Original price €21,90 - Original price €21,90

Original price €21,90

€21,90

€21,90 - €21,90

Current price €21,90

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N-Acetyl L-Cysteine · 120 capsules

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GN Laboratories

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is a supplement used primarily for its antioxidant (1) and anti-inflammatory (2) properties. It is generally taken for health a...
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Original price €21,90 - Original price €21,90

Original price €21,90

€21,90

€21,90 - €21,90

Current price €21,90

| /

Cysteine and cystine are non-essential amino acids that can be converted into each other. Cysteine can be formed in the human body from the amino acids serine and methionine. Cystine was first isolated from a urine stone in 1810, and many years later also from horn tissue. In 1884, cystine was reduced to cysteine. The structures of both amino acids were identified in 1903/1904. Like methionine and taurine, cysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid with an antioxidant effect and is mainly found in animal proteins. In mammals, only the L-form of cysteine is involved in biosynthesis. If the diet is poor in the amino acids methionine and serine, then L-cysteine becomes much more essential. L-cysteine can be obtained from foods such as poultry, eggs, cheese and sunflower seeds. Along with the amino acids glutamine and glycine, cysteine is needed to produce glutathione - the master antioxidant that is vital for health.

L-cysteine is usually the limiting amino acid for glutathione production, which is why it is important to consume sufficient amounts of this amino acid, even if it is not considered essential. Although cysteine is able to reduce oxidative stress to a small extent, its most important role is in the production and regeneration of glutathione. Longevity researchers believe that glutathione is so crucial to health that the levels of this antioxidant in cells are an indicator of how long a person will live. Glutathione is the body's most important antioxidant because it is found in cells, making it essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and fighting cellular damage (1). Cysteine is particularly abundant in the proteins of skin and hair. It can be converted to the amino acid taurine, which is important for the nerves, digestion and the cardiovascular system.

What important functions does cysteine have in the body?

Cysteine has antioxidant properties and can reduce the toxic effects of drugs and chemicals. It contributes to the synthesis of cell membranes (cell walls) as well as to their regeneration. Together with pantothenic acid (B vitamin), cysteine contributes to the formation of important fatty acids for the cell walls and for myelin (part of the nerve sheath). It is also part of the structural proteins of connective tissue and strengthens these tissues.

What are the potential health benefits of cysteine?

Can cysteine help in the treatment of diabetes?

Scientific research suggests that L-cysteine may help with diabetes management by lowering blood sugar levels, reducing existing insulin resistance and reducing damage to blood vessels. This could be important for people who suffer from heart disease or a genetic enzyme deficiency known as G6PD deficiency, which is associated with many complications (2). L-cysteine supplementation has been shown to reduce blood levels of glucose and insulin resistance. There was also a reduction in plasma protein oxidation in rats treated with cysteine (3).

A study published in 2018 found that L-cysteine helps prevent G6PD deficiency (4). High blood sugar levels can contribute to G6PD deficiency and related problems with blood and blood vessels, but L-cysteine appears to restore optimal levels of this enzyme and improve its function, and another study found that cysteine-rich whey protein improved glucose metabolism in humans and animals with diabetes. However, the authors of the study noted that further research is needed before a recommendation can be made (5).

Does cysteine have antioxidant properties?

L-cysteine acts as a neutralizer of free radicals that cause cellular damage from oxidative stress and improves the body's antioxidant capabilities by protecting glutathione. This is the best known benefit of L-cysteine, which can slow down the ageing process and help prevent or treat a number of serious diseases (6). This also means that L-cysteine can support immune function by increasing glutathione levels. Scientific research suggests that immune function in diseases associated with cysteine and glutathione deficiency can be significantly enhanced and potentially restored by cysteine supplementation (7). There are studies with HIV patients that show the ability of L-cysteine to improve immune function. Another study showed that L-cysteine can have a positive effect on immune function in HIV patients by restoring glutathione levels (8). L-cysteine supplementation may also improve immune function in postmenopausal women, as suggested by a 2008 study.

Can cysteine promote detoxification of the body?

L-cysteine can be used to prevent side effects caused by reactions to drugs and toxic chemicals. According to research published in the journal Alternative Medicine Review, cysteine plays a crucial role in detoxification mechanisms in the body. Toxic metals have pro-oxidant effects and lower glutathione levels, while L-cysteine supplements can help restore these levels so that the body can effectively detoxify toxins (9).

Can cysteine promote liver health?

The liver plays an important role in many different processes. It is responsible for helping to break down food and detoxify the body. As it is primarily responsible for processing compounds in the blood, it is exposed to toxins from the environment on a daily basis. In addition, 30,000 enzymatic reactions take place in the liver every second, which can sometimes overload even a healthy liver. Liver function affects every other system in the body including digestion, which is responsible for metabolic health. In addition, the liver is responsible for filtering compounds from the blood.

