Evidence supporting the use of: N-Acetyl Cysteine
For the health condition: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has been investigated as a supportive treatment in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), primarily due to its role as a precursor to glutathione, a key intracellular antioxidant. People with HIV/AIDS often have reduced glutathione levels, which can contribute to oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and disease progression. Several small clinical trials and laboratory studies from the 1990s and early 2000s explored whether NAC supplementation could replenish glutathione, decrease oxidative stress, and improve immune function in HIV-positive individuals. Some studies demonstrated that NAC could help restore glutathione levels and reduce markers of oxidative damage. Additionally, limited evidence suggested potential benefits in slowing CD4+ T cell decline or improving certain immune parameters. However, the overall quality and size of these studies were modest, with inconsistent results and a lack of large-scale, definitive clinical trials showing clear clinical outcomes like slower disease progression or improved survival.

Currently, NAC is not a standard treatment for AIDS and is considered an adjunctive therapy at best, sometimes used to address specific symptoms or complications (such as liver toxicity from medications). Its use is supported by mechanistic rationale and some clinical data, but strong, high-quality evidence for a substantial clinical benefit is lacking. Therefore, the scientific justification exists but is limited, and NAC should not be viewed as a replacement for established antiretroviral therapies.

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