N-Acetylcysteine for the Prevention of Contrast-induced Nephropathy
Remember that NAC exerts one of its main actions by increasing the amount of available glutathione, and that glutathione is one of the body’s more potent antioxidant molecules as well as a major participant in detoxification.
This was a review and meta-analysis of several studies, with the consensus being that NAC helps to predict the kidneys in the event of a bad reaction to dyes used in diagnostic imaging. The problem is that it needs to be administered 12 hours prior to the testing. It would be nice to see if oral dosages would be as effective as IV.
In the meantime, probably a good idea to pop some NAC if you’re having any imaging done that requires contrast medium.