L-Cysteine

L-Cysteine is an amino acid found naturally in the human body. It is found in beta-keratin, which is the main protein in our nails, hair and skin. It is one of the amino acids that are building blocks of the powerful antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione is a protein that is present in every cell of the body, with the highest concentration in the liver where it functions as a detoxifier[24]. As a potent antioxidant, Glutathione protects cells in tissues and organs from free radicals and oxidative stress, thus contributing to the anti-aging property of L-Cysteine.

L-Cysteine also plays a crucial role in the body’s production of collagen[21] which maintains the skin elasticity and texture. Collagen helps reduce the effects of aging on the skin and adds to a youthful skin. It is also believed that L-Cysteine can help healing after surgery or burns and protect the skin from radiation injury[19].

L-Cysteine through the effect of Glutathione boosts the immune system and inhibits inflammation[21] leading to an overall strengthening of the immune system. It also stimulates the production of leukotrienes which support the macrophages in defending the body, a key element of our immune system. A deficiency in L-Cysteine may result in infections becoming more prevalent due to less of these natural killer cells.

The levels of Glutathione in the cells in our body starts to decline after the age of twenty[19] and the effect of ageing starts to be more visible. The skin deteriorates and shows sign of ageing due to loss of moisture and collagen and increased oxidative stress. Additional supplementation of L-Cysteine enables the body to produce more glutathione.