A conditional essential sulfur bearing amino acid, drived by the combination of methionine and vitamin B6
Non-Essential - Glycogenic and Ketogenic, Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Sulfur-Containing
Cysteine a conditionally essential sulfur bearing amino acid, derived by the combination of methionine and pyridoxal 5 phosphate (vitamin B6). Acetylcysteine is the N-acetyl derivative of L-cysteine, and the precursor form to glutathione. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is a derivative of L-cysteine wherein an acetyl group is attached to the nitrogen atom, and the precursor form to glutathione.
•
Cysteine is critical to the metabolism of the essential biochemicals; coenzyme A, heparin, biotin, lipoid acid, and glutathione levels in the body, thereby helping reduce oxidative stress on your eyes.
Cysteine may be essential for infants, the elderly, and individuals with certain metabolic disease or who suffer from malabsorption syndrome
Cysteine is one of the few amino acids that contains sulfur. This allows cysteine to bond in a special way and maintain the structure of proteins in the body. The body also uses cysteine to produce taurine, another amino acid.
Cysteine converts into glucose and can be used as a source of energy. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) strengthens the protective lining of the stomach and intestines, which may help prevent damage caused by aspirin and similar drugs. It may play an important role in the communication between immune system cells.
May help the body rid itself of poisonous materials (smoking, alcohol, environment etc.,); in the liver, helps detoxify carcinogens and harmful chemicals, and as a result also protects the brain and its functions. As an antioxidant it may prevent liver diseases, and help thicken the diameter of hair. Helpful in the treatment of arthritis, boosts the immune system. Involved in collagen production for skin elasticity and texture, and for alpha-keratin for fingernails, toenails, and hair. Hair and skin are made up of 10-14% cysteine. Supplemental cysteine great for burn and surgery recovery and to improve skin texture and flexibility.
History: Cysteine is named after cystine, which comes from the Greek word kustis meaning bladder − cystine was first isolated from kidney stones.
Technicals: Cysteine is unique because it contains a thiol group. Thiol groups can undergo oxidation of a pair of cysteine residues is oxidised produces cystine, a disulfide-containing derivative. This reaction is reversible. The disulphide bonds of cystine are crucial to defining the structures of many proteins. Related to its redox behavoir, cysteine is incorporated into many proteins that are redox-active, such as the antioxidant glutathione. The free amino acid l-cysteine is spontaneously catabolized in the gastrointestinal tract and blood plasma.
Sources: The body can synthesize cysteine from methionine and other building blocks. Degradation of cystine. It is the amino acid from which NAC is derived, is found in most high-protein foods such as poultry, seafood, wheat, broccoli, garlic, onions, beans, brewer's yeast, broccoli, brown rice, bran, brussels sprouts, caseinate, dairy products, eggs, fish, lactalbumin, legumes, meat, nuts, onions, red peppers, seeds, soy, whey, whole grains.
Synergist: methionine is the precursor to cysteine, selenium vitamin B6 and vitamin E
Deficiencies Caused by: Blood levels of cysteine are low in people infected with HIV. It has a role in the proper function of the immune system, so a deficiency of this amino acid may either contribute to, or result from, immune suppression associated with HIV.
Signs or Symptoms of a Deficiency: acne, chronic bronchitis
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information presented is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment from your own doctor or healthcare provider. Nothing presented here is intended as a substitute for prescription medication or any other medical treatment prescribed by your doctor.
