Synopsis

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

Cysteine and Radiation Sickness: Scientific Evidence

Cysteine, particularly in the form of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), has been studied for its potential role in mitigating radiation-induced damage. The underlying rationale is that cysteine is a precursor to glutathione, a major endogenous antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress, including the reactive oxygen species generated by ionizing radiation. Several animal studies from the mid-20th century onward have demonstrated that administration of cysteine or NAC before or after radiation exposure can reduce tissue damage and improve survival rates. For example, a 1982 study published in the International Journal of Radiation Biology found that NAC administration in mice reduced radiation-induced lethality. More recent preclinical studies support its radioprotective effects in various tissues, including the liver and hematopoietic system.

However, robust human clinical trial data are limited. While cysteine and NAC are generally recognized as safe and are sometimes used as adjuncts in supportive care for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, they are not standard or approved treatments for acute radiation sickness. The evidence supporting their efficacy in humans remains preliminary, with most recommendations based on mechanistic plausibility and animal research. Thus, while there is a scientific basis for cysteine’s possible benefit in radiation sickness, the quality and quantity of human evidence are not sufficient for strong clinical endorsement.

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