2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Cystine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is responsible for the strength of connective tissue, skin, hair and notes. As most of you may suggest, cystine is bound to cysteine - each cystine molecule is made up of two cysteine molecules. The two amino acids can be converted from one to the other as needed. However, cystine is considered the more stable of the two.
Sources of cystine
Photo: Yordanka Kovacheva
Sources of cystine are a large part of the foods that are regularly present in our menu. These are animal products such as eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, pork, duck and turkey, sausage, minced meat and other sausages. Rich in this amino acid are the kidneys, liver, cod, caviar and sunflower seeds.
Cystine is contained also in some plant products, including cereals, red peppers, lentil sprouts, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and oatmeal. Onions and garlic also contain some cystine.
List of products rich in cystine
1. Pork;
2. Salmon fillet;
3. Veal;
4. Tuna;
5. Chicken breasts;
6. Eggs;
7. Fresh milk;
8. Sunflower seeds;
9. Corn flour;
10. Soybeans;
11. Red pepper;
12. Garlic;
13. Broccoli;
14. Brussels sprouts;
15. Oatmeal;
16. Lentils;
17. Eggs;
18. Low-fat yogurt;
19. Swiss cheese.
It would be good to add cystine supplements to your routine combination with selenium and vitamin C. This is how it is best absorbed, as well as its derivatives.
Functions of cystine
This sulfur-containing amino acid has many important functions in our body. It is necessary for detoxification of the body, as it neutralizes harmful metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium. Numerous studies have shown that it also protects against radiation sickness.
As mentioned at the beginning, cystine is responsible for maintaining a healthy and beautiful appearance of hair, notes and skin. In addition, it stimulates the formation of collagen and makes the skin more elastic. That is why its moderate intake should be monitored especially by ladies who complain of brittle nails and weak hair.
The amino acid in question has been shown to be involved in the building of digestive enzymes. It is also clear that it protects the liver from the dangerous effects of alcohol and harmful substances, prevents the spread of certain cancers, accelerates wound healing and alleviates acute symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Cystine deficiency
Cystine deficiency it can be observed in people who have a very poor and monotonous menu, in which not enough animal products are present. According to doctors, this condition mainly threatens vegetarians and vegans, who have excluded sausages and dairy products from their daily diet.
It is not known if cystine deficiency causes any serious complications, but symptoms such as stunted growth in children, low blood protein, apathy, hair discolouration, weakness, sagging, dizziness, skin problems, weight loss.
Selection and storage of cystine
Cystine is available in pharmacies mostly in the form of capsules. Before you buy them, be sure to look at their expiration date and whether the package is tightly closed. Regarding the storage of this amino acid there is nothing strictly specific. It is enough to store the product in a cool, dark and dry place, away from children. It is sensitive to moisture and heat and they can change its action. The product is not intended for freezing.
Intake of cystine
The additional intake of cystine is prescribed to people suffering from malnutrition, vegetarians, vegans, young children, pregnant women, premature babies. When taking cystine in the form of capsules, it is good to swallow the substance together with a glass of water. Chewing the tablet is not recommended. It is also important to take the substance during or after a meal, as otherwise irritation of the gastric mucosa may occur.
The compound is useful in a number of health conditions and diseases, which is why it is part of many pharmaceuticals. This leads to the logical conclusion that the main role of cystine is medical, as it has a positive effect on a number of pathologies when used in complex therapy with other drugs.
Drugs that are based on this amino acid have the following effects:
- hepatotropic;
- antioxidant;
- detoxifying;
- reparative;
- immunomodulatory;
- strengthens;
- mucolytic;
- expectorant.
Not to mention the extremely pleasant properties of this compound for women, as it improves the condition of the skin and nail plates. It also has a positive effect on neoplasms, reducing the risk of eye cancer and cataracts.
Preparations with cystine they have an excellent effect on the metabolism, activating the metabolism and therefore can even help to lose weight. However, you should not use them in this role alone, especially if you have not previously consulted a healthcare professional. In general, it has a strengthening effect on the body, increasing stress resistance. Activates biochemical reactions and tissue processes.
