N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine

The N-acetyl derivative of L-Cysteine, providing superior stability and bioavailability compared to the parent amino acid. Used as a pharmaceutical antidote for acetaminophen overdose, as a mucolytic expectorant, and as a glutathione-support dietary supplement.

White to almost white crystalline powder. Distinctive faint sulfurous odor. Highly water-soluble.

We supply pharmaceutical-grade and supplement-grade N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.

Common market grades include Pharmaceutical Grade meeting USP/BP/EP/JP specifications (the dominant grade), Supplement Grade FCC compliant, and Effervescent-Tablet Grade for premium formulations.

Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering assay, specific rotation, melting point, related substances, heavy metals, and microbiology.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) was developed in the 1960s as a pharmaceutical mucolytic and rapidly extended in clinical use as an acetaminophen overdose antidote. The compound is the N-acetyl derivative of L-Cysteine, with the acetyl group providing protection against oxidation and improving oral bioavailability.

Industrial production proceeds by acetylation of L-Cysteine using acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride, followed by purification through recrystallization.

Listed in BP, USP, EP, and JP pharmacopoeias as a pharmaceutical active ingredient. WHO classifies it as an Essential Medicine for both mucolytic and antidote indications. Dietary supplement status varies by jurisdiction: GRAS in the U.S. with FDA periodically reviewing supplement status due to its drug history; approved as a supplement in many other markets.

The compound functions as a glutathione precursor in vivo: oral NAC is converted to L-Cysteine, which then enters glutathione biosynthesis. This is the mechanistic basis for the acetaminophen-antidote application (paracetamol toxicity occurs through glutathione depletion in the liver) and the antioxidant-supplement positioning.

Strategic positioning combines pharmaceutical clinical applications (the highest priority, with established regulatory and clinical positioning) and growing dietary supplement applications positioned for antioxidant, respiratory, and liver-support claims.

• Pharmaceutical applications: acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose antidote, the WHO-essential-medicine clinical use; mucolytic expectorant for respiratory conditions
• Dietary supplements: glutathione-support, antioxidant, and detoxification-positioned formulations
• Premium liver-support and respiratory-support supplements
• Cosmetic and skincare: antioxidant and anti-aging applications
• Sports nutrition: recovery and antioxidant-positioned products
• Pharmaceutical inhalation therapy (nebulizer formulations)
• Veterinary pharmaceutical applications
• Specialty research applications