Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid (hereinafter - AA). According to some sources, the substance is conditionally irreplaceable. This term literally means that the body is able to synthesize cysteine under certain conditions. However, it happens that reserves have to be replenished from external sources. Factors requiring additional cysteine include illness, stress, and increased athletic activity.
General information
Cysteine in the human body is involved in glutathione and taurine synthesis. Taurine is indispensable for correct central nervous system function. It is important for blood pressure control and visual health. Helps to increase muscle volume and burn excess body fat.
The importance of glutathione cannot be overstated. Without it, the function of immunity and the protection of the nervous system are unthinkable. The deficiency of this antioxidant is usually associated with aging processes and decreased performance. Supplements cannot restore its level. Correction is possible only by the presence of cysteine (C3H7NO2S).
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Cysteine is responsible for the normal function of the muscles. It is required during the synthesis of T-lymphocytes to strengthen the immune system. It enters the structure of each human hair, increasing the cross section of the shaft. Also a component of insulin. If necessary, it converts it into glucose and saturates the body with an additional dose of energy. Antioxidant has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract. Protects and heals the damaged epithelium lining the internal organs.
Cysteine synthesis
For the production of cysteine, another AA is needed - methionine. The multistage synthesis of this substance proceeds with the participation of a number of vitamins and enzymes. Lack of any of these results in a "system crash". The same thing happens in the process of illness.
Serine and pyridoxine (B6) act as "raw materials" for the synthesis of cysteine. The sulfur-containing component is formed in the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the human body.
Liver diseases and metabolic disorders adversely affect the synthesis of cysteine. In the bodies of babies, the connection is not made at all. This is due to the "foresight" of nature. Therefore, like all vital elements, breast milk (or its substitutes) supplies the newborn with cysteine.
Useful properties of cysteine
AK is used in the treatment of pulmonary and bronchial obstructions, to prevent the development of cancerous tumors of the large intestine. It is known that cysteine promotes the elimination of harmful metabolites of alcohol, drugs and increases the endurance of the body of athletes. The protective function of the amino acid is assumed under radiation exposure.
Cysteine and disease
The amino acid significantly reduces blood sugar, as a result, insulin sensitivity decreases. Also, the inhibitory property of cysteine in vascular inflammation is noted, which makes it possible to avoid heart pathologies in diabetes.
AK helps to weaken the manifestations of colitis. Prevents the formation of free radicals. The body's antioxidant capacity increases significantly.
Cysteine has long been accepted in alternative medicine therapy as a remedy against:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- pulmonary and bronchial obstruction;
- flu;
- diabetes;
- inflammations of various etiologies;
- joint diseases;
- pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.
Daily rate of cysteine
The daily dose of AK in the form of dietary supplements is given in the instructions. Recommendations are binding. Taking the drug requires a large amount of fluid.
Sometimes cysteine can be harmful. A daily dose in the range of 2500-3000 mg is normal. It is well tolerated and has a beneficial effect on the body. Excess dosage (7 g or more) threatens toxic damage and is associated with unpleasant consequences.
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Who is cysteine indicated for?
There are no specific indications for cysteine in a certain group of people. It is equally useful and necessary for everyone. However, some need it more than others. For example, athletes, whose physical activity, as a rule, exceeds the average.
The amino acid is necessary for critically ill and people with a low immune background. Proper nutrition with an increased dose of AA increases resistance and improves physiological functions.
Cysteine is also required by patients with HIV and AIDS. It is known that in these conditions the body's defenses drop sharply. The result is frequent colds, and with them - internal damage. Among the direct indications for the use of cysteine are diseases of the ENT organs, heart and blood vessels, the initial stages of eye pathologies (cataracts).
When to take cysteine with caution
Reception of cysteine in some categories of patients should be carried out with extreme caution. It's about diabetes. The limitation is due to the ability of the amino acid to influence the action of insulin. The same applies to patients with hypertension, thymus dysfunction, breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women. The need for cysteine supplementation does not apply to those consuming eggs, bread, cereals, onions and garlic.
