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Effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Tsung-Min Lee, Kuan-Min Lee, Chuan-Ya Lee, Hsin-Chien Lee, Ka-Wai Tam, El-Wui Loh
Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2021 55(2):196-206

Bibliography

PubMed
PMID 32900213
DOI
10.1177/0004867420952540
Funding
Funding disclosure was not located in the indexed record reviewed; consult the source publication for the full funding statement.
Competing interests
Competing-interest disclosure was not located in the indexed record reviewed; consult the source publication for the full declaration.

Study snapshot

DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
ModelHuman
Sample5 randomized controlled trials identified; pooled analyses used 2-4 trials depending on outcome
InterventionAdjunctive NAC versus placebo/control in autism spectrum disorder
DurationCommonly 8-12 weeks in pooled analyses
EndpointsAberrant Behavior Checklist; Hyperactivity; Irritability; Social awareness; Repetitive behavior

What the study showed, in plain terms

Meta-analysis of small NAC randomized trials in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Key findings

Pooled analyses reported improvements in total ABC score, hyperactivity, irritability and social awareness, but not repetitive behavior; authors called for more evidence before general recommendation.

What this study can and cannot tell us

Small number of trials, small samples and outcome heterogeneity; pooled symptom changes do not establish NAC as treatment for core autism broadly.

Editorial review

Reviewed by the Biohack Blueprint research team

Last verified

Dr. Khaled Mahmoud, MBBChCritical Care Medicine, Longevity Science & Editorial Direction Dr. Amr Yasser, PhDCardiometabolic, Musculoskeletal, Gut & Bioavailability Dr. Abdulla Mostafa, PhDCellular Senescence, Neurological, Mitochondrial & Brain-Ageing Biology