L-cysteine Benefits for Health, Hair, Liver and More

There are several benefits associated with taking L-cysteine supplements. L-cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid.

It is manufactured in the body but may be essential for infants and aging population as well those metabolic disorders.

This amino acid is manufactured in the body by converting homocysteine using a biochemical process called the transsulfuration pathway. L-cysteine may also be broken down into the amino acid taurine and molecule glutathione.

Glutathione is an important antioxidant and can only be made in the body by L-cysteine. Taurine has many health benefits including increasing mental acuity, detoxification of the liver and maintenance of heart health. L-cysteine is also one of few amino acids that can form disulphide bonds that are responsible for the protein structure in hair and nails, called keratin.

What are the top l-cysteine benefits and what is the role of this amino acid in the body?

Cysteine

Amino Acid

Skin

Hair

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Promotes healthy skin, hair & nails
• Aids in the formation of collagen
• Supports protein structure for anti-aging

Dosage:

Between 200 - 500 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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Why are Amino Acids Important?

Amino acids are the building blocks of all functional and structural proteins in the body that make up muscle tissue, organ tissue, skin tissue and hair follicles.

There are 20 essential amino acids in the body that cannot be synthesized and must be obtained through food or supplementation.

There are 9 non-essential amino acids that can be made in the body and 6 conditionally essential amino acids, meaning their synthesis may be limited. L-cysteine is one of these conditionally essential aminos.

Aminos are responsible for important protein receptors and transporters essential for transmission of nerve impulses in the nervous system. All biochemical pathways require proteins.

This means amino acids are essential for importance processes like the breakdown fat. They can also help boost the immune system since antibodies are comprised mostly of amino acids. Furthermore, the regulation of mood and function of the nervous system requires aminos including L-cysteine.

L-cysteine Benefits

As mentioned above, L-cysteine is an important precursor for antioxidants such as glutathione – a product metabolized in the liver. Glutathione is essential for the breakdown of toxins in the body, such as alcohol. L-cysteine is also the precursor for other important antioxidants that help ward off cancer by decreasing the incidence of cell mutation.

Cancer is caused by the replication of genetic mistakes (mutations) that go unnoticed by the cell’s recognition system. In healthy cells, mutations are caught and denatured before replication continues.

If mutations are not caught, then the on/off mechanisms that monitor cell formation may be disrupted allowing uncontrolled proliferation of cells into tumors. A healthy cell rich in amino acids such as L-cysteine, has a better chance of sensing and discarding such mutations.

L-cysteine benefits can also include improved heart and circulatory system health. Inflammation plays a key role in heart health. The inflammation response causes a cascade of events to bring fluids, proteins and cells to damaged tissues.

Some of these substances carried in an inflammatory response are sticky and can get stuck on the walls of arteries. The presence of L-cysteine has been found to directly regulate this adhesion of sticky substances to the walls of arteries and therefore has a positive effect on the health of our hearts.

L-cysteine and Hair

L-cysteine is an important building block of hair. It consists of essential disulphide bonds necessary in several protein structures of the human body including keratin – an important protein found in hair follicles. The amount of keratin in each hair follicle determines it’s strength, and the composition of the disulphide bonds gives hair its straight, wavy and curly properties.

An inverse correlation to hair thickness and curl may be due to keratin concentrations. For example, the more keratin present in hair the thicker and straighter the hair may be. The opposite is also true, the less keratin present in hair the curlier the hair follicle may be.

Our genes and hormones regulate this process. We all have a set amount of L-cysteine, and thus keratin, allotted for hair types. Therefore, while we can maintain our optimal hair health through nutritious foods and supplements, we will hit a natural keratin plateau allowed for each hair follicle dictated by our genes.

L-cysteine in Food

While L-cysteine can be made in the body, it is a conditionally-essential amino acid because people with malabsorption disorders may not be able to make it. The essential amino acids methionine and cystine are converted into L-cysteine in the gastrointestinal tract and blood plasma, respectively.

Direct food sources of L-cysteine include high-protein animal and plant sources such as poultry, dairy, eggs, pork, red peppers, Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic and oats.

If levels of L-cysteine are determined to be low, dietary sources may be supplemented with N-acetyl-L-cysteine for additional health benefits. L-cysteine supplementation has been studied for its antioxidant properties, cardiovascular health, maintenance of hair health, bowel health (for patients with colitis) and overall well-being.

L-cysteine Side Effects

N-acetyl-L-cysteine is most likely safe when used properly but may cause some unwanted side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Allergic reactions may also occur and symptoms may include rashes, fever, headache, low blood pressure, headache and drowsiness.

There is currently no link to harm of fetus or mother when pregnant; however, L-cysteine should only be taken when pregnant if absolutely necessary and directed by a physician.

L-cysteine benefits should be discussed with a physician to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you.

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