Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
For the health condition: Fibromyalgia Syndrome

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) has been investigated as a potential adjunct treatment for Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. FMS is characterized by chronic widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances, and its pathophysiology is thought to involve oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. NAC is a precursor to glutathione, one of the body’s major endogenous antioxidants, and has been shown to reduce oxidative stress markers in various conditions.

There is limited but promising scientific evidence supporting the use of NAC in fibromyalgia. A small number of clinical trials and pilot studies have explored its efficacy. For example, a double-blind randomized controlled trial published in 2016 (Moura et al., Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia) found that NAC supplementation (600 mg, three times daily for four weeks) significantly improved pain, fatigue, and quality of life in FMS patients, likely by reducing oxidative stress. Another small trial (Cordero et al., 2017) reported improvements in mitochondrial function and reductions in pain symptoms after NAC supplementation.

However, the overall quality and quantity of evidence remain low, with small sample sizes and short durations. No major clinical guidelines currently recommend NAC for FMS, and further research is needed to confirm its benefits and establish optimal dosing. In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary clinical support for using NAC in fibromyalgia, the evidence is not yet robust.

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