Information Cysteine

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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.

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