Supplements

[kandiepat]

Hi All, does anyone take NAC when they have PBC?

Ive heard that it is excellent for the liver but not sure aboutPBC.

Thanks kandiepat

[Hidden]

Hello kandiepat.

I had to look up NAC. I am in the UK and Holland & Barratt sell it as some sort of sports supplement.

Now I am not sure about taking supplements long-term especially with PBC that is liver-related.

I did give the milk thistle a go a few years ago (I was diagnosed with PBC Dec 2010) but in the UK then you could buy better strengths than they currently are (due to new UK legislation and licensing). Milk thistle is supposed to be good for the liver but I have to say my 2 trials of it, thought I got better blood results (I have been on the urso since Dec 2010) and then I had a break and took it back up but can't say it made much of a difference to my bloods. I thought the first time it might but then I wasn't so sure. Not taken it since as the strength is a lot less and the price is a lot lot higher.

I think you'd have to get medical advice re this supplement.

[dianekjs]

I don't have a PBC dx, but because of a low positive AMA I remain on "PBC" watch and am closely monitored. My hepatologist said NAC was fine to take. No real studies have been done on NAC supplementation in relation to PBC, but it has an excellent safety profile and is known to be liver protective. Emergency rooms have been using intravenous NAC to mitigate liver damage in cases of acetaminophen and other drug overdose for a long time. Many people also take it when drinking alcohol to both minimize chances of a hangover and toxicity to the liver. However, as I'm sure you know, no alcohol for anyone with PBC!

[kandiepat in reply to dianekjs]

Thank you Dianekjs