Amino Acids - Cysteine or Cystine

 

(also referred to as...)

Dicysteine, L-Cysteine, L-Cystine, N-acetylcysteine, NAC

2-Amino-3-Mercaptopropionic Acid and 3,3-Dithiobis(2-Aminopropionic Acid)

 
Description

Cysteine and cystine are closely related. One cystine molecule is composed of two bonded cysteine molecules and each can convert to the other as required. Both amino acids contain sulfur (via free sulfhydryl groups) which makes them powerful antioxidants.

The acetylated form of cysteine is N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and contains a bonded acetyl group. In this form, NAC is more easily absorbed, more stable, and safer to use than cysteine on its own, which can be neurotoxic in very high doses.

NAC is effective at promoting glutathione synthesis. This amino acid "combo" incorporates cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine and has powerful antioxidant and immune stimulating properties. Some studies have shown that supplementing with NAC yields higher glutathione levels than supplementing with cysteine or glutathione directly.

Cysteine is found in alpha-keratin, the main protein of fingernails, toenails, skin, and hair.

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