Home WelfareGeneral well-being Cystine: medicinal properties and side effects

Cystine: medicinal properties and side effects

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Much of our body is made up of proteins, which in turn are formed by the union of multiple different amino acids, either produced by the body or acquired through diet. The optimal performance of our body, therefore, depends to a great extent on its acquisition and on the metabolic processes that stimulate the production of said amino acids. One of these amino acids is cysteine, which when combining two copies of itself produces another molecule called cystine, whose main sources are foods rich in animal protein, such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy, but which can also be obtained in the form of cysteine ​​in food supplements. In this FastlyHealarticle we will explain everything about cystine: medicinal properties and contraindications, because it is an important element in any diet for various metabolic processes.

Cystine and ciestein: the formation of antioxidants

Although cystine itself does not have an antioxidant action, it is a perfect example of how our body uses and combines different compounds to carry out the necessary metabolic processes.

Cystine is a molecule made up of two cysteines, which are amino acids that join and separate multiple times in our body as needed. Cysteine ​​in turn is a component of the main antioxidant produced in our body, glutathione .

This causes cystine is, therefore, a very necessary element for our body to combat the aging effects that have free radicals that oxidize our cells.

Strengthens the immune system

Glutathione formed from cysteine ​​molecules also plays an important role in the immune system . Thanks to it, the defense cells of our organisms called macrophages and lymphocytes are able to carry out their functions because glutathione participates in the production of signals that allow these cells to recognize invading elements and eliminate them in time.

Cysteine ​​is also important in the control of various physiological processes related to the immune system, such as in the control of inflammatory processes and adequate programmed cell death, a process that all cells in the body go through in a normal way.

Cystine to improve fertility in men

The presence of free radicals in relation to men’s semen has a negative effect on the performance of sperm, which is a factor that leads to infertility in older men.

Research studying this process has shown the positive effects that cystine has in this field, since it increases the viscosity of the semen while increasing the concentration of sperm , improves its mobility and increases the number of morphologically normal sperm.

Cystine to strengthen hair

Cystine is an important component of a protein made by our body called alpha-keratin , which is the main component of nails and hair. This makes an adequate consumption of cystine necessary to maintain the integrity of these parts of our body, and avoid situations such as thin and fragile hair , or brittle nails .

In addition, in combination with vitamin E and C, cystine can represent a very valuable element in protecting the health of the skin, and can even be applied in the treatment of acne .

To combat osteoporosis

The osteoporosis is a disease that affects a large number of people around the world, the most affected women over 50 years old, and a frequent cause of fractures and bone lesions in this group. Cystine has been shown to have a positive effect against osteoporosis since it reduces the action of cells called osteoclasts, which are responsible for bone resorption, while increasing collagen production , an important component of bones.

Cystine: side effects

The most common side effects of cystine and cysteine ​​supplements are gastrointestinal problems , which are related to:

  • The accumulation of gases
  • Bloated feeling
  • Gastric irritability
  • Sickness
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

You can lower the risk of these problems by drinking plenty of water when taking cysteine ​​supplements.

Another possible side effect is the appearance of allergic reactions after the consumption of certain supplements that contain cysteine. The consequences of this allergy reaction can be mild , such as the appearance of a skin rash, or quite serious such as inflammation and closure of the airways. It is important to avoid supplements if you suspect allergic reactions related to their use.

There are certain medications that can interact with cysteine ​​supplements, such as:

  • ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril) used to treat high blood pressure
  • Prednisone, a corticosteroid.
  • Cyclophosphamide, a drug used in chemotherapies
  • Medicines used in the treatment of angina pectoris
  • May decrease insulin concentration levels in diabetic patients.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Cystine: medicinal properties and side effects , we recommend that you enter our Well-being category .

You may also like

Leave a Comment