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GlyNAC — SacredBod supplement bottle (illustrative)
Supplement · Glutathione & Mitochondrial Health

GlyNAC

6 g · vegan · gluten-free · 30 caps

Low energyWeak immunityPoor exercise recoveryBrain fogHigh oxidative stress LiverMitochondriaBrainImmune system
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Overview Stacks Timing Related Research FAQs

What it is

GlyNAC is the combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in a specific ratio designed to boost the body's master antioxidant, glutathione. Glycine and cysteine (provided by NAC) are the two rate-limiting precursors for glutathione synthesis. Together, they correct the glutathione deficiency that occurs with aging.

How it works

GlyNAC provides both limiting substrates for glutathione synthesis: glycine (the most deficient amino acid in older adults) and cysteine (via NAC, which also has independent mucolytic and antioxidant properties). The combination corrects glutathione deficiency, reduces oxidative stress, improves mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, lowers inflammation, and enhances insulin sensitivity — reversing multiple hallmarks of aging simultaneously.

Who should take it

Adults over 50 with low glutathione, individuals with chronic oxidative stress, those with poor exercise recovery, people with HIV or metabolic syndrome, and anyone seeking a comprehensive aging intervention. Highly relevant for Indians given high diabetes and pollution exposure.

Avoid / careful

People with asthma (NAC can trigger bronchospasm in rare cases), those on nitroglycerin (NAC may enhance hypotensive effect), pregnant women without doctor approval. Side effects: Very safe. NAC may cause mild nausea or stomach upset at high doses. Glycine is calming and may improve sleep quality. Rarely: headache or loose stools.

When to take it

Morning
Noon
Evening
Night

How to take it

With food
Empty stomach
Before food

FAQs

Frequently asked

How long before I see results?
Glutathione levels begin rising within 2 weeks. Physical function improvements (strength, gait speed, cognition) require 8–16 weeks. The 2023 RCT showed benefits beginning at 2 weeks and increasing through 16 weeks.
Is it safe to take daily?
Yes. Glycine and NAC are both GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) compounds. The clinical trial used 5g glycine + 1g NAC daily for 16 weeks with excellent tolerability.
Can I take it with my medications?
Caution with nitroglycerin (enhanced hypotension) and activated charcoal (reduces absorption). Consult your doctor if on chemotherapy. Otherwise generally safe with most medications.

In plain English

A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.

Key citations: PMID 35975308 (16-week RCT reversing aging hallmarks, 2023), PMID 33783984 (24-week pilot trial improving strength & cognition, 2021), PMID 35821844 (114-subject RCT on glutathione redox status, 2022), PMID 34587244 (Comprehensive review of GlyNAC and aging, 2021)

Editorial notes

SacredBod's longer take on GlyNAC — context the structured blocks above don't capture.

GlyNAC may be the most comprehensive aging intervention ever tested in a clinical trial. In a landmark 2023 randomized controlled trial, 16 weeks of GlyNAC supplementation reversed not one or two, but multiple hallmarks of aging simultaneously — something no drug has achieved.

What the Research Shows

The 2023 Baylor College of Medicine RCT (PMID 35975308) randomized 24 older adults to receive either GlyNAC (5g glycine + 1g NAC) or placebo for 16 weeks. The GlyNAC group showed improvements in: glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, genomic damage, muscle strength, gait speed, 6-minute walk distance, body composition, and blood pressure. The placebo group showed no changes.

Critically, the study measured ‘aging hallmarks’ — the biological mechanisms that define aging. GlyNAC improved mitochondrial dysfunction, altered intercellular communication, dysregulated nutrient sensing, loss of proteostasis, genomic toxicity, stem-cell exhaustion, and cellular senescence. No other supplement has demonstrated this breadth of benefit in an RCT.

A 2022 RCT in 114 healthy older adults (PMID 35821844) confirmed safety and showed that GlyNAC increased glutathione levels in those with high oxidative stress and low baseline status — the population that needs it most.

India Context

  • Availability: xLongevity (Indian brand) offers GlyNAC powder in flavored and unflavored versions on Amazon India. Wellbeing Nutrition offers NAC+Glycine capsules.
  • Price: ₹1,300–₹1,600 for 30 servings (210g powder)
  • DIY option: Glycine powder (₹400–₹600) + NAC capsules (₹300–₹500) can be combined at home for a lower-cost alternative.
  • Relevance for India: Indians face high oxidative stress from air pollution, which depletes glutathione. GlyNAC is particularly relevant for urban dwellers in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

Dosage & Safety

  • Standard dose: 5g glycine + 1g NAC daily (split into 2 doses)
  • Clinical trial dose: Same as above — 16 weeks showed safety
  • Best time: Morning and evening with meals
  • Caution: Rare asthma trigger with NAC. Avoid with nitroglycerin.
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