Cysteine has been shown to promote liver function by increasing the production of glutathione. This increased antioxidant activity helps to reduce toxic oxidative stress on liver cells, allowing more time for repair and regeneration (10). Maintaining healthy cysteine levels in the body also promotes healthy liver detoxification. By providing antioxidant support for the liver to process a variety of compounds, the structure of the liver can be maintained. Additionally, it supports the production of new liver cells for long-term liver health.

Can cysteine support respiratory health?

In addition to its antioxidant activity, cysteine also supports healthy lung function. It works by maintaining a normal consistency of mucus in the airways, which can help to alleviate respiratory symptoms. By promoting glutathione production, cysteine also reduces the typical oxidative stress in the lungs caused by common seasonal stressors.

Can cysteine promote brain health?

Cysteine helps to support glutamate levels in the brain. This important neurotransmitter is involved in learning and memory function. The production of glutathione also protects the brain from oxidative damage, which has a positive effect on cognitive function by promoting healthy brain cell function (11).

Can cysteine promote heart health?

Cysteine may promote heart health by increasing antioxidant capacity. In addition, cysteine supports healthy blood sugar levels, which may promote healthy blood pressure and reduce stress on blood vessels.

Can cysteine support immune function?

Cysteine supplementation has been associated with improved immune system function through increased production of glutathione. By supporting the regulation of immune cell activation, the immune response is more efficient, resulting in better protection against seasonal illnesses.

Can cysteine promote hair growth?

A German study from 2000 investigated the role of cysteine in hair loss and hair growth (14). The authors of the study divided people with hair loss into two groups, one of which was treated with cysteine, millet seed and pantothenic acid, while the other received only a placebo. After 4 weeks of treatment, the scientists observed the first results under the microscope. After three months, it was observed that the group treated with the cysteine combination showed a reduction in hair loss, while at the same time hair growth was restored. In contrast, no changes in hair loss were observed in the control group. Dermatologists have linked cysteine to the promotion of natural hair growth and regeneration.

What are the main sources of cysteine?

Cysteine is found in many foods. Pork, beef, poultry and fish are all good sources. The same applies to oatmeal, eggs and yogurt. Additional cysteine can be added to the diet in the form of supplements in powder and capsule form. The amounts of cysteine found in food are difficult to determine. As methionine is a precursor of cysteine, the content of these two sulphur-containing amino acids is usually stated together.

Who needs more cysteine?

Some stresses and illnesses can lead to an increased need for cysteine. This applies in particular to all ageing processes, chronic illnesses and a weak immune system in general. Cysteine can be used to prevent age-related eye damage. Together with pantothenic acid, cysteine can help with arthritic diseases, rheumatic joint inflammation and osteoarthritis. In severe liver diseases and cirrhosis, cysteine formation is impaired. Supplements can increase low cysteine levels. A certain form of cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, can dissolve and thin the mucus in the bronchial tubes, especially in respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma.

N-acetylcysteine can make it easier to cough up mucus, and this also applies to smokers. Normally, the inner walls of the stomach contain relatively high levels of glutathione, which protects against damage caused by gastric fluid. If there is a tendency to inflammatory stomach complaints, cysteine and glutathione can strengthen this protection and prevent inflammation and ulcers in the stomach. In some cases of excessive hair loss and baldness, cysteine levels in the hair are too low. Supplements of cysteine can then promote hair health.

When can the need for cysteine be increased?

In the case of stressful ageing processes and chronic diseases
in the case of severe liver disease
for respiratory diseases, e.g. bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma
in arthritis
with a weak immune system
toxic stress, e.g. from medication, heavy metals, etc.
cataracts (cataracts)
possibly hair loss, baldness
with high alcohol consumption

What are the consequences of a cysteine deficiency?

Cysteine deficiencies can affect many processes in the body. Cell formation and renewal, the immune system and the structures of the connective tissue are particularly affected. The levels of cysteine are usually reduced in the aforementioned diseases and stresses, and increased amounts of this amino acid are required.

Is it possible to overdose on cysteine or are there side effects?

Cysteine is a natural amino acid that the body can produce itself. It is considered safe for human consumption. Side effects of cysteine supplementation are rare and can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. These side effects are usually associated with higher dosages. Cysteine is not known to interact with medications and other nutrients. However, diabetics should only use cysteine under medical supervision. High doses can inhibit the effects of insulin and thus worsen blood sugar control in diabetics.

Pregnant women should not take cysteine supplements, as studies on the effects are still lacking. Compared to cysteine, L-cystine has no antioxidant properties and may increase the risk of kidney stones. Therefore, the use of L-cystine is generally not recommended. It should be noted that high doses of cysteine can be converted to the amino acid cystine by combining two cysteine molecules. If the cystine levels in the urine are permanently elevated, the risk of kidney or urinary stones forming increases. Cystinuria and cystinosis are hereditary metabolic diseases in which cystine is increasingly excreted or accumulates in the body. In both diseases, kidney function is severely impaired.

What is the daily requirement for cysteine?

The daily requirement for cysteine and methionine in healthy adults is 13 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. The daily requirement for glutathione has not been determined.

Cysteine

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine · 120 capsules