Abstract
In this chapter, the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a chelator of heavy metals are examined. In a systematic review to identify studies, NAC was shown to chelate toxic metals in 33 animal studies. Metals that were removed in these studies included mercury, lead, cadmium, aluminum, arsenic, and gold. Fifteen human studies were identified. These studies reported no significant adverse effects and no effects on essential metals. Metals removed in these human studies included mercury, lead, gold, and arsenic. However, because of the preliminary nature of these studies, the overall rating was C due to limited evidence, although one double-blind placebo-controlled study using NAC in human lead exposure was promising. The use of NAC as a chelator of heavy metals appears to be a promising area of medical research and further clinical studies to verify these preliminary findings are warranted.
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