CYSTINE AND CYSTEINE – AMINO ACIDS

These two amino acids are so closely related to the might be consdiered to be brothers and sisters or vice versa.  Each of these sulfur containing amino acids promote the formation of skin and enhance detoxification.

Cysteine aids in detoxification and protects the body against radiation.  It is a powerful free radical destroyer and works well in this task when taken with selenium and vitamin E.  It works with other amino acids to detoxify the liver, and it protects the liver and brain from alcohol induced damage.  It also protects the body against the toxic effects of cigarette smoke and related compounds.

Because of it’s solubility, Cysteine is used more readily in the body in Cystine.  Consequently, Cysteine is more often used for treating illnesses.  Vitamin B6 is an important nutrient to be taken with Cysteine.  Some researchers suggest as much as 1000 milligrams of Cysteine, taken three times daily for up to a month, is helpful to individuals suffering from chronic illnesses.

As a supplement L.-Cysteine is often given as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, mutogenic disorders such as cancer and hardening of the arteries.  L.-Cysteine is widely used in respiratory disorders because of his ability to breakdown mucus in the respiratory tract.  Breaking down mucus is important in order to more easily eliminate mucus from the respiratory tract.

As a caution, individuals suffering from diabetes should not take supplemental Cysteine because it has a tendency to render inactive insulin.