance the activity and function of immune system cells, to inhibit replication of the influenza A virus, and to significantly reduce flu-like episodes and symptoms. Now, some researchers suggest that NAC may have potentially powerful actions in preventing or treating Covid-19.

But NAC offers benefits beyond immunity. Some highlights:

1. Lung and respiratory function.