The amino acid cystine has a positive effect on emphysema and at the same time activates white blood cells. Often drugs are prescribed for anemia, respiratory diseases, Alzheimer's. No less important is the fact that it has a positive effect on alcoholism, very severe infections, cystitis and even the so-called protein starvation.
Helps for faster healing process and minimizes pain as a result of various inflammatory processes. Medicines with cystine are especially useful in atherosclerosis, skin diseases of various natures and arthritis. Quite often doctors prescribe it in case of initial alopecia, as it has a very good effect on baldness of various kinds.
An interesting fact is that cystine is also called E921. It is often used to improve the taste of pasta. It helps to stabilize the color of food and at the same time improves its appearance.
Signs of a lack of cystine in the body
- dry skin and / or hair;
- reduced immunity;
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- disorders of the cardiac system;
- brittle and soft nails;
- depressive moments;
- poor concentration and memory.
Signs of excess cystine in the body
- allergy to the compound;
- discomfort;
- increased irritability for no reason;
- thickening of the blood;
- problems and disorders of the intestines.
Cystine in beauty rituals
It has a positive effect on mood, improves the cardiovascular and digestive systems. Strengthens the nervous system and also improves the condition of nails, hair and skin. An interesting fact that you may not know is that cystine is found in even a large proportion of shampoos and household products.
The E920 supplement well tolerated by most people. This does not apply to those who have individual intolerance or are prone to allergies. The same goes for people who do not tolerate monosodium glutamate.
Benefits of cystine for women
As you already know, cystine is widely used not only in medicine. In cosmetology, these supplements are also often used, which means that they have an excellent effect on the skin, nails and hair, improving their condition. It has a positive effect on a woman's self-esteem, as the lack of this amino acid can even lead to depression and a number of other problems, such as dry skin, nails and hair.
Benefits of cystine for men
Increases the quality of semen, which has a positive effect on male fertility. It is good to combine cystine supplements with selenium, because this improves the viscosity of sperm. This, in turn, helps to facilitate fertilization of the egg and the onset of pregnancy in the partner.
No less important is the fact that cystine has a positive effect on male potency. This is due to the strong positive effect of amino acids and in particular erectile function. The compound participates in the formation of nitric oxide, which is very important for the relaxation of blood vessels, which has a positive effect on erection.
Harms from cystine
Although cystine is an important amino acid responsible for the proper development of our body, a large amount of it in our urine can cause some disturbances. Usually, such an increased amount of cystine occurs in people who have a genetic defect, as a result of which the metabolism of the amino acid in question is impaired.
This component becomes a prerequisite for the formation of kidney stones, also known as cystine stones. In affected patients, such formations have been present since childhood. In fact, every 1 in 20,000 people has a similar health problem.
These people should be aware that the solubility of the amino acid in urine is affected by the acidity of the fluid. That is, in order to dissolve the cystine, it is necessary to reduce the level of acidity in the urine. For this reason, people who develop cystine stones should follow a certain diet.
A healthy diet includes drinking plenty of water (at least three liters a day), limiting salt intake, and certain foods such as eggs, milk and fish in any form.
On the other hand, experts recommend to emphasize more fruits (grapes, apples, bananas, pears, plums, berries), vegetables (beets, carrots, tomatoes, turnips, potatoes, eggplant, cucumbers), soy milk, green tea, etc..
The additional intake of cystine There may be side effects for people with diabetes. Numerous studies show that diabetics should not use cystine supplements, as they may reduce the effect of insulin. The reason for this lies in the fact that cystine has a special way of working with products that contain vitamins B1 and C, and in particular reduces the effect of insulin. That is why in diabetes this compound can be taken only after examination by a doctor and under his strict supervision, as well as following the instructions of the medical person.
Contraindications to cystine
- high blood pressure (especially chronic);
- cataracts of the eyes;
- if you are expecting a child or breastfeeding;
- diabetes;
- increased intraocular pressure.
Keep in mind that you should not take the amino acid if you suffer from excess cystine or so-called cystinuria. During pregnancy and lactation, supplements with E920 should be taken only under medical supervision and with caution.
Find out more about the amino acid foods we need to eat every day.
