Benefits and Side Effects of L-cysteine (Amino Acid)

Benefits and Side Effects of L-cysteine (Amino Acid)
Benefits and Side Effects of L-cysteine (Amino Acid)

L-cysteine is a non-essential amino acid which is naturally found in the human body. L-cysteine can be found in many of the protein rich foods we consume today. In conjunction with glutamine and glycine L-cysteine is an essential and strong building block of the antioxidant glutathione.  Some of the uses for L-cysteine are to combat flu symptoms, treatment of certain inflammatory diseases as well as management of diabetes.   

L-cysteine is a non-essential amino acid which is naturally found in the human body. L-cysteine can be found in many of the protein rich foods we consume today
L-cysteine is a non-essential amino acid which is naturally found in the human body.

There are a number of benefits to L-cysteine the full list include treatment for flus, inflammation, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic bronchitis, and angina. Doctors use L-cysteine as an alternative medicine for those conditions. There is some limited scientific research that suggests that L-cysteine can help with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms (COPD), colon cancer and can increase sports performance. 

It is recommended to seek your family physician’s advice when taking L-cysteine, however research indicates that it is best when taken 500 milligrams, or about 1/3 of a teaspoon one to three times a day.  As with any supplementation please make sure you consult your doctor if you’re pregnant or nursing.

Some of the common side effects when taking L-cysteine include nausea
Some of the common side effects when taking L-cysteine include nausea

Some of the common side effects when taking L-cysteine include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, runny nose, diarrhea, mouth inflammation and wheeziness. Some or all of those symptoms can be avoided if this supplement is taken with plenty of absorbing food, however, should the symptoms persist contact your family physician immediately or go to the nearest urgent care facility.

L-cysteine can be purchased at any health food store or online. It is recommended that when purchasing any supplements online, that you check the processing method of such supplements, what country it comes from and if the supplement has any additives or fillers and it’s not in its pure form. 

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