NANP Board Practice Exam

Which compound is recommended at 100 mg/kg of body weight to repair oxidatively damaged tissue?

1. Creatine

2. Glutamine

3. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

4. Selenium

The correct answer is: N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

The correct choice is N-acetylcysteine (NAC) because it is a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in repairing oxidatively damaged tissues. NAC helps replenish glutathione levels, which is crucial for detoxification and eliminating free radicals from the body. By enhancing the antioxidant defenses, NAC effectively reduces oxidative stress and can support the healing process of tissues that have been damaged due to oxidative processes. NAC is often recommended in higher dosages, like the 100 mg/kg specified, for clinical situations where there is significant oxidative stress, such as in cases of acetaminophen overdose and certain respiratory conditions. This approach aligns with its function as a precursor to glutathione, a key antioxidant that helps maintain cellular integrity. Other compounds listed serve different purposes in health and healing but don’t specifically target the repair of oxidatively damaged tissue in the same way. Creatine primarily aids in energy metabolism, glutamine is important for gut health and immune function, and selenium, while an essential trace element with antioxidant properties, is less directly involved in repairing oxidative damage compared to NAC.