5 Best Places to Buy NAC Supplements (Powder & Caps)
NAC is a form of the semi-essential amino acid L-cysteine. Short for N-acetyl L-cysteine (acetylcysteine), NAC does not exist in nature but rather it is synthetically made. While some inhalable forms of this compound have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of some conditions, in its oral form, NAC is commonly treated as a dietary supplement.
By serving as a source of cysteine, which the body needs to make its most powerful antioxidant called glutathione, NAC’s main use is to boost antioxidant activity and combat oxidative stress throughout the body. It also possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects and it works as a mucolytic (mucus dissolving) agent.
NAC has been used to combat various mental and physical health conditions that are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. (1) It can improve breathing in people suffering from respiratory disorders that cause mucus buildup in the lungs. (2) It’s important to note though that oral NAC has not been approved by the FDA and it shouldn’t be used to treat any health condition without consulting with a doctor first.
Where to Buy NAC?
Although the FDA tried to ban the use of this ingredient in dietary supplements (they argue it’s a drug), there are still plenty of decent online vendors that carry this supplement (yes, it’s widely considered a supplement in its orally ingested form).
The following are five of the best online stores where you can find and buy NAC in capsules, tablet and/or pure powder form.
Note: NAC powder should only be taken orally (swallowed). Because this compound contains sulfur, it naturally has a bad odor and taste. If that’s an issue for you, go with the capsules instead.
1. Nootropics Depot
Nootropics Depot is a reputable vendor of nootropics (cognitive enhancers) offering a wide selection of high-quality products. They use proven patented ingredients in many of their formulas and they have their own in-house lab where different safety and quality tests are performed.
You can find both pure NAC powder as well as capsules at competitive prices. If you can’t handle the naturally unpleasant (sulfuric) taste of NAC, you may want to choose the capsules, which are vegetarian and don’t have any unnecessary fillers.
Nootropics Depot is normally very fast in dispatching orders, but their support team may get overwhelmed at times, so give them a couple of days to respond. You can also catch the company’s owner and a few support agents on Reddit, where they actively engage with the community and even have their own subreddit (r/NootropicsDepot).
2. LiftMode
This small online shop mainly specializes in selling cognitive enhancement supplements. NAC is believed to have potential positive effects on cognitive performance, and many nootropics enthusiasts add it to their stack.
LiftMode only sells NAC in pure powder form in sizes ranging from 5 grams to 500 grams. The price is very reasonable, and if you do the math, it can save you a good sum of money compared to encapsulated products.
This company tests their products in a third-party lab, and the reports (COAs) are published on their website. The support team is attentive and quick in handling orders and any issues you experience.
3. Double Wood Supplements
This is a family-owned small business based in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. They have a nice selection of many single-ingredient supplements that are tested in a third-party lab (reports are available on each product’s page).
Double Wood Supplements started out doing most of their business on Amazon, but they also have their own website where you can order products that aren’t allowed on Amazon, such as NAC.
Besides the transparency and authenticity of this company, another reason to opt for them is their low prices. You get a good bang for the buck with one bottle of NAC (500 mg x 210 capsules) selling at just $29.95.
4. Life Extension
Life Extension is one of the most trusted supplement brands in the USA and worldwide as well. Their products are of top-notch quality and mostly based on available scientific studies.
Now, there have been some complaints about the health claims they make not being adequately supported by research, but remember that you’re dealing with dietary supplements here rather than proven medical treatments. NAC and all other supplements work differently for each individual, so it may be beneficial for you and it may very well do nothing!
But again, in terms of quality, Life Extension is a brand you can trust to deliver the real deal. This is not a particularly cheap brand, but since NAC has been one of their best selling products for a while now, they have a special discount on it, so you may want to grab a few bottles while it lasts.
5. PureFormulas
PureFormulas is a reliable one-stop shop where you can find a massive selection of nutritional supplements from some of the most reputable brands in the industry, as well as their own brand.
As for NAC, they carry several premium high-end brands, such as Thorne, Pure Encapsulations, Designs For Health, Metabolic Maintenance, and Klaire Labs. They also have more affordable choices, including NOW, Source Naturals, and Ecological Formulas.
They offer free standard shipping for most products and they ship to a few destinations besides the USA. The company is located in Medley, Florida, where they also have a brick-and-mortar retail store.
References
- Tenório MCDS, Graciliano NG, Moura FA, Oliveira ACM, Goulart MOF. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Impacts on Human Health. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Jun 16;10(6):967. doi: 10.3390/antiox10060967. PMID: 34208683; PMCID: PMC8234027.
- Banerjee S, McCormack S. Acetylcysteine for Patients Requiring Mucous Secretion Clearance: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Safety [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2019 Jun 14. PMID: 31503431.
