Vegetarian and Vegan L-cysteine Supplements to Prevent Deficiency

Vegan L-cysteine supplements provide a good source of this amino acid from non-animal based products.

L-cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid that is important for a number of biologic functions. It is a constituent in the production of the anti-oxidant glutathione and in healthy skin, hair and nails.

Vegans and vegetarians are at increased risks for L-cysteine deficiencies. This natural compound is found primarily in foods like red meats, seafood, poultry, dairy products and others that are not suitable for animal-free diets.

Vegan L-cysteine is available, wholly derived from plant sources, but it is costly, especially when compared to non-vegan products.

Many products contain animal constituents that are difficult to discern because they are not explicitly labeled as such. In most cases, manufacturers of supplemental health products, like L-cysteine, do not have to disclose sources for ingredients they use.

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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L-cysteine Supplement Facts

Manufacturers of L-cysteine supplements used to rely on human hair for their production. Human hair contains about 14% L-cysteine, which could be isolated for inclusion in oral supplements. However, in many countries, human hair is no longer allowed to be used.

For this reason, animal-based L-cysteine supplements are now commonly derived from the hydrolysis of hog hair. The Chinese supply most of the world’s demand for L-cysteine supplements. Duck feathers and other animal products are also used in non-vegan L-cysteine products.

These non-vegan friendly sources may be used in foods as well as dietary supplements. L-cysteine is a common food additive, especially useful as a stabilizer for breads, tortillas and other similar foodstuffs. It is also used to make artificial meat flavorings.

When animal sources are used to manufacture L-cysteine products, it is more specifically called L-cysteine hydrochloride. It can be spotted on food ingredient labels as E920.

It is now easier to purchase vegan and vegetarian formulations of L-cysteine. These supplements are manufactured using plant sources and must be encapsulated in a Veggie Capsule as opposed to the typical gelatin capsule.

Why Vegans Need L-Cysteine

Vegans and vegetarians often have lower levels of L-cysteine than humans that eat animal-based food products. L-cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid that the body is capable of producing on its own. However, in some cases it may be necessary to supplement with external sources.

There are also some benefits linked to increased availability of this amino acid. When levels are higher, it may support anti-oxidant protection, immune functioning as well as healthy skin, hair and nails. In cases of deficiency among vegans and vegetarians, this could result in deficient glutathione levels which may be linked to increased oxidative damage.

L-cysteine does occur naturally in some vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, onions and garlic. It is also found in quinoa and buckwheat. However, some research suggests that the L-cysteine found in these sources has low oral bioavailability when it is consumed.

In plant sources, this amino acid is bound to other protein molecules by peptide bonds. These bonds may be broken down by heat from the cooking process or by acids in the stomach. Free (unbound) L-cysteine may further be degraded by bacteria in the stomach and intestines.

According to Dr. Jimmy Gutman, free L-cysteine is also not taken up by cells in the same way that it would be if bonded to other proteins in a peptide molecule. For this reason, even if you try to supplement your diet with vegan or vegetarian food sources for this amino acid, it may not make it to your cells due to poor bioavailability.

Benefits of L-cysteine for Vegans

For these reasons, it is important to choose a vegan L-cysteine supplement that does exhibit high oral bioavailability.

N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is one natural alternative that has been shown to possess greater oral bioavailability, while still providing the benefits of this amino acid.

N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a form of L-cysteine that has been approved for use as a medicine by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States. It can also be purchased without a prescription as a dietary supplement. Just like L-cysteine, there are both vegan and non-vegan sources of this supplement.

Oral NAC supplements have been clinically studied for a number of benefits. This compound has been shown to increase the body’s synthesis of glutathione to a moderate degree.

Glutathione is a potent anti-oxidant that is also required to support the function of a number of other anti-oxidants in the body. Without glutathione, our cells would not be able to protect themselves from free radical damage. This would negatively impair a number of systems, including the liver’s capacity to detoxify the body.

The following are some of the medicinal uses for NAC supplements that have been researched:

• Neutralizing the negatives effects of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and toxins on the liver by increasing glutathione synthesis;
• Improving symptoms associated with unstable angina pectoris and increasing sensitivity to nitroglycerine;
• Decreasing the severity and frequency of depression, especially in patients with bipolar disorder;
• Ameliorating symptoms of chronic bronchitis, including shortness of breath and supporting overall lung capacity;
• Decreasing exacerbation incidences in patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

There are a number of other therapeutic uses for L-cysteine and NAC, including, but not limited to:

• Reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular incidents like ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction;
• Decreasing overall mortality rates associated with cardiovascular incidents;
• Improving cognitive function and helping to prevent and combat neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease;
• Supporting oxygen delivery and utilization in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS);
• Reducing the desire for and subsequent usage of cocaine among addicts;
• Decreasing the likelihood and prevalence of addictive gambling;
• Improving infertility symptoms in both females and males;
• Lowering probabilities for developing colorectal cancer in patients with histories of polyps in the colon.

Is Vegan L-cysteine Safe?

Vegan L-cysteine, and N-acetyl Cysteine, is rated as likely safe at appropriate dosages, even with long-term usage. There are no serious or permanent side effects associated, so long as it is used at the correct dosage and not combined with medications or health conditions that could cause interactions. In some cases, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting and/or nausea have been reported..

There is no evidence of adverse effects for pregnant women using vegan L-cysteine, however clinical evidence proving its safety is lacking currently. Lactating women are not recommended for L-cysteine supplementation.

If you are taking prescription medications, or any herbal substances, for any pre-existing conditions, then please speak with your doctor before using vegan L-cysteine and/or NAC products. There are some possible interactions that may occur and this supplement may not be appropriate for all users.

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