Cysteine is a sulfur containing non-essential amino acid and is
closely related to cystine, as cystine consists of two cysteine
molecules joined together. It is an unstable nutrient and easily
converts to cystine, but this does not cause a problem, since both
can convert into the other – as required by the body.
Cysteine required for:
Your skin, as well as detoxification of your body, requires
cysteine. It is found in beta-keratin, the main protein in nails,
skin as well as hair. It not only is important in collagen production
but also assists in skin elasticity and texture.
Cysteine is also required in the manufacture of the amino acid
taurine and is a component of the antioxidant gluthione. It is
useful to detoxify the body from harmful toxins and help protect
the brain and liver from damage from alcohol, drugs etc.
It has also been found that it may help in strengthening the
protective lining of the stomach as well as intestines, which
may help prevent damage caused by aspirin and similar drugs.
Cysteine is also critical to the metabolism of a number of essential
biochemicals including coenzyme A, heparin, biotin, lipoid acid,
and glutathione.
Deficiency of cysteine
No direct deficiencies have been reported as such.
Dosage
The dosage listed is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but
be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day,
to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the
therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased
considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
General dosage is not known but as supplement cysteine is used
at 200 mg two to three times per day.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
None known, but damage to nerve cells in rats has been reported
in very high dosage, and research data is still being waited upon.
People suffering from diabetes and cystinuria should be careful
of cysteine supplements.
Best used with:
Best taken with selenium vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
When more may be required:
People suffering from AIDS/HIV may benefit from cysteine in proper
amounts, as low levels are normally reported in people with this
problem.
Food sources of cysteine:
The body can synthesize cysteine from the amino acid methionine
but is also found in high protein foods such as poultry, wheat,
broccoli, eggs as well as garlic, onions and red peppers.
"Man who say it
cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it."
- Chinese Proverb
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