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Cysteine and Methionine: What Are They and In Which Supplements Can They Be Found?
October 9, 2023
Cystine and methionine are two of the essential amino acids for hair health. This is not only influenced by factors such as age, genetics and hormones, but is also heavily influenced by diet.
A diet low in vitamins and nutrients will not only affect the body's normal physiology, but will also negatively affect hair health and growth.
Possible consequences that can occur due to the lack of cystine and methionine in the scalp are premature hair loss and thinning.
In the body, essential and non-essential amino acids combine with each other to form various proteins, including keratin, which is the main component of hair fiber. In particular, keratin is made up of 18 amino acids, of which cystine and methionine are the most crucial.
What is Cystine?
Cystine is an amino acid consisting of the combination of two molecules of L-cysteine, and it plays an important role in promoting hair growth and diameter, making them thicker and more voluminous.
Since it is also a powerful antioxidant, cystine protects tissues from the damage caused by free radicals. This means the hair is less susceptible to damage from sunlight and UV rays, without becoming brittle or irreparable. In addition, strengthening the hair makes it more resistant to styling and daily manipulation.
All of this is made possible by the combination of cystine with two vital minerals, iron and zinc, which are crucial nutrients for hair. Iron, present in red blood cells, helps hair receive oxygen for growth and stay healthy. Zinc, in turn, increases their strength and structure.
What is Methionine?
Methionine, or L-methionine, so named because of its molecular structure, is a powerful antioxidant and can help prevent hair loss due to its high sulfur content. Like cystine, methionine also strengthens the hair fiber and reduces the risk of hair breakage, leaving hair soft, smooth and shiny.
In addition, this amino acid plays an important role in the metabolism of many proteins. This also includes collagen, whose precursor, hydrogen sulfide, is currently metabolized by methionine. Collagen is a crucial protein for the health of bones, muscles, tendons and cartilage. On the scalp, this element is involved in strengthening the hair shaft.
Due to the significant role of methionine and cystine in hair follicle health, it is fundamental to maintain adequate levels of these amino acids through daily intake.
In which foods can I find cystine and methionine?
A natural way to increase the concentration of these amino acids in our body is undoubtedly through diet. Foods such as eggs, meat, fish and nuts are particularly rich in L-cystine and L-methionine.
However, in some cases it may be necessary to take nutritional supplements to ensure the correct concentration of these vital elements in the body.
Cystine and Methionine supplements are clinically formulated to provide the correct concentration of these amino acids in the body.
With a balanced diet and responsible use of supplements, you can maintain healthy and strong hair, ready to face any daily challenge. Here's everything you need to know about these products.
When to take cystine and methionine
Hair breakage, brittle hair and thinning are common problems often associated with amino acid deficiencies. Amino acids are the building blocks of structural proteins necessary for the growth and repair of tissues.
If the body does not receive enough amino acids, it cannot produce proteins. At the level of hair fibers, keratin can also decrease, leading to a decrease in hair growth. Amino acids also play an important role in the production of red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to hair follicles and further promote the growth of these tissues.
A deficiency in amino acids can therefore have a negative impact on hair health and lead to brittleness, damage and hair loss.
If hair loss is related to protein deficiency, the best method of treatment is to include protein-rich foods in the diet. In addition, you can take cystine and methionine in the form of dietary supplements.
Cystine and methionine supplements are usually available in capsule form and provide many hair health benefits. These amino acids penetrate the hair shaft and improve hair growth and strength.
This is particularly advisable for people who have hair damaged by bleaching, coloring and/or excessive sun exposure.
Cystine and methionine also prevent hair from thinning, making it appear shiny, smooth and with fewer split ends. Supplements containing cysteine and methionine also significantly reduce frizz.
Last but not least, cystine and methionine play an important role in the production of melanin. By producing this pigment, they further protect the hair from oxidative damage and can even reverse premature graying.
In summary, to answer the question of when to take cystine and methionine, these amino acids can be useful whenever you want to improve the health of your hair, making it thicker and stronger.
In general, when it comes to the best time to take cystine and methionine supplements for hair health, it is recommended to do so during meals to maximize the absorption of the nutrients.
Of course, it is also important to take such supplements consistently and regularly for a sufficient period of time to achieve the desired benefits.
It is also important to note that taking such products should not replace proper hair care. It is always important to wash and comb your hair regularly, avoid the use of harsh products and excessive heat, and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
What causes methionine or cystine deficiency?
