N-acetylcysteine plus high-intensity interval training for improving redox balance in adults with overweight or obesity
Effects of N-acetylcysteine on Biological Responses to High-intensity Interval Training in Adults With Overweight/Obesity
This study tests whether taking N-acetylcysteine pills while doing 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training improves antioxidant balance and metabolic measures in 35–45-year-olds with overweight or obesity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Thessaly Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Trikala, Karies) |
| Trial ID | NCT07196852 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Forty adults aged 35–45 with BMI 25–35 kg/m2 will be randomly assigned to receive either 1,200 mg/day N‑acetylcysteine or placebo while participating in three multicomponent high‑intensity interval training sessions per week for 12 weeks. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks for body weight and composition (DXA), liver fat (high-resolution ultrasound), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), muscle strength, habitual activity (accelerometry), diet, and a detailed panel of blood redox and inflammatory markers (including GSH, GSSG, GPx, GR, SOD, CAT, MDA, and TNF-α). The trial tests whether NAC supplementation alters training-induced changes in antioxidant defenses, inflammation, body composition, and metabolic indicators compared with placebo. All participants must be free of chronic non-communicable diseases, not using medications or supplements, non-smokers, and able to attend supervised exercise sessions at the study site.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 35–45 with BMI 25–35 kg/m2 who are generally healthy (no chronic diseases), non-smokers, not taking medications or dietary supplements, and able to attend in-person exercise sessions.
Not a fit: People with chronic diseases, those taking medications or supplements (including blood thinners or angina drugs), smokers, those outside the age or BMI range, or individuals with NAC intolerance are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, combining NAC with exercise could improve antioxidant defenses and lower inflammation, potentially helping body composition, fitness, and metabolic risk in people with overweight or obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show NAC can restore glutathione and reduce oxidative stress but have produced mixed results on whether it improves or blunts exercise-induced adaptations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * BMI 25-35 kg/m2 * Free of musculoskeletal injuries * Free of chronic non-communicable diseases * Do not receive any drug therapy * Do not receive dietary supplements * Normal menstrual cycle (for females) * Non smokers Exclusion Criteria: * NAC intolerance * Bleeding disorders * Kidney disease * Asthma * Usage of blood thinners and/or angina medication
Where this trial is running
Trikala, Karies
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly — Trikala, Karies, Greece (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anastasia Rosvoglou, PhDc — University of Thessaly, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science
- Study coordinator: Dimitrios Draganidis, PhD
- Email: ddraganidis@uth.gr
- Phone: +30 2431047078
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.