Health Supplement

Cysteine is a protein amino acid found naturally in most life forms. Cysteine is a key component and building block of the antioxidant glutathione. The body also uses cysteine to produce taurine, another amino acid.

Cysteine can be synthesize from the amino acid methionine in our body but is also found in high protein foods such as poultry, wheat, broccoli, eggs as well as garlic, onions and red peppers.

Benefits of Cysteine supplementation
1. cysteine is required by our skin as well as to detoxify our body. It is found in beta-keratin, the main protein in nails, skin as well as hair. It not only is important in collagen production but also assists in skin elasticity and texture.
2. detoxify the body from harmful toxins and help protect the brain and liver from damage from alcohol, drugs etc.
3. may help in strengthening the protective lining of the stomach as well as intestines, which may help prevent damage caused by aspirin and similar drugs.
4. critical to the metabolism of a number of essential biochemicals including coenzyme A, heparin, biotin, lipoid acid, and glutathione.
5. helpful in the healing of burns and wounds, breaking down mucus deposits in illnesses such as bronchitis as well as cystic fibrosis.
6. increases the level of glutathione in the lungs, liver, kidneys and bone marrow, and this may have an anti-aging effect on the body by reducing age-spots etc.

People suffering from diabetes should be careful when taking supplementation, as it could inactivate insulin.
People suffering from AIDS/HIV may benefit from cysteine in proper amounts, as low levels are normally reported in people with this problem.
General daily requirement is not known but as supplement cysteine is used at 200 mg two to three times per day.

Source:
http://www.antioxidantguide.org/cysteine.html

http://www.healthvitaminsguide.com/aminoacids/cysteine-and-cystine.htm