| Cystine | |||||
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Cystine is a non-essential amino acid, which can be synthesised in the body by methionine, which is an essential amino acid.
Cystine is made up of two molecules of cysteine joined together.
Cystine is required to ensure that vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) functions properly.
- Cystine is just two cysteine molecules joined
- Cystine is abundant in skeletal muscle tissue as well as and connective tissue, in hair cells and as part of digestive enzymes
- Cystine increases the levels of glutathione in various tissues of the body
Cysteine is one of a few amino acids that contains sulphur, which allows cysteine to bond in a particular way to and maintain the structure of proteins in the body.
Cystine is found in the structure of most proteins and is significant in the the formation of many proteins.
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007
Related Articles
references
- Cynober LA. Metabolic & Therapeutic Aspects of Amino Acids in Clinical Nutrition. 2nd Edition, 2003. CRC Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
