A non-essential amino acid, which means that it helps to construct proteins, cysteine is naturally produced in the human body. It is one of the only amino acids that has sulfur in it. Sulfur helps cysteine to have unique bonding properties to it can uphold the constructs of proteins. Cysteine is also an important ingredient of antioxidantglutathione, as well as being integral to the manufacture of taurine, which is also an important amino acid.
Cysteine is able to turn into glucose, which makes is a possible energy source. It is also useful because it builds up the walls of the stomach and intestines, which protect the body from damage from harmful drugs like aspirin. Cysteine may also be essential to the communication of white blood cells or other parts of the immune system. Cysteine is not commonly taken in supplemental form. The most common supplement that contains cysteine is N-acetyl cysteine (NAC).
Research has shown that HIV-positive patients have low levels of cysteine and glutathione. The immune system needs cysteine to work correctly, and so low levels of cysteine may be a component factor, or a direct result, of the decreased immune efficiency that is connected with HIV.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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