Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) | Serrapeptase | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 600-1200mg daily | 120,000-240,000 SPU (serratiopeptidase units) daily |
| Timing | On empty stomach for best absorption, 30 min before meals. Split doses if >600mg. | On empty stomach (critical — food proteins will be digested instead of systemic absorption). 30+ minutes before meals or 2 hours after. |
| Cycle Duration | Cycle 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off (to avoid potential downregulation of endogenous GSH production) | Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off |
| 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)
Serrapeptase (serratiopeptidase) is a proteolytic enzyme originally isolated from the gut of the silkworm (Serratia marcescens). It hydrolyzes non-living tissue including fibrin, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque while sparing living tissue. It reduces bradykinin and other pain-mediating amines, provides anti-inflammatory effects by reducing neutrophil infiltration, and thins mucus by cleaving glycoprotein structures. It may also enhance antibiotic penetration into biofilms.
120,000-240,000 SPU (serratiopeptidase units) daily
On empty stomach (critical — food proteins will be digested instead of systemic absorption). 30+ minutes before meals or 2 hours after.
Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
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