Help! I Am Losing My Hair

By: Marlene Affeld

Cysteine Amino Acid

Cysteine amino acid (Cys), also known as L-cysteine or Acetyl L-cysteine is a semi-essential proteinogenic amino acid that includes the element sulfur. Cysteine naturally occurs in a broad assortment of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, grains, nuts, seeds, dairy products, egg yolks, sprouts, garlic, onions, broccoli, and red peppers.

Cysteine with a chemical formula of HO2CCH (NH2) CH2SH is one of two sulfur-containing amino acids; the other is methionine. Cysteine amino acid functions as an essential building block of protein and acts as a catalyst in many crucial metabolic cycles. Because it is biosynthesized in the human liver, it is not considered an essential amino acid.

In the body, cysteine is formed from homocysteine, derived from the essential amino acid methionine, and can be converted to taurine and cystine. Methionine, an essential amino acid, is not produced by the body but only comes from dietary sources. In combination with glutamic acid and clycine, cysteine can form glutathione, a powerful detoxifier, and antioxidant. A cofactor in a host of important enzyme systems, glutathione (GSH), helps protect the body from toxic heavy metals, chemicals, and smoke.

Research studies show that methionine transforms into homocysteine in the body; homocysteine is a high-risk factor contributing to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Due to this concern, methionine should not be considered the primary source of cysteine for building glutathione. (To avoid this risk, supplemental L-methionine should not be taken.)

• Cysteine is key in the creation of collagen, which affects skin texture and elasticity.

Considered a cell membrane stabilizer, cysteine, a precursor to glutathione, may help reduce the hazards inherent in cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Specifically, cysteine helps neutralize aldehydes produced in the liver as by-products of the metabolism of pollutants, fats, alcohol, and some drugs. In sufficient levels, administered under the care of a physician, cysteine binds with heavy metals such as mercury, lead, copper, and cadmium and aids in their elimination.

Administered by a physician, cysteine is used in cases of acute acetaminophen poisoning (Tylenol). Acetaminophen presents in a wide range of over the counter as well as prescription medications. Acetaminophen poisoning causes liver damage and is the number one cause of death from acute liver failure in the United States. Many doctors in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, chronic bronchitis, burns, and influenza also prescribe cysteine.

When it comes to influenza, NAC exhibits excellent promise. In H5N1 influenza or bird flu, a very dangerous and potentially lethal infection, it diminished symptoms and shortened the severity of those infected and boosted the immunity of those trying to fend off the “bug.” In 2010, when the pandemic was at its height, it was discovered that NAC helped inhibit virus replication and the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules in cells infected with H5N1. NAC is also proving a promising weapon in the war against seasonal flu and flu-like illnesses.

When cysteine is taken as a dietary supplement, it is usually in the form of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). NAC is not found in food.

NAC, a modified version of the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine, is considered a powerful anti-aging nutrient, helpful in preventing oxidation and free-radical cell damage. A substantial body of evidence gleaned from multiple medical research studies, indicates that NAC has also proved beneficial in the treatment of a diverse array of medical conditions, including:

• Exposure to noxious chemicals

• Enhanced healing after surgery

• Prevention and treatment of cancer

• Improved healing of skin irritations such as psoriasis

• Hair loss

• Cataract prevention

Commenting on the benefits of NAC, Stanford University’s Dr. Kondala R. Atkuri, notes, “NAC has been used successfully to treat glutathione deficiency in a wide range of infections, genetic defects and metabolic disorders, including HIV infection and COPD. Over two-thirds of 46 placebo-controlled clinical trials with orally administered NAC have indicated beneficial effects of NAC measured either as trial endpoints or as general measures of improvement in the quality of life and well-being of the patients.”

Over the past three decades, NAC has provided relief for millions of patients suffering from coughs, wheezing, congestion, and the thick phlegm associated with colds, flu, and cigarette smoking. NAC is incorporated in several patented medications for these health complaints. Scientific studies further indicate that NAC regulates the gene for COX-2, an enzyme that causes pain and inflammation. Medical research studies indicate NAC to be useful in the treatment of certain chronic lung diseases including asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, and bronchitis.

Medical studies suggest most people benefit from 600 – 1,800 mg/day, although doses up to 2,000 mg/day are considered safe and effective.

Concerns and Cautions

Cysteine amino acid supplements and NAC can be very beneficial in a wide range of medical conditions. However, like all supplements, they should only be taken under the supervision of your healthcare provider to avoid adverse interactions with other supplements, over-the-counter medications, or prescription drugs.

Persons with allergies to dairy, milk, or wheat products should not take NAC or cysteine amino acid supplements. If you are diabetic, do not take any supplements except as prescribed by your doctor.

The University of Rochester advises, "Using a single amino acid supplement may lead to negative nitrogen balance. This can lessen how well your metabolism works. It can make your kidneys work harder. In children, single amino acid supplements may cause growth problems.

• You should not take high doses of single amino acids for long periods of time.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use cysteine supplements.
• You should not use cysteine if you have either of these:
• Diabetes. Cysteine may interfere with how insulin works.
• Cystinuria. This is a rare genetic condition. It causes cystine build up. Cystine is related to cysteine. This buildup may lead to kidney stones that can block the urinary tract.

References:

National Library of Science - Cysteine

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cysteine

University of Rochester - Health Encyclopedia - Cysteine

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=Cysteine