Relationship: Environmental Pollution and n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
For the health condition: Environmental Pollution

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

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) has scientific support for its use in mitigating some health effects of environmental pollution, particularly due to its antioxidant and mucolytic properties. Environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, particulate matter, and various toxins can induce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. NAC acts as a precursor to glutathione, a critical intracellular antioxidant, and helps replenish depleted glutathione stores, thereby enhancing the body's ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species generated by pollutants. Several experimental and clinical studies have explored NAC's protective effects against pollutant-induced damage. For instance, research has shown that NAC supplementation can reduce biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in individuals exposed to air pollution. Animal studies suggest NAC can protect against lung injury from inhaled pollutants, such as diesel exhaust and cigarette smoke, and may lessen toxic effects of heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium) by chelation and enhancing excretion. In humans, limited small trials support NAC's ability to reduce pollution-induced bronchial reactivity and inflammation, especially in populations with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, while mechanistic and early clinical data are promising, large-scale, long-term clinical trials directly evaluating NAC for prevention or treatment of pollution-related health outcomes are lacking. Thus, while there is scientific rationale and moderate supporting evidence (rating: 3), more robust research is necessary before widespread clinical recommendations can be made.

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Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
For the health condition: Environmental Pollution

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Other ingredients used for Environmental Pollution

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

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Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)For the health condition: Environmental Pollution

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Environmental Pollution

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: Environmental Pollution