Cysteine amino acid information page

Cysteine is a sulfur containing non-essential amino acid and is closely related to cystine, as cystine consists of two cysteine molecules joined together. It is an unstable nutrient and easily converts to cystine, but this does not cause a problem, since both can convert into the other – as required by the body.

on this page

• Cysteine required for
• Deficiency of cysteine
• Dosage
• Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
• Best used with
• When more may be required
• Food sources of cysteine
• Cysteine found in the following Zest for Life products

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.

Cysteine found in the following Zest for Life products

• Hair, Nail & Skin supplement - multi nutrient capsules

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Our products

	Adaptogens. Balance and help us cope with stresses.
	Anti-aging supplement. Helps to fight the signs and symptoms of ageing.
	Antioxidants. Fight ageing, degenerative disease and free radicals.
	Apple cider vinegar capsules with Gotu Kola. The trusted folk remedy.
	BodyGuard. Immune boost formula.
	Enzymes. Required for metabolic processes.
	Millenium 2000. Slimming capsules to make dieting easy.
	OystaCal. The best organic and bio-available calcium.
	Phytosterols. Plant chemicals to boost your system.
	Hair, Skin and Nail Formula. The best formula for improving your looks.
	Vitalyze. Your high-energy boost to live life with vigor and stress-buster.
	Vuka 2000. The most advanced sexual supplement.

Nutritional information

Here are some information page on which you can read more about a specific nutrient and the role it plays in our general well-being. Please note - we do not use or sell all of these compounds but include the information for the benefit of our clients and visitors. To visit our selection of vitamin products please click here.