Cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is found in numerous proteins throughout the body. Your body can produce cysteine from the amino acid methionine. Cysteine can also be found in many high-protein foods or in dietary supplements in the form of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, also known as NAC. NAC has various health benefits, and can help produce an antioxidant known as gluthione.
Antioxidant
Gluthione acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping your body fight off free radicals, which are harmful compounds that can damage cell membranes and DNA. In its role as an antioxidant, gluthione may also help fight aging, as well as health complications like heart disease and cancer.
Detoxification and Mucous Breakdown
NAC can be used intravenously to prevent or reduce liver damage in people who have overdosed on acetaminophen, which is found in drugs such as Tylenol. Gluthione can help detoxification in the liver, and attach to metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Because NAC can also break down proteins found in mucous in the lungs, it may be useful to treat bronchitis and other respiratory complications. However evidence is inconsistent. (See references 1, 2)
Other Health Benefits
NAC may be useful in the treatment of conditions such as angina, influenza, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and HIV/AIDS. Limited evidence suggests that NAC may help reduce symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, asthma, cystic fibrosis and emphysema. It may also help prevent colon cancer, lung cancer in smokers, cataracts and macular degeneration, and may increase fertility and good cholesterol. (See References 1, 2)
Deficiency
Cysteine deficiency may reduce your ability to fight off free radicals and cause your immune system to suffer. Though fairly uncommon, vegetarians who eat insufficient amounts of methionine, vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid, s-adenosyl methionine and cysteine may suffer from a cysteine deficiency. (See reference 1)
Dietary Sources
Cysteine is found in most high-protein foods, including poultry, pork, meat, yogurt, egg yolks, ricotta and cottage cheese, red peppers, garlic, onions, broccoli, oats and wheat germ. NAC spray and liquid solutions are also available for prescription, and topical solution, powder and tablets or capsules are all available over the counter. (See References 1, 2)
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