Cysteine
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A non-essential amino acid; one of the few amino acids that contains sulfur which allows cysteine to bond in a special way and maintain the structure of proteins in the body; as a component of glutathione, cysteine provides glutathione with its biological potency and is a powerful antioxidant (but can be oxidized with itself to form cysteine); detoxification agent; component of some prostaglandins; an amino acid transporter across membranes; the formation of cysteine from homocysteine (another sulfur-containing amino acid) is one pathway to reduce an elevated homocysteine status (elevated homocysteine is toxic to arteries, thrombogenic, may promote oxidation of blood lipids, and moderate hyperhomocysteinemia is an important independent risk factor for premature vascular disease); produces the amino acid taurine which is used in the formation of bile and nerve function; occasionally converted into glucose and used as a source of energy; strengthens the protective lining of the stomach and intestines which may help prevent damage caused by aspirin and similar drugs; and plays an important role in the communication between immune system cells.
A cysteine deficiency could be a contributing cause of a decreased ability to metabolize drugs and/or toxic compounds, depressed immune functions, homocysteinemia, impaired antioxidant defenses and some psychoses.
A deficiency of any one or a combination of antioxidants could be a contributing cause of arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infections, premature aging, renal disease, and a compromised immune system. Antioxidants have also shown to be of benefit to individuals with AIDS; several studies indicate that antioxidants help to stimulate T-helper cells (primary cells destroyed by this disease), thus protecting the immune system.
Clinical trials using nutritional supplementation have shown therapeutic benefits for alcoholism, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, hair loss, heavy metal toxicity, HIV infection, iron deficiency, reduction of cytotoxic treatment side effects, seizure disorders and skin disorders.
Dietary sources richest in N-acetyl-l-cysteine* (per serving) include eggs, meats and meat products, milk, nutritional supplements, wheat germ, whey protein and yogurt.
* Some cysteine is oxidized to cystine and other compounds during cooking and storage, and is thus less available to the body. In addition, cysteine is the limiting amino acid in the intracellular function of glutathione and is not recommended for supplementation, as it is poorly tolerated by many individuals. Further, cysteine may be rapidly oxidized to cystine - a less useable form for the synthesis of glutathione. Therefore, supplementation with N-acetyl-l-cysteine is the recommended form of supplementation to correct a cysteine deficiency.
> back to top
> back to About Micronutrients
A non-essential amino acid; one of the few amino acids that contains sulfur which allows cysteine to bond in a special way and maintain the structure of proteins in the body; as a component of glutathione, cysteine provides glutathione with its biological potency and is a powerful antioxidant (but can be oxidized with itself to form cysteine); detoxification agent; component of some prostaglandins; an amino acid transporter across membranes; the formation of cysteine from homocysteine (another sulfur-containing amino acid) is one pathway to reduce an elevated homocysteine status (elevated homocysteine is toxic to arteries, thrombogenic, may promote oxidation of blood lipids, and moderate hyperhomocysteinemia is an important independent risk factor for premature vascular disease); produces the amino acid taurine which is used in the formation of bile and nerve function; occasionally converted into glucose and used as a source of energy; strengthens the protective lining of the stomach and intestines which may help prevent damage caused by aspirin and similar drugs; and plays an important role in the communication between immune system cells.
A cysteine deficiency could be a contributing cause of a decreased ability to metabolize drugs and/or toxic compounds, depressed immune functions, homocysteinemia, impaired antioxidant defenses and some psychoses.
A deficiency of any one or a combination of antioxidants could be a contributing cause of arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infections, premature aging, renal disease, and a compromised immune system. Antioxidants have also shown to be of benefit to individuals with AIDS; several studies indicate that antioxidants help to stimulate T-helper cells (primary cells destroyed by this disease), thus protecting the immune system.
Clinical trials using nutritional supplementation have shown therapeutic benefits for alcoholism, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, hair loss, heavy metal toxicity, HIV infection, iron deficiency, reduction of cytotoxic treatment side effects, seizure disorders and skin disorders.
Dietary sources richest in N-acetyl-l-cysteine* (per serving) include eggs, meats and meat products, milk, nutritional supplements, wheat germ, whey protein and yogurt.
* Some cysteine is oxidized to cystine and other compounds during cooking and storage, and is thus less available to the body. In addition, cysteine is the limiting amino acid in the intracellular function of glutathione and is not recommended for supplementation, as it is poorly tolerated by many individuals. Further, cysteine may be rapidly oxidized to cystine - a less useable form for the synthesis of glutathione. Therefore, supplementation with N-acetyl-l-cysteine is the recommended form of supplementation to correct a cysteine deficiency.
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