Influenza, commonly referred to as flu, is a viral infection that lasts for about a week and is characterized by fever, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and weakness. N-acetylcysteine, or NAC, may be used as an adjuvant therapeutic drug for influenza. NAC may not help treat or prevent influenza infection. Rather, the supplements slow down the speed at which influenza infection cause noticeable symptoms in your body. Speak to your doctor before taking NAC supplements for your flu symptoms.
About N-acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine, the sulfur-based amino acid, increases the levels of glutathione, the body's major antioxidant that scavenges and neutralizes the toxic chemicals to a less toxic or nontoxic compound. N-acetylcysteine may ameliorate the inflammation that occurs in influenza by preventing glutathione depletion in your body, according to the American Family Physician.
Research
N-acetylcysteine inhibits the replication of H1N1 flu virus, according to a study published in 2010 in "Biochemical Pharmacology." According to researchers, N-acetylcysteine also decreases the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the H1N1 infected cells. The study concluded that NAC represents an additional treatment option in case of an influenza virus pandemic. However, a study published in "Journal of Negative Results in Biomedicine" suggests that NAC may not be considered as a universal treatment for influenza pneumonia. Researchers found that susceptibility of influenza viruses to NAC is strain-dependent. With the emergence of new strains, a systematic testing of anti-influenza activity of NAC should be implemented.
Dosage
The Berth Israel Deaconess Medical Center cites that one double-bind study of 262 volunteers found that NAC at a dosage of 600 mg may help prevent the development of influenza-like illness. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends to start NAC at a daily dosage of 500 mg. The dosage may be increased only under the supervision of a doctor. The UMMC also suggests taking a multivitamin along with NAC supplements.
Side Effects
N-acetylcysteine is likely safe and well tolerated when used as a prescription medication, according to The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, an independent research group that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements. Higher than recommended dosage of N-acetylcysteine cause mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting and constipation.
References
- Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database: N-Acetylcysteine
- "American Family Physician"; N-Acetylcysteine: Multiple Clinical Applications; Paul Millea; August 2009
- "Biochemical Pharmacology"; N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) Inhibits Virus Replication and Expression of Pro-inflammatory Molecules in A549 Cells Infected with Highly Pathogenic H5n1 Influenza A Virus; J. Geiler, et al.; February 2010
- "Journal of Negative Results in Biomedicine"; N-Acetyl Cysteine Lacks Universal Inhibitory Activity against Influenza A Viruses; O. Garigliany, et al.; May 2011
- Berth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: N-Acetyl Cysteine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cysteine
