Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) | Nattokinase | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 600-1200mg daily | 2000-4000 FU (fibrinolytic units) daily, equivalent to 100-200mg |
| Timing | On empty stomach for best absorption, 30 min before meals. Split doses if >600mg. | On empty stomach, between meals or before bed. Morning and evening split dosing for 24-hour fibrinolytic coverage. |
| Cycle Duration | Cycle 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off (to avoid potential downregulation of endogenous GSH production) | ongoing |
| Evidence Level | strong_human | moderate_human |
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)
Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic serine protease extracted from natto (fermented soybeans). It directly degrades fibrin (the structural protein of blood clots) through four mechanisms: direct fibrinolysis, enhancement of endogenous tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) production, conversion of prourokinase to urokinase, and degradation of PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1). It also reduces blood viscosity and may inhibit ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), providing mild antihypertensive effects.
2000-4000 FU (fibrinolytic units) daily, equivalent to 100-200mg
On empty stomach, between meals or before bed. Morning and evening split dosing for 24-hour fibrinolytic coverage.
ongoing
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