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N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine

Meaning

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid L-cysteine, utilized both as a pharmaceutical agent and a nutritional supplement, which serves as a crucial precursor to the body’s master endogenous antioxidant, glutathione (GSH). Clinically, it is valued for its mucolytic properties in respiratory conditions and, more importantly, for its potent ability to rapidly replenish intracellular glutathione stores. This action bolsters the cell’s primary defense against oxidative stress, supporting detoxification and mitigating cellular damage across multiple organ systems.