HIV/AIDS

Overview

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is the only supplement indexed for HIV/AIDS (3 studies; WA 36; very low effect size, medium evidence, medium trust). Trials evaluated NAC taken by mouth, either alone or combined with selenium, in people living with HIV.

Neither approach appeared to increase immune cell counts or lower virus levels compared with placebo in the available studies. With three low-rated trials and no signal of virologic or immunologic benefit, NAC is not supported by current evidence for HIV/AIDS in this dataset. See the evidence reviews below.

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N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)	★★★★★	Very Low / None

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Studies

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N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)View supplement →

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceMediumTrustMedium

Evidence Review

Taking N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) by mouth does not seem to help increase immune cell counts or lower virus levels in people with HIV.
Studies with NAC alone or combined with selenium showed no benefits compared to placebo.

Browse 3 studies

RCTEffect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on lymphocyte apoptosis, lymphocyte viability, TNF-alpha and IL-8 in HIV-infected patients undergoing anti-retroviral treatment2005n=16

An RCT of 30 HIV patients on first antiretroviral therapy found NAC (600 mg/day) did not add significant benefit for viral load, CD4 count, or apoptosis versus ART alone.

Effect: No Benefit
Dose: 600 mg/day
Population: HIV-infected patients
Participants: 16

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RCTSodium selenite and N-acetylcysteine in antiretroviral-naive HIV-1-infected patients: a randomized, controlled pilot study1998n=13

A pilot RCT of 24 antiretroviral-naive HIV patients found combined NAC (600 mg three times daily) and selenium raised CD4/CD8 ratio and lowered CD8 activation markers.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 24 weeks
Dose: 600 mg 3×/day
Population: HIV-infected patients
Participants: 13

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RCTEffect of N-acetylcysteine(NAC) treatment on HIV-1 infection: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial1996

A 4-month double-blind RCT found NAC (800 mg/day) normalized plasma cysteine and slowed CD4 decline but did not significantly reduce HIV viral load.