Question
Please could you tell me whether there is any value in taking an N-acetylcysteine supplement? A friend with ME has told me that this is a drug that helps with brain fog. But I’d like to know if there is any actual science behind these claims.
Answer
Acetylcysteine is a versatile medication that is primarily used as an antidote for paracetamol overdose and as a mucus thinner to treat some types of respiratory conditions.
There are also claims being made on the internet, and by some supplement producers, that it can help to improve mitochondrial energy production and there is certainly some sound research evidence to indicate that there is mitochondrial dysfunction in ME/CFS.
However, at present, there is no sound research evidence relating to both safety and efficacy for the use of this supplement in the treatment of ME/CFS.
There is supposed to be a clinical trial to assess its use in ME/CFS in progress at Cornell University in America but I have not seen any progress reports on what is happening to this trial (more information here).
This is not therefore a treatment that I could recommend in our current state of knowledge.
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We recommend that the medical information is discussed with your doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalised medical advice or treatment. You should consult your doctor whenever a new symptom arises, or an existing symptom worsens. It is important to obtain medical advice that considers other causes and possible treatments. Do not assume that new or worsened symptoms are solely because of ME/CFS or Long Covid.