Comparing E920 - l-cysteine vs E486 - Calcium stearoyl fumarate

What is n-acetyl-l-cysteine?

N‑acetyl‑L‑cysteine (NAC) is the acetylated form of L‑cysteine, used mainly as a mucolytic drug and as a precursor to glutathione; it is related to but not the same as the food additive E920 (L‑cysteine).

What is l-cysteine made of?

L‑cysteine is a sulfur‑containing amino acid (C3H7NO2S) with a thiol (-SH) group. Commercially, it’s obtained by hydrolyzing keratin sources (e.g., feathers/hair) or produced via microbial fermentation or synthesis.

Is cysteine l or d?

In foods and proteins it is the L‑form (E920 is L‑cysteine); the D‑form exists but is not typical in food use.

N-acetyl-l-cysteine para que sirve?

Es un derivado acetilado de la L‑cisteína que actúa como mucolítico y precursor del glutatión; se usa como fármaco para la sobredosis de paracetamol y en suplementos con efectos antioxidantes. No es el aditivo alimentario E920.

What does n-acetyl-l-cysteine do?

It thins and loosens mucus, replenishes glutathione, and provides antioxidant activity; medically it’s used to treat acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose. It is not typically used as a food additive like E920.