Influence of N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation on Physical Performance and Laboratory Biomarkers in Adult Males: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review of controlled trials
PubMed 37299425 · doi:10.3390/nu15112463
What was done
Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines searching Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed through April 30, 2023. The review included controlled trials evaluating N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation compared with a control group on physical performance, laboratory biomarkers, and adverse effects in adult men. Risk of bias and study quality were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the modified McMaster Critical Review Form.
What was found
Across 16 included controlled trials, most reported beneficial effects of NAC supplementation on exercise performance, antioxidant capacity, and glutathione homeostasis. No serious adverse events occurred. No clear beneficial effects were found for haematological markers, inflammatory response, or muscle behaviour. The abstract reports no numerical effect sizes or p-values.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes controlled trial evidence showing NAC is a well-tolerated supplement capable of supporting antioxidant status and exercise capacity in men, while clarifying that evidence for inflammatory and hematological benefits remains lacking.
Limits
The review was restricted to adult men, precluding conclusions in women. The abstract omits quantitative meta-analytic pooling, individual study sample sizes, NAC dosages, and specific exercise performance testing modalities.
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- supports Supplementation with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) enhances glutathione production.