The lack of methionine or cystine can cause various health problems, as both amino acids are of great importance for the body and hair health. A vegetarian diet low in these compounds, as well as low iron and sulfur stores, can lead to deficiency. However, there are other factors that can affect methionine and cystine concentrations, including lifestyle, age, gender, and genetics.
Both amino acids are involved in protein synthesis and other biochemical processes in the body. A deficiency of them can therefore affect various physiological functions and cause various health problems.
In particular, methionine deficiency leads to a reduction in protein synthesis, the number of cell receptors for insulin, the production of glutathione, creatine and lipid metabolism. This can lead to blood sugar imbalances, hormonal imbalances, impaired immune system, slowed wound healing, loss of muscle mass, lack of energy and mood disorders.
Cystine deficiency can also reduce the synthesis of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, as well as the production of keratin, the structure-building protein of hair, keeping it strong, resilient and shiny.
Since proteins are missing, the body tries to spare the remaining proteins and puts hair growth into dormancy, as it is not one of the tissues considered essential. This leads to dry and brittle hair with split ends. Hair loss problems and associated thinning may also occur after about 2-3 months.
Cystine is also a precursor to sulfuric acid, an important antioxidant that protects hair from the damage of free radicals. The antioxidant functions of methionine, cystine and sulfuric acid can decrease, making hair more sensitive to environmental damage such as UV radiation, pollution and poor water quality.
It is also important to note that the metabolism of methionine and cystine are closely related. Methionine is partially broken down by the body to form cystine and lysine. Cystine, in turn, is the basic amino acid of cystine. This means that a lack of methionine can also lead to a reduction in cystine levels.
When to supplement L-Cystine and L-Methionine with a hair supplement
Deficiencies in cystine and methionine can of course be easily reversed. A change in diet, along with specific supplements rich in these elements, can ensure that the body receives the right amount of cystine and methionine for hair health and well-being.
It is important to find a balance between achieving the recommended nutrient intake for a particular nutrient and ensuring that the required level to promote hair growth is achieved.
Although they are not nutritional replacements, cystine and methionine supplements are very important because it is not always possible to strategically regulate amino acid levels in the body.
Therefore, a well-thought-out supplement plan may be necessary if hair is dry, brittle and thinning. Of course, the supplements you choose should be safe, of high quality and of trustworthy origin.
In this context, the RedMoringa hair supplement for hair loss and premature hair loss was developed. Its innovative formulation makes it one of the most appreciated products of the moment.
This food supplement is registered with the Ministry of Health and is entirely made in Italy, using only high quality natural ingredients. The innovative formula combines ingredients such as biotin, horsetail, millet, moringa and the complex amino acids cystine and methionine. One of the strengths of the RedMoringa hair supplement is the interaction of its active ingredients.
In addition to the undeniable benefits of cystine and methionine, the mixture with the other ingredients of the formulation can provide health and well-being for all hair types and repair any type of damage.
The biotin molecule, together with zinc, promotes the growth and thickening of hair, becoming an important ally in hair loss and premature hair loss.
Horsetail, due to its rich mineral content, offers a powerful remineralizing effect. Additionally, it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties that contribute to overall scalp health.
Finally, millet, an equally valuable ingredient, is added to strengthen the hair during stressful times such as seasonal changes.
In summary, RedMoringa hair supplement offers a comprehensive blend of active properties to support hair health and beauty.
L-cystine, L-methionine, what side effects do they have?
Although L-cystine and L-methionine supplements are generally considered safe, it is important to consider potential side effects. The recommended daily dose of methionine and/or cystine for adults is a maximum of 14 mg per kg of body weight. Beyond this amount there is a risk of toxicity and overdose, which can cause mild to severe side effects.
The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and irritability. In more serious cases, significant changes in blood pressure, disorientation, and palpitations may also occur.
Although rare, an excess of these amino acids can also result in an overdose, so it is important to pay careful attention to the dosage on the packaging or product.
To avoid discomfort, the recommended dose should never be exceeded and cystine and methionine should be taken as directed, paying attention to signs of side effects. In any case, it is important to emphasize that any dietary supplement is safe, but it is necessary to follow the instructions indicated on the packages to ensure correct and effective use.
In addition, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have any medical conditions or are taking medications.