Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) | NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 25-50mg daily (men); 10-25mg daily (women) | 600-1200mg daily |
| Timing | Morning (mimics natural circadian peak). With food. | On empty stomach for best absorption, 30 min before meals. Split doses if >600mg. |
| Cycle Duration | Ongoing under supervision with regular blood monitoring (DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol, PSA in men) | Cycle 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off (to avoid potential downregulation of endogenous GSH production) |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | strong_human |
DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone, produced primarily by the adrenal zona reticularis. It serves as a precursor for both androgens (testosterone, DHT via 3beta-HSD and 17beta-HSD) and estrogens (estradiol, estrone via aromatase). DHEA-S (sulfated form) acts as a neurosteroid, positively modulating NMDA receptors and antagonizing GABA-A receptors (cognitive enhancement/alertness). It also modulates immune function (enhances Th1 immunity, IL-2 production), supports bone mineral density via estrogenic metabolites, enhances insulin sensitivity via PPAR-alpha activation, and opposes cortisol's catabolic effects (DHEA:cortisol ratio is a stress/aging biomarker).
25-50mg daily (men); 10-25mg daily (women)
Morning (mimics natural circadian peak). With food.
Ongoing under supervision with regular blood monitoring (DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol, PSA in men)
NAC is a precursor to L-cysteine, the rate-limiting substrate for glutathione (GSH) synthesis via glutamate-cysteine ligase. It directly replenishes intracellular GSH, the master endogenous antioxidant. NAC also modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission by stimulating the cystine-glutamate antiporter (system Xc-), influencing extrasynaptic glutamate levels. Additionally, it acts as a mucolytic by cleaving disulfide bonds in mucus glycoproteins.
600-1200mg daily
On empty stomach for best absorption, 30 min before meals. Split doses if >600mg.
Cycle 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off (to avoid potential downregulation of endogenous GSH production)
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