Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) | Pycnogenol | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 600-1200mg daily | — |
| Timing | On empty stomach for best absorption, 30 min before meals. Split doses if >600mg. | — |
| Cycle Duration | Cycle 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off (to avoid potential downregulation of endogenous GSH production) | — |
| Evidence Level | strong_human | Moderate |
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)
Polyphenol-rich French maritime pine bark extract that improves endothelial nitric oxide signaling, capillary tone, and oxidative defense.
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