Essential amino acids are ones your body cannot produce on its own; therefore, they need to be taken in through the diet or supplementation. One of these essential amino's includes cysteine. Cystine simply contains two molecules bonded together, increasing stability. Cysteine and cysteine supplements play an important role in the formation of keratin, collagen, and in the detoxification processes in the liver.

Understanding How Cysteine Benefits Your Health

As mentioned, cysteine plays an important role in the formation of keratin and collagen. Keratin gives strength to the fingernails, toenails, skin and hair, while collagen gives elasticity to all connective tissue including the skin and cartilage found in the joints. Thus, cysteine helps maintain a youthful physical appearance and activity level.

Cysteine contains sulfur and forms sulphur-containing amino acids, like glutathione, which is used by the liver to detoxify harmful chemicals including those found in cigarette smoke, alcohol, aspirin and acetaminophen. It also protects the body from radiation like that from the sun, industry or medical testing.

Cysteine also increases the fluidity of mucus, making it beneficial for clearing and improving healing of the respiratory tract.

Who Should Consider Taking Cysteine Supplements?

Natural health practitioners often recommend a cysteine supplement for liver detoxification, skin problems, radiation damage, metal toxicity, respiratory disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Different Forms of Cysteine Supplements + Formats & Potency

Cystine is a stable molecule that combines two molecules of cysteine together, the body converts them back and forth easily. The more soluble form is L-cysteine, making it a more effective supplement. In supplement form, you'll often see it as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which is an activated form of cysteine that is used for increasing levels of the antioxidant glutathione, protecting against age-related damage and preventing side effects from radiation therapies.

Cysteine supplements are commonly found in capsule formats. While it's best to follow the directions on the manufacturer's label, amino acid supplements should be taken at least 1/2 hour before or after a meal to maximize their absorption. To keep the proper amino acid balance in your body, if you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, take it with an amino acid complex to prevent the deficiency of other amino acids.

Potential Side Effects & Cautions of Cysteine Supplements

Toxicity with doses over 1000 mg is possible; however, some chronic diseases require these doses to see a medicinal effect. In this case you should follow instructions from your health care provider.

Diabetic's need for insulin may increase with cysteine use. Do not use cysteine if you have cystinuria, an inherited kidney disorder.