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

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Synopsis

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

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has some scientific evidence supporting its use as an adjunctive therapy in influenza, although it is not a mainstream or primary treatment. NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a major intracellular antioxidant. During influenza infection, oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to tissue damage and disease severity. By replenishing glutathione levels and acting as an antioxidant, NAC may help mitigate these effects. A notable double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the European Respiratory Journal (1997) evaluated 262 elderly subjects given 600 mg NAC twice daily for six months during the winter influenza season. While the incidence of symptomatic influenza-like episodes was significantly lower in the NAC group (29%) compared to placebo (51%), the rate of seroconversion (actual infection) was similar, suggesting NAC reduced the severity rather than prevented infection. The study also reported that only 25% of virus-infected subjects in the NAC group developed symptoms, versus 79% in the placebo group. Additional in vitro and animal studies have shown that NAC can inhibit viral replication and reduce production of pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with severe influenza. However, large-scale human clinical data remain limited, and NAC is not a replacement for antiviral medications or vaccination. In summary, while NAC is not a standard treatment for influenza, moderate scientific evidence supports its use as a supportive agent to reduce symptom severity and complications, particularly in high-risk populations.

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