N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) has shown promising potential across various health domains, particularly in extending lifespan and improving overall healthspan. Studies on NAC have demonstrated its capacity to enhance longevity and stress resistance. For instance, research on Drosophila melanogaster revealed that NAC supplementation increased lifespan by up to 26.6%, alongside elevated total and ribosomal RNA levels, suggesting its anti-aging properties (Cell Mol Life Sci. 1997) (Cell Mol Life Sci. 1997). Similarly, in Caenorhabditis elegans, NAC was found to extend lifespan by up to 30.5% and improve resistance to oxidative stress, heat stress, and UV irradiation (Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015) (Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015).

Moreover, NAC’s role in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress is well-documented. A study on C57BL/6J mice showed that GlyNAC supplementation, a combination of glycine and NAC, increased lifespan by 24% and corrected glutathione deficiency, reduced oxidative stress, and improved mitochondrial function (Nutrients. 2022) (Nutrients. 2022). In preclinical models of mitochondrial complex I disease, NAC, often combined with other agents like vitamin E, significantly improved mitochondrial function and survival (Mol Genet Metab. 2018) (Mol Genet Metab. 2018).

NAC also exhibits immune-boosting properties, particularly in postmenopausal women. A study indicated that NAC supplementation improved immune function and reduced oxidative stress markers, highlighting its potential for maintaining health during aging (Free Radic Biol Med. 2008) (Free Radic Biol Med. 2008). Additionally, NAC has shown beneficial effects on recovery biomarkers in various clinical settings, although its impact on specific markers like lactate and pH remains inconclusive (J Food Biochem. 2022) (J Food Biochem. 2022).

The therapeutic potential of NAC extends to mitochondrial diseases as well. In combination therapies with glucose and nicotinic acid, NAC significantly improved mitochondrial function and survival in preclinical models of mitochondrial complex I disease, suggesting synergistic effects (Hum Mol Genet. 2021) (Hum Mol Genet. 2021). Collectively, these findings underscore NAC’s multifaceted role in enhancing healthspan, lifespan, and resilience against stressors, making it a valuable candidate for further research and potential therapeutic applications.