NAC (N Acetyl Cysteine)

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is best known for supporting liver detoxification, lung health and antioxidant protection. It helps your body make glutathione, a powerful compound that protects cells from damage, supports immune defences and keeps your energy levels steady. People often take NAC for clearer breathing, recovery after illness or stress, and metabolic and liver support.

Yes, doctors use it for this purpose, as this benefit is conclusively proven in clinical research. NAC has a unique mucolytic effect, meaning it helps break down and loosen thick mucus in the airways, making it easier to clear the lungs and breathe more freely. It’s widely used to support people with seasonal congestion, chronic coughs, or exposure to pollution. NAC works by breaking the chemical bonds that make mucus sticky, and also supports the lungs’ natural antioxidant defences.

For most adults, yes. NAC is naturally derived from the amino acid cysteine and has a strong safety record when used at recommended doses (typically 600–1200 mg daily). However, people with gastritis, reflux, or stomach ulcers should avoid it, as it can irritate the stomach lining. Always follow the product directions and check with your GP if you take prescription medication.

Being an amino acid, NAC works within hours or even less than one hour. For clearer breathing and mucus relief, NAC can take effect in a short time frame. It can also help detox drugs and alcohol from the system in a few hours. For liver support and antioxidant protection, there’s a similar rapid effect, but the benefits also tend to accumulate progressively as the body makes consistent use of boosted glutathione levels - for this benefit, you may achieve the full effects after consistent use for four to eight weeks.

“Augmented NAC” usually refers to N-Acetyl Cysteine combined with other supportive nutrients such as selenium, molybdenum, or vitamin C to enhance glutathione production and antioxidant activity. The NAC itself is the same compound; the added nutrients simply support the same biological pathway. Whether it’s “better” depends on your goals — standalone NAC is highly effective on its own, while augmented versions may suit people wanting extra antioxidant or detox support.

No, NAC cannot cure long Covid. However, researchers have studied it for its potential to support recovery because it replenishes glutathione, reduces oxidative stress and may help restore immune balance. While early evidence looks promising for reducing fatigue or inflammation, NAC should only be seen as a supportive supplement, not a treatment or cure. Always follow medical advice and ongoing care plans.

NAC breaks down the bonds which make mucus sticky, turning it into a runny liquid. Since your protective stomach lining is made of mucus, it will attack this mucus if you take it on an empty stomach. You will feel this as heartburn, reflux or sudden and persistent nausea. To reduce this, take NAC after a meal to shield its contact with your stomach lining. If you’ve suffered from heartburn in the past, don’t combine it with acidic drinks such as fruit juice or coffee. If you do suffer from these symptoms, stop taking NAC and speak to your GP.

The best NAC supplement provides pure N-Acetyl Cysteine in an easily absorbed form with no unnecessary fillers. Look for a dose of 600 mg per capsule or tablet - this is the dose doctors use - which is produced in GMP-certified facilities. VitaBright NAC delivers pharmaceutical-grade purity and a clinically effective dose, making it a reliable daily choice for liver, lung and antioxidant support.

VitaBright supplements are produced in state-of-the-art, BRC accredited grade AA, UK manufacturing facilities. We manufacture to GMP standards - the same as pharmaceutical medicines - which means our process involves batch testing, rigorous record-keeping, and inspections by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). We use only the finest ingredients sourced from leading global suppliers, double seal all bottles, and have ingredients independently tested for heavy metals to further guarantee our supplement quality or safety.