Folic acid, also known as vitamin B-9, vitamin Bc or folacin is a form of vitamin B-9 required by your body for several essential functions. L-cysteine is a sulfur amino acid required by your body for the production of glutathione and taurine production. Additionally, your body requires l-cysterine for your hair, skin and collagen formation, immune support and detoxification of toxic compounds.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is water-soluble and part of the vitamin B complex. Folic acid is also the synthetic supplemental form of folate. Doctors commonly give folic acid supplements to expectant mothers in order to prevent malformation of the fetus because folic acid is fundamental to the formation of new cells and DNA and RNA synthesis. According to "Folic Acid and the Amazing B Vitamins," low levels of folate may also help to cause certain forms of cancers including breast, pancreatic and colon. At the same time, higher levels of dietary folate may reduce the risk for developing these types of cancers. You should, however, speak with a medical professional prior to taking any folic acid supplement to treat or prevent a specific medical condition.
Deficiency Symptoms and Folate Sources
Low folate levels can also lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition that prevents DNA synthesis in your red blood cell production. Symptoms associated with low levels of folic acid in your body include irritability, mental fatigue, forgetfulness, confusion, depression and insomnia. Food sources of folic acid include spinach, Romaine lettuce, turnip, turnip greens, mustard greens, parsley, calf's liver, collard greens, cauliflower, broccoli, beets and lentils.
L-Cysteine
L-cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid. In your body, l-cysteine converts into glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, l-cysteine helps your body to build lean muscle tissue because it is a precursor of the amino acid taurine. Further, l-cysteine enhances your immune system function and helps to prevent the breakdown of muscle when you have low levels of glucose. Moreover, l-cysteine can reduce the effects of aging and promote the healing of severe burns.
L-Cysteine Sources
Your body naturally synthesizes l-cysteine. However, you can also obtain this amino acid from both dietary sources and from health supplements. Food sources of l-cysteine include sausage meat, pork, chicken, duck, turkey, luncheon meat, milk, eggs, whey protein, cottage cheese, ricotta, yogurt, garlic, red peppers, onions, broccoli, oats, Brussels sprouts, granola, wheat germ and lentils. You should speak with a medical professional prior to taking any l-cysteine supplement.
References
- "The Healing Nutrients Within: Facts, Findings, and New Research on Amino Acids"; Eric R. Braverman; 2003
- "Folic Acid and the Amazing B Vitamins"; Glenn S. Rothfeld, Suzanne LeVert; 2000
- "Folic Acid and Folates, Volume 79 (Vitamins and Hormones)"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
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