Do acetylcysteine (N-acetylcysteine) or taurine help reduce albuminuria?

From the Guidelines

There is no strong evidence to support the use of acetylcysteine or taurine in reducing albuminuria, and their effectiveness varies between individuals. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, does not mention acetylcysteine or taurine as treatments for reducing albuminuria. Instead, it recommends ACE inhibitors or ARBs as the preferred first-line agents for blood pressure treatment among people with diabetes, hypertension, eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and UACR ≥300 mg/g creatinine. Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of acetylcysteine or taurine include:

• The lack of strong evidence to support their use in reducing albuminuria
• The potential for variable effectiveness between individuals
• The importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before starting either supplement, especially for those with existing kidney disease
• The need to consider potential interactions with other medications
• The recommendation to use established treatments like ACE inhibitors or ARBs as the primary approach to reducing albuminuria. It is essential to prioritize established treatments and consult with a healthcare provider before considering alternative supplements like acetylcysteine or taurine. Some benefits of ACE inhibitors or ARBs include:
• Reducing the risk of progression to ESKD
• Slowing CKD progression
• Reducing cardiovascular events
• Being considered to have similar benefits and risks. However, it is crucial to note that the combined use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs should be avoided due to higher adverse event rates, such as hyperkalemia and/or AKI, as reported in studies like 1. In summary, while acetylcysteine and taurine may have some potential benefits, the current evidence does not strongly support their use in reducing albuminuria, and established treatments like ACE inhibitors or ARBs should be prioritized.

From the Research

Albuminuria Reduction

There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that acetylcysteine (N-acetylcysteine) or taurine help reduce albuminuria.

• The studies focus on the importance of albuminuria as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease progression 2, 3, 4.
• They discuss the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers as first-line antihypertensive therapy in the presence of albuminuria 5.
• One study examines the effect of cholecalciferol (vitamin D) supplementation on lowering albuminuria in chronic kidney disease patients, finding a beneficial effect in decreasing albuminuria 6.
• However, none of the studies mention acetylcysteine or taurine as potential treatments for reducing albuminuria.

Potential Treatments

The provided studies suggest that:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers may be effective in reducing albuminuria 5.
• Cholecalciferol supplementation may have a beneficial effect in decreasing albuminuria in chronic kidney disease patients 6.
• Further research is needed to determine the best approaches to screening and managing albuminuria, including the potential use of newer antiproteinuric therapies 4.