Relationship: Crohn's Disease and n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
For the health condition: Crohn's Disease

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis
Other ingredients for this health condition
Other health conditions supported by this ingredient
Products containing this ingredient

Synopsis

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

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant and precursor to glutathione, which has been investigated for its potential benefits in inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s Disease. The scientific rationale centers on NAC’s ability to reduce oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory pathways, both of which are implicated in the pathophysiology of Crohn’s Disease. Several small-scale studies and animal models have demonstrated that NAC can reduce intestinal inflammation, restore epithelial barrier function, and decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. For example, preclinical studies have shown that NAC supplementation may improve oxidative balance and histological markers of inflammation in the gut.

However, clinical evidence in humans is limited. A few pilot studies and small randomized controlled trials have evaluated NAC, often as an adjunct to standard therapy, with mixed but generally positive trends toward improvement in clinical scores and reduction in inflammatory markers. Despite these promising findings, the sample sizes are small and the studies are often of moderate quality, limiting the strength of the conclusions. Systematic reviews note that while NAC appears safe and theoretically beneficial, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend its routine use in Crohn’s Disease. Therefore, its use is supported by a scientific basis and some preliminary evidence, but more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and establish clinical guidelines.

More about n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
More about Crohn's Disease

Products containing n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
For the health condition: Crohn's Disease

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Crohn's Disease

Other health conditions supported by n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

Products containing n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)For the health condition: Crohn's Disease

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Crohn's Disease

Other health conditions supported by n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

Products containing n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
For the health condition: Crohn's Disease