Evidence supporting the use of: N-Acetyl Cysteine
For the health condition: Hepatitis

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

Synopsis

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

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is supported by scientific evidence primarily for the treatment of acute liver failure due to acetaminophen (paracetamol) toxicity, which is a specific and severe form of hepatitis. In this context, NAC acts as a precursor to glutathione, a critical antioxidant that helps detoxify harmful metabolites in the liver. For non-acetaminophen-related acute hepatitis, including viral hepatitis, the evidence is more limited but emerging. Several clinical studies and systematic reviews have investigated the use of NAC in acute non-acetaminophen-induced liver failure, showing that it may improve transplant-free survival, especially in patients with early-stage hepatic encephalopathy. The proposed mechanisms include antioxidant effects, improved microcirculation, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, for chronic hepatitis or chronic liver diseases, the evidence is much weaker, with only small trials and limited clinical data suggesting benefit.

In summary, while the use of NAC is scientifically validated and standard of care for acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure, its role in other forms of hepatitis is less well-established, though there is moderate evidence supporting some benefit in acute non-acetaminophen hepatitis. Guidelines recommend its use primarily in the context of acute liver injury, not for chronic hepatitis or as a general liver support supplement.

More about N-Acetyl Cysteine
More about Hepatitis

Products containing N-Acetyl Cysteine

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