Cysteine

Cysteine

What's

Cysteine

Cysteine is a special kind of amino acid that our body can make, but sometimes it needs a little help from the food we eat. It's an important part of proteins, which are essential for keeping our body's tissues and organs working properly. What makes cysteine unique is that it has sulfur in it, which allows it to do many important jobs. For example, it helps make antioxidants like glutathione, which protect our cells from harm. It also plays a role in creating taurine, a substance that helps with things like digestion and keeping our heart healthy. Plus, cysteine is involved in helping our body get rid of harmful substances through a process called detoxification.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated cysteine levels might mean that your body is getting more of this amino acid than it usually needs, possibly from a diet rich in protein, certain medications, or supplements containing cysteine. Sometimes, it could also indicate that your body isn't using or getting rid of cysteine as efficiently as it should. High cysteine levels could be related to specific metabolic or nutritional imbalances, and although cysteine is important for many functions in our body, having too much of it can cause problems. Remember, it's essential to maintain a balance, as excess cysteine might be linked to certain health issues or medication interactions.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Cysteine could include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, or gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhea. In some cases, there may not be any noticeable symptoms.

If Your Levels are Low

Low cysteine levels might mean that your body isn't making enough of this semi-essential amino acid, or you're not getting enough from foods like meat, dairy, and eggs. This could affect important processes, such as creating proteins and antioxidants like glutathione, which protect your cells. It could also impact the production of taurine, which helps with digestion and heart health. Additionally, low cysteine levels might make it harder for your body to get rid of harmful substances. This could be due to certain medications, a diet low in high-protein foods, or underlying issues like problems absorbing nutrients or metabolic disorders.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Cysteine may include fatigue, weakness, slow growth in children, and a weakened immune system.

Hey practitioners! 👋 Join Dr. Chris Magryta and Dr. Erik Lundquist for a comprehensive 6-week course on evaluating functional medicine labs from two perspectives: adult and pediatric. In this course, you’ll explore the convergence of lab results across different diseases and age groups, understanding how human lab values vary on a continuum influenced by age, genetics, and time. Register Here! Register here.

See References

Test for

Metabolomix+ by Genova Diagnostics

Urine

The Metabolomix+ combines a variety of tests to analyze key nutritional biomarkers, including organic acids, amino acids, and oxidative stress markers. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

NutrEval® Plasma by Genova Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Urine

Serum

Plasma

The NutrEval® Plasma evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 2 years of age.

Micronutrient Test by SpectraCell Laboratories

Whole Blood

The SpectraCell Micronutrient Test analyzes over 30 vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to determine nutritional deficiencies. It also analyzes the performance and functional deficiencies of these micronutrients. This test is not recommended for patients under 12 years of age.

NutrEval® FMV by Genova Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Urine

Serum

The NutrEval® FMV evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

Cellular Micronutrient Assay by Cell Science Systems

Whole Blood

The Cellular Micronutrient Assay measures the effect of micronutrients on a patient's immune function to identify nutrient insufficiencies. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 9 years of age.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

Order, track, and receive results from 30+ labs in one place.