L-cysteine supplements are used for a wide variety of benefits including anti-oxidant protection, immune-boosting effects and to improve the health of hair.
L-cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid that helps to detoxify the liver and boost the production of l-Glutathione and l-Taurine.
Research has shown benefits for weight loss, T-cell production, insulin levels, physical endurance, preservation of lean muscle mass and protection from oxidative damage. Before you buy l-Cysteine pills online, consider the following benefits and potential side effects from use.



- Promotes healthy skin, hair & nails
- Aids in the formation of collagen
- Supports protein structure for anti-aging
Do You Need L-Cysteine Supplements?
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L-cysteine is an amino acid that is made naturally in the body under optimal conditions. Amino acids are small molecules used by the body to build proteins, cells, tissues and organs.
Amino acids are essentially the building blocks of all structures in the body and without them we would not exist. L-cysteine supplements are sulfur bearing molecules that support protein structures in a unique way.
Including L-cysteine, there are 20 of these amino acids that are essential to our bodies meaning they cannot be synthesized and must be consumed through food or supplements.
Conversely, there are 9 non-essential amino acids that are synthesized in the body and do not need to be consumed.
Lastly, there are what are called conditionally essential amino acids that are made in the body unless there is a condition present that prevents the body from making them. If there is a metabolic condition that prevents the body from making a conditionally essential amino acid, it must be consumed through food or supplementation.
Some of these conditionally essential amino acids can also be supplemented in order to boost amounts and their healthy benefits. L-cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acids. Levels of this supplement can become depleted due to exercise, illness or stress.
In these instances, health benefits may be gained through supplementation. L-cysteine has been studied in depth for its benefits in liver health, heart health, cancer prevention and maintenance and growth of tissues such as nails, skin and hair.
Benefits of Taking L-Cysteine Capsules
To experience health benefits of this life-sustaining amino acid, supplementation is on the rise and researchers are seeing improvement in overall health in those supplementing L-cysteine. The most important benefit may be the health of the liver. This amino acid is commonly taken with Milk Thistle Extract for liver health and detoxification.
The liver is the organ that helps the body clear out all chemicals and particles that may be toxic like alcohol and air pollution. The main molecule in the body that breaks down compounds that may be harmful is glutathione.
Glutathione is derived from L-cysteine and is essential for the breakdown of unwanted substances in the body and an antioxidant with anti-cancer effects. L-cysteine is imperative for the biochemical production of glutathione. Without this amino acid, the body would not be able to make glutathione and would lack the ability to breakdown harmful chemicals.
Since L-cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid, not made in the body if there is a metabolic condition present, it must be supplemented in particular circumstances. But there is also benefits that have been observed by the supplementation of additional amounts of L-cysteine when a metabolic condition is not present.
L-cysteine for Heart Health
In addition to the positive effects that L-cysteine supplements have in the liver, it is also beneficial for the health of the human heart.
As we age, the heart is exposed to damage just by regular pumping of blood through arteries and veins. When damage occurs in the heart, the immune system sends signal to recruit biochemicals to help repair blood vessels.
Although repairing damage to blood vessels is necessary for human survival, the body usually sends more molecules than what is needed. When the body sends more immune cells to the area of damage than needed, it can cause more damage over time. L-cysteine has the ability to decrease how much of these prostaglandins are sent to the area and therefore limit further damage.
L-cysteine for Hair, Nail and Skin
L-cysteine supplements can also be consumed for the health of our hair. L-cysteine is the main component in hair, making up 70% of a hair fiber. This amino acid has the ability to make keratin, a protein used to build the hair shaft.
While shampoo advertisements might suggest that the health of hair comes from the substances we put on our hair, instead it starts with the things we put in our body. Keratin is also a key component of the outer layer of skin and a key structural component of nails. Without L-cysteine, damage can occur quickly to skin, hair and nails.
Is L-Cysteine Safe?
L-cysteine may cause some mild side effects when it is used in high dosages. While considered generally safe, L-cysteine supplements have caused mild negative effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
As with any substance or food that enters our bodies, an allergic reaction may occur. Whenever trying a new supplement, possible allergy symptoms such as headache, rash, changes in blood pressure, fever and aches should be monitored.
How to Take L-Cysteine
L-cysteine supplements usually come in 500mg capsules or tablets. The recommended daily dose of L-cysteine is 1 to 3 – 500mg capsules per day, as tolerated. N-Acetyl L-Cysteine is another form of this supplement that may have added benefits for brain health.
While L-cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid and can be made in the body, the body can sometimes benefits from supplementation. Even when the body is healthy, and no metabolic disorder exists that alters the synthesis of this amino acid, added benefits such as liver health, heart health and tissue growth may be experienced through supplementation.
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Article last updated on: May 12th, 2018 by Nootriment