L-cysteine is a non-essential amino acid that can be incorporated into proteins. L-cysteine contains a thiol group (-SH) and this thiol group is responsible for the reactivity of cysteine and explains many of the biological roles it has. Because cysteine is not essential, it can be synthesised in humans, this reaction proceeding from the precursor, methionine. A number of functions for cysteine supplements have been suggested from research including antioxidant effects, hair strengthening effects, improvements to the immune system, protection and detoxification of the liver, promotion of the elimination of heavy metals prevention of cardiovascular disease, prevention of diabetes, anti-aging effects and protection of the digestive system. Many of these effects relate to the fact that cysteine can act as an antioxidant and because cysteine is also a precursor to the main cellular antioxidant glutathione. N-acetyl cysteine is a form of cysteine that may have significant protective effects on health.
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