Side effect
Side effects when taking amino acid are rare and do not cause significant damage. The most common: indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal cramps, headache. Most often they appear with small volumes of fluid intake. They are treated symptomatically, eliminated by increasing the amount of drinking water.
What to look for
In certain cases, AK intolerance (allergy) is noted. The body "responds" in a special way to the intake of cysteine, throwing a record dose of homocysteine into the bloodstream. This hormone is always produced to protect against toxins. An allergic reaction can look like a rash, respiratory depression, and an irregular heartbeat. For any of the manifestations, urgent medical assistance is required.
Compatibility with other drugs and substances
To date, science has advanced far in the study of cysteine. Its effect on the body is considered in the case of prolonged use. The compatibility of AK with other substances raises some concerns.
Dietary supplements containing cysteine are able to interact with medications. For example, inhibit the work of drugs for the treatment of tonsillitis, inhibitors, enzymes. Particular care is required for the parallel intake of amino acids and immunosuppressants (Prednisolone, etc.). AK is not recommended for nursing and expectant mothers.
In order to get the maximum benefit, it is recommended to take cysteine and vitamins C, E and B6 (pyridoxine) together. Also calcium (Ca), sulfur (S) and selenium (Se), which greatly enhances the effectiveness of AK.
Signs of oversaturation and scarcity
The increased content of amino acids in the human body almost always leads to allergies. Along with them - irritability, intestinal dysfunction and blood clots.
AK deficiency manifests itself in the unsatisfactory condition of nails, skin and hair. Mucous membranes rapidly lose moisture, cracks form. Pursues a depressive state. Moreover, a lack of cysteine provokes vascular diseases, malfunctions of the digestive system, a drop in immunity, and a decrease in brain activity.
Sources
Cysteine is present in foods with increased protein inclusion. These include:
- milk and all types of meat;
- eggs and poultry meat;
- legumes;
- seafood;
- buckwheat grain;
- seeds and kernels of nuts.
The maximum concentration of cysteine is found in Brussels sprouts and broccoli, sweet peppers, onions, herbs and heads of garlic.
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More detailed information is presented in the table:
| Products | Protein | Cysteine | C / B |
| Raw pork | 20.95 g | 242 mg | 1,2 % |
| Raw chicken fillet | 21.23 g | 222 mg | 1,0 % |
| Raw salmon fillet | 20.42 g | 219 mg | 1,1 % |
| Egg | 12.57 g | 272 mg | 2,2 % |
| Cow's milk, 3.7% fat | 3.28 g | 30 mg | 0,9 % |
| Sunflower seeds | 20.78 g | 451 mg | 2,2 % |
| Walnuts | 15.23 g | 208 mg | 1,4 % |
| Wheat flour, g / p | 13.70 g | 317 mg | 2,3 % |
| Corn flour | 6.93 g | 125 mg | 1,8 % |
| Brown rice | 7.94 g | 96 mg | 1,2 % |
| Soybean dry | 36.49 g | 655 mg | 1,8 % |
| Whole peas, shelled | 24.55 g | 373 mg | 1,5 % |
Cooking at high temperatures leads to the destruction of AA. However, a raw food diet does not solve the problem. Gastric secretions and intestinal microflora significantly interfere with the absorption of cysteine.
The most convenient form for obtaining AK is milk whey. In it, the sulfur-containing compound is presented as cystine (double molecular block). Penetrating into the body, the block breaks down and the substance is absorbed. The "enemies" of the natural process are pasteurization and repeated heating. Therefore, store-bought milk will never become a complete source of amino acids.
Industrial application
The food industry is actively using the amino acid in the form of E920 supplements. However, it is completely useless for the body.
Supplements are natural and synthesized. Synthetic ones are produced in chemical industries. Natural amino acid is cheaper. It requires feather, wool or hair. These tissues contain natural keratin, which is an amino acid. Naturally occurring cysteine is obtained through a long process. The sought AK is a decay product of biological tissues.
