Evidence supporting the use of: N-Acetyl Cysteine
For the health condition: Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates)

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Synopsis

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

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has some scientific evidence supporting its use as an adjunct in treating various forms of addiction, including those related to sugar or refined carbohydrates, though the evidence is limited and still emerging. NAC is a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione and influences glutamatergic neurotransmission, which is implicated in the reward pathways of the brain. Several studies and clinical trials have investigated NAC's use in substance use disorders (such as cocaine, cannabis, and nicotine), showing modest benefits in reducing cravings and relapse rates. For food-related addictions, including those involving sugar and refined carbohydrates, the evidence is less robust but suggestive. A few small pilot studies and animal models indicate that NAC may reduce cravings or compulsive eating behaviors. For example, a 2015 randomized controlled trial published in European Eating Disorders Review showed a reduction in binge eating and food cravings in patients with binge eating disorder taking NAC. However, sample sizes were small, and results have not been consistently replicated. Systematic reviews note a lack of large-scale, high-quality trials specifically for sugar or refined carbohydrate addiction. In summary, while there is a plausible neurobiological rationale and some preliminary evidence, the overall support for NAC's use in sugar/refined carbohydrate addiction is modest (rated 2/5) and not yet considered standard or well-validated in clinical practice.

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