Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetylcysteine
For the health condition: Copper Toxicity

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is justified for use in copper toxicity based on scientific evidence, primarily due to its role as a precursor to glutathione, a major intracellular antioxidant. Copper toxicity can lead to oxidative stress and cellular damage. NAC replenishes glutathione levels, which are often depleted during metal toxicity. In animal models and some human case reports, NAC has been shown to reduce oxidative damage and improve liver function in cases of copper-induced hepatotoxicity. Additionally, NAC's thiol (sulfhydryl) group can bind to copper ions, facilitating their excretion, though its chelating capacity is much weaker than that of dedicated chelators like penicillamine or trientine.

Clinical use of NAC in acute copper toxicity is not as well-established as with traditional chelators, but it has been used adjunctively, particularly when liver failure is present or when standard chelators are not tolerated. The evidence primarily consists of animal studies, mechanistic insights, and isolated case reports rather than large randomized clinical trials. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some supporting data, the overall level of evidence is moderate and NAC is generally considered a supportive, rather than primary, therapy for copper toxicity.

More about N-acetylcysteine
More about Copper Toxicity

Other ingredients used for Copper Toxicity

molybdenum
vitamin C
zinc

Products containing N-acetylcysteine

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.