2024's Top NAC Supplements for Immune Health
Updated 06/23/2024Learn what NAC can do for your immune health + we reveal our top 5 NAC-containing supplements
For years, doctors have used N-acetylcysteine, or NAC for short, to treat conditions ranging from heart and lung to mental health.
More recently, however, researchers have lasered in on NAC's amazing immune-boosting capabilities.
Now NAC is more popular than ever among people seeking a natural approach to immune health. However, companies have flooded the market with NAC, forcing consumers to sift through poor and mediocre products.
We're here to cut through the noise and confusion. After analyzing dozens of brands, we've compiled a list of our top 5 favorite NAC-containing supplements the market has to offer.
Benefits of Taking NAC:
- Replenishes natural antioxidant levels
- Protects against free radicals
- Helps repair damage to the liver
- Fortifies the immune system
- Helps reduce inflammation from oxidative stress
- Aids in cellular detoxification
What Is NAC And How Does It Work?
NAC is the supplemental form of L-cysteine, a semi-essential amino acid present in our bodies. Over the decades it's been used to treat a host of medical issues, including chronic lung disease and addictive behavior.
In fact, the effectiveness of NAC is so well-documented, the World Health Organization has designated it an "essential medicine." NAC is making headlines once again, this time thanks to its immune-boosting properties.
Specifically, NAC is valued for its role in producing a powerful antioxidant called glutathione (GHS). Often dubbed the "master detoxifier," GHS eliminates free radicals and heavy metals from the body and protects against the harmful effects of inflammation.
Over time, your body produces less of this vital antioxidant. However, studies have shown that taking NAC can boost GHS production.
Your NAC Immune Supplement Should Contain:
600 mg of NAC
Look for a supplement that contains at least 600 mg of NAC per serving. Clinical studies suggest this to be the smallest effective dose.
Milk Thistle
Research has shown that milk thistle can help reduce and reverse damage caused by free radicals and toxins. It can also improve liver function, helping your metabolic processes run more efficiently.
Zinc
Various studies have shown that zinc is essential to immune function and plays an important role in reducing inflammation.
Selenium
This powerful natural ingredient is vital for helping to heal and detoxify your liver. It also plays a key role in reducing inflammation from oxidative stress and enhancing immunity.
What to avoid
Magnesium Stearate
This cheap filler is used to help bind ingredients together and lubricate the supplement so it doesn’t gum up when it is run through the manufacturing machines. Magnesium stearate adds no nutritional value and can become toxic to your system.
Titanium Dioxide
Widely relied upon in supplement manufacturing as a coloring agent and binding mineral, titanium dioxide can compromise the health of your immune system. Low-quality supplements often use this filler.
The Results Are In...
We've made our list and checked it twice. Here are our top 5 picks for immune supplements with NAC.
Top Picks are updated monthly based on testing and analyses:
Top Pick
Consumer Survey Recommended
- African Geranium
- N-Acetyl Cysteine
- Elderberry
- Marshmallow Root
- Vitamins C, D, & E
- 20 mg of Zinc
- Doctor-recommended
- Zero artificial additives or fillers
- 90-day money-
back guarantee
1. ImmunityMD Plus By 1MD
ImmunityMD Plus is our top immune health supplement because it includes doctor-recommended doses of African geranium, N-Acetyl Cysteine, and elderberry.
These ingredients work together to keep your body healthy and to promote immune system function, encouraging your body to heal and stay healthy.
This powerful formula is complemented by marshmallow root for eased coughing and Vitamins C, D, and E for boosted immune strength.
Each one of these ingredients aids in immunity and supports overall health, without any harmful additives or fillers.
ImmunityMD Plus also comes with a generous 90-day money-back guarantee, showing that this company stands behind its product.
2. Immune Hero by Essential Elements
Great NAC Supplement
Immune Hero contains 1000 mg of high-quality NAC. It also includes Vitamins C, D, and E, and zinc, which act synergistically with NAC to support the immune system and promote respiratory health. All of Essential Elements ingredients are third-party tested for quality and effectiveness and contain no unnatural additives or fillers.
Additionally, Essential Elements offers a 365-day return policy, so you can try their products completely risk-free.
3. NAC by Eagleshine Vitamins®
Good NAC Supplement
NAC by Eagleshine Vitamins contains 1,000 mg of NAC per serving.
It also has milk thistle extract to boost antioxidant activity and help eliminate free radicals. It is third-party tested and contains a three-month supply.
Eagleshine Vitamins offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, which is good but falls below our recommended 90-day guarantee. Customer reviews for this product are highly-positive.
4. NAC By Fresh Nutrition
Adequate NAC Supplement
Fresh Nutrition's NAC contains a strong 880 mg dose of NAC per serving. It contains no other ingredients.
While this dosage meets expectations, its lack of key ingredients greatly limits its immune support. Its 30-day money-back guarantee also falls behind other top supplements.
However, its dosage does stand out from other strictly-NAC supplements, and it contains no artificial fillers. That earns it a spot on our Top 5.
5. NAC By Integrative Therapeutics®
Average NAC Supplement
NAC by Integrative Therapeutics contains just 600 mg of NAC per serving.
Integrative Therapeutics' dosage just barely meets our criteria. Considering its lack of any other key ingredients, this supplement leaves much to be desired. Also, it does not have a clear return policy.
However, it leaves out artificial fillers and is clinician-developed, giving it a place on our Top 5.
P.S. While 1MD offers the best NAC-containing immune supplement we've found, we would still love to hear about any others you've tried. If you have had a great experience of your own, please send me an email to Beverly@ConsumersSurvey.org with the details.
Sincerely,
Beverly Gratson,
Senior Health Editor
What We Do
ConsumersSurvey uses a unique three-step approach to reviewing the most popular products in the online marketplace
1. Research First we conduct in-house research with a highly qualified editorial team comprised of individuals who specialize in various fields.
2. SurveyWe survey our readers who have tried the product over time in order to learn from their experiences.
3. OpinionWe monitor public opinion in the world’s most popular marketplaces, from Amazon and eBay, to Bizrate and Pricegrabber.
