Cystine is an amino acid (protein component) made up of two cysteines.
It is a sulphur-containing amino acid in the same family as methionine.
Combined with vitamin B6, cystine is often used to speed up hair growth.
In excess, however, it can cause kidney dysfunction.
Cystine characteristics
- Non-essential amino acid
- Accelerates hair growth
- Improves corneal healing
- Mainly found in animal products
- In excess can cause kidney problems and bad breath
Why eat foods rich in cystine?
Cystine B6 for better hair growth
Cystine is involved in the formation of healthy hair when it is present in sufficient quantities in the body and combined with vitamin B6.
Healthy nails
Nails grow best with a regular supply of cystine in the diet or as a supplement.
Cornea treatment
In combination with B vitamins (especially B6), cystine can be used in the treatment of corneal disease by helping the cornea to heal.
20 foods rich in cystine
As cystine is an amino acid, it is mainly found in protein-rich foods, especially animal proteins.
- Mustard seed
- Dried cod
- Spirulina
- Pork kidneys
- Beef
- Baker's yeast
- Veal liver
- Walnuts
- Wheat germ
- Sunflower seed
- Caviar
- Sesame seed
- Bacon
- Poultry
- Veal chop
- Cashew nuts
- Parmesan ham
- Quail
How to use cystine correctly?
Use of Cystine B6
Cystine supplementation is particularly indicated to prevent hair loss or to accelerate hair growth.
It is recommended to take a 2-3 month course of Cystine B6 at the change of seasons.
The dosage generally ranges from 500-800 mg of Cystine B6 per day for significant before/after results.
Consult your doctor before starting treatment with Cystine B6.
In some cases: kidney pathologies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc. this may be strongly discouraged.
Side effects of cystine
At present, cystine requirements are not well defined.
What we do know is that a varied and balanced diet can meet the body's needs and prevent overeating.
Consequences of cystine deficiency
To date, there is no scientific literature on cystine deficiency and its consequences.
Consequences of excess cystine
Too much cystine can lead to bad breath and kidney stones, which can significantly reduce kidney function.
Interaction with vitamin B6
Cystine must be combined with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to have an effect on hair quality and corneal healing.
For this reason, these two molecules are often inseparable in the formulations of dietary supplements designed for this purpose.
It should be noted that cystine B6 interacts negatively with levodopa treatment.
Levodopa is used to treat dopamine deficiency, particularly in Parkinson's disease.
Chemical properties
The molecular formula of cystine is C6H12N2O4S2 and its molecular weight is 240.3 g/mol.
Cystine consists of two cysteines linked by a disulphide bridge.
It can accumulate in excess and is responsible for the formation of kidney stones and bad breath.
Its association with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) makes cystine particularly active and interesting for activating hair growth and corneal healing.