L-cysteine has been known for quite some time to be beneficial for the health of the hair. A study has confirmed that intake of the amino acid L-cysteine and vitamin B5 regulates and promotes new hair to grow. It is a part of a small amino acid group capable of making disulfide bonds which is responsible for locking in moisture inside the protein chains in your hair, making it healthy and thick. Out of many causes of hair loss, a number of them can be resolved with a proper dietary plan, rich with proteins, vitamins and amino acids.
L-cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid, meaning it is classified as a non-essential amino acid, but can be produced by the body in certain conditions, namely using two amino acids, methionine and serine. But if there is a deficiency in B complex vitamins such as vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid, the body can’t produce the enzymes needed for transformation of methionine and serine into L-cysteine.
It is a precursor in the manufacture of keratin, a long protein chain found in the skin, nails and hair, so any deficiency in l-cysteine and the body will be unable to produce keratinized proteins, leading to poor health of the nails and skin and eventual hair loss.
It can also be essential for those suffering from malabsorption problems, infants and the elderly, so they must have a diet containing foods that are rich with the acid.
Foods that are rich in protein typically have L-cysteine in them, namely lean poultry such as turkey, chicken and goose breast, raw soy beans, eggs, wheat, oats and barley. The adequate amount of the supplement ranges from 200 to 500 milligrams, three times a day, it is best to schedule an appointment with your physician or nutritionist, so they may advise you on the right dose and possible side effects.
N-acetyl-L-cysteine, or NAC for short is one of the forms of L-cysteine that can be found in the supplements. It may also be used for conditions such as allergies, acne, damage to the skin due to the sun and even bronchitis. Be careful when taking L-cysteine, as large enough doses can cause your digestive tract problems in absorbing biotin, and the lack of biotins leads to overproduction of the oil from the sebaceous glands and very greasy hair, and in the worst case scenario, the oil can clog the follicle to such extent that your hair starts to fall off.
Hair loss happens for a number of reasons, some of which call for professional medicinal assistance, such as genetics, hormonal imbalance, having and underlying health condition. And there are some factors that can be resolved without going to the doctor, including lowering the stress levels in your body, managing a proper dietary plan, avoiding using strong hair products that contain artificial foaming agents and brushes with harsh bristles, as they may damage the scalp and leave you with weak, greasy and unhealthy hair. Although ensuring that your body has enough amino acids to make strong, shiny hair is a good thing, health of your hair depends on much more than just taking supplements.
