Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is scientifically validated for supporting mucus membranes, primarily through its well-established mucolytic (mucus-thinning) properties. NAC acts as a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione and directly breaks disulfide bonds within mucus glycoproteins, reducing mucus viscosity. This mechanism facilitates the clearance of mucus from the respiratory tract, which is beneficial in conditions characterized by thick or excessive mucus, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and chronic bronchitis.

Multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews have shown that oral or inhaled NAC can decrease sputum thickness, improve expectoration, and reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations in chronic respiratory diseases. For example, a 2015 Cochrane review concluded that NAC use in people with chronic bronchitis or COPD was associated with a reduction in the risk of exacerbations. Additionally, its safety profile is generally favorable when used at recommended doses.

While NAC’s primary use is in respiratory medicine, its ability to modulate mucus viscosity can, by extension, benefit other mucus membranes, though the strongest evidence is for the respiratory tract. Overall, the scientific evidence supporting NAC for mucus membrane support, particularly in the respiratory system, is robust, warranting a rating of 4 out of 5.

More about N-acetylcysteine
More about Mucus Membranes

Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes

akkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
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dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
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Bryonia
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Bidens pilosa
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Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
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Ellagitannin
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Other body systems supported by N-acetylcysteine

Brain
Immune System
Kidneys
Liver
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System

Products containing N-acetylcysteine

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.