Thanks to your body’s hardworking organs and complex antioxidant networks, detoxification is a natural, built-in process that takes place all day, every day—no special “detox diets” necessary. For example, mbg’s daily detox+ is led by glutathione (a master antioxidant in the realm of detox support) and also contains N-acetyl-L-cysteine—a vital player in the detoxification process that replenishes antioxidants in the body to promote healthy redox balance.* As a powerhouse antioxidant and critical building block precursor, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and its health benefits are worth calling out. Ahead, learn how the molecule works and why it can help leverage your body’s full detoxification potential.* In the body, cysteine is used to make glutathione—a powerful, whole-body-relevant antioxidant involved in fighting free radicals, maintaining tissue integrity, and strengthening immune function, notes Doebrich.* NAC itself can also help replenish glutathione1, as it’s a stellar source of sulfhydryl groups, which convert into metabolites that promote glutathione synthesis.* Here’s why that’s crucial: The body’s ability to make glutathione declines over time, starting between 45 and 50 years old2. This is due to the reduced efficiency of cellular signals involved in glutathione production. However, glutathione levels are strongly related to healthy tissue and organ function, and low levels can affect cellular (and thus, whole-body) health3. Therefore, maintaining optimal levels of glutathione throughout life is key for overall health and well-being.* The antioxidant properties of NAC and glutathione support overall liver function, and ultimately, detoxification.* mbg’s vice president of scientific affairs, Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, dives deeper: “Metabolically active organs like the liver are generating lots of oxidant byproducts, like free radicals. Indeed, the liver is the body’s primary detoxifying organ, so it’s busy 24/7. As a source of sulfhydryl groups, NAC is considered a fast-acting antioxidant that helps neutralize oxidants in the liver and in other ‘busy’ organs. Indeed, NAC and compounds that NAC helps directly replenish (hello, glutathione) are boots-on-the-ground scavengers of those oxidants, supporting the resilience and repair of our liver cells and tissue,”* she explains. What’s more, the liver and body rely on antioxidants (such as glutathione) to metabolize and remove heavy metals, according to the International Journal of Molecular Sciences6.* As Ferira explains, “By working hard to improve our whole-body redox status, NAC is benefiting metabolically active organs in which oxidants and inflammatory processes are at play. NAC is earnestly helping to tip the free-radical scale by promoting antioxidant-to-oxidant balance every day. After all, much of the crux of healthy skin and graceful aging is grounded in antioxidant protection, and thus, cellular resilience and longevity.”* In fact, in a Free Radical Biology and Medicine 9clinical study9 involving postmenopausal women, a daily oral intake of 600 milligrams of NAC “provided significant support for immune defense, likely due to increasing white blood cells’ (important cells to the immune system) glutathione reserves,”* notes Engler. In another study, NAC was found to boost antioxidant status, which is essential for top-notch immune function.* NAC’s anti-inflammatory and vasodilative properties also support brain health11 via vasculature and blood flow, which is critical for delivering oxygen, nutrients, and other bioactives to the brain, says Ferira.* Moreover, according to an article published in Brain Behavior11, NAC is thought to cross the blood-brain barrier, which is critical for targeting brain function.* Glutathione levels are also closely related to mood and behavior, according to a 2020 study12 in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.* That said, glutathione precursors (such as NAC) may offer further mood support by helping to increase glutathione levels in the brain.* According to a 2020 scientific review13 from Frontiers, oxidative stress can disrupt the optimal metabolic functioning of fat cells, leading to greater energy stores. Additionally, according to Doebrich, “having lower levels of glutathione could result in less efficient metabolism—i.e., storing more fat.” She explains further that the antioxidant properties of glutathione can help control the oxidation of fatty acids, which is required for healthy metabolism (and therefore, healthy weight management).* She expounds further: “Unlike vitamins, minerals, and some key phytonutrients, the question of ideal dosage for a bioactive like NAC is not a straightforward or easy one. Not because there aren’t studies (there are) but because the answer of NAC dose completely depends on the person’s health status and targeted health support needs. What we do know is that a sub-efficacious sprinkling of NAC (e.g., less than 100 milligrams per serving) is likely not exerting potent antioxidant effects.” In a compelling clinical study9 from Free Radical Biology and Medicine examining the effects of NAC, a 600-milligram dose improved parameters of immune function.* Likewise, a daily NAC intake of 600 milligrams has been clinically shown to positively affect overall nutritional and antioxidant status.* “For this reason, I prefer NAC supplements ‘playing ball’ in the 500-milligram-plus range,” notes Ferira. “This science also directly supported the full-potency 600-milligram dose of NAC you’ll find in mbg’s daily detox+.” “NAC at higher doses, for specific indications, has also been researched. For example: NAC’s ability to reduce homocysteine (i.e., a majorly important biomarker for cardiovascular health but also for whole-body methylation functions), as well as its blood-pressure-lowering benefits, have been clinically shown14 to occur at 1.8 grams (1,800 milligrams) of NAC supplementation,”* shares Ferira. “Also, at higher doses (i.e., again, several grams), NAC may help with athletic performance, but that research15 is equivocal and needs to shake out a bit more."* Finally, “in other clinical scenarios16 related to pulmonary function and mental health, higher NAC doses (at and above 2 grams) have also shown utility and promise when partnered with a health care practitioner to create a personalized regimen,”* says Ferira. Now, if you’re unsure whether to take NAC morning or night, Engler has the answer: “There isn’t an ideal time of day to take NAC. Though, some choose to leverage its detoxifying and other whole-body benefits first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or with their breakfast."* That’s totally up to you! Additionally, as far as dietary supplements go, NAC tends to play well with others. For example, NAC has complementary action with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C—which you can also find sourced from acerola fruit in mbg’s daily detox+.* “However, it’s always best to speak with your health care practitioner before adding any new supplement into your routine,” notes Engler. Needless to say, NAC is right at home in mbg’s daily detox+. The formula, which is designed to maximize your daily detox potential, delivers NAC in the clinically researched dose of 600 milligrams.* It also features L-glutathione (in the premium, bioavailable form known as Setria®), milk thistle fruit extract, selenium, and acerola-fruit-sourced vitamin C. Together, this curated cocktail of specialized detoxifiers provides targeted support for your body’s natural detox system (since detox is a 24/7 affair).*
