Is L-Cysteine Good for the Liver?

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by: Darrell Miller
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Word Count: 548
Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2011 Time: 1:17 AM
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L-cysteine is a common amino acid biosynthesized in all mammals, playing an important role in the molecular structures of proteins. In recent years it has been used extensively in the pharmaceutical industry, for instance, against the bad effects of alcohol on the liver, but it has long been an ingredient in practical cooking since prehistoric times, contributing to the flavors in cooked foods when amino acids react with sugars, noticeably in roast meat and baked goods.

While it is believed to be manufactured by the human body in amounts sufficient to support body functions, there are individuals whose systems are not able to properly produce L-cysteine due to the absence of the needed precursors, micronutrients, and other bioactive substances. Hence, supplementation is recommendable to people with symptoms of nutrient malabsorption in order to ensure healthy levels of L-cysteine in the body.

Liver and Free Radicals

All the processes in our body that require a change in the oxidation number of atoms are collectively called oxidation-reduction, which at the same time gives rise to reactive oxygen species such as free radicals and peroxides. Reactive oxygen species are molecular entities that are in fact employed by the body as tools against pathogens like bacteria, archaea, and other known microbes, also including viruses. In addition, the liver's exposure to alcohol increases releases of reactive oxygen species.

The body makes use of substances that deactivate the effects of free radicals and peroxides just when the latter group is done with eradicating harmful stimuli, but our system fails to release these endogenous substances in times of distress when the body is not able to cope with the stress we experience every day. This is when the antioxidant properties of L-cysteine among others are utilized by the body, and supplementation enhances our defenses against raging free radicals and peroxides.

L-cysteine and Acetaldehyde

The application of L-cysteine for the upkeep of liver cells stems from the fact that it acts against the harmful effects of acetaldehyde in the human body. Alcohol content is measured by how much ethanol is present in beverages. The principal intoxicating agent in liquors is ethanol, which is a known depressant in the central nervous system and a precursor of acetaldehyde.

The breaking down of ethanol is one of the most complex processes in the body. Ethanol passes through the stomach walls upon ingestion and immediately enters the circulatory system. Ethanol metabolism takes place in the liver, which converts ethanol to acetaldehyde before the body converts the latter to acetic acid and other bioactive substances. Acetaldehyde is more toxic than ethanol, and quite destructive at that, being directly involved in the formation of free radicals.

We are subjected to the effects of acetaldehyde on a daily basis as our body produces alcohol in small amounts. While the liver recuperates fast, continued exposure to acetaldehyde result in liver damage, the reason why alcoholics ultimately develop diseases of the liver. L-cysteine reverses the damage brought on by alcohol by reducing the toxic effects of acetaldehyde.

L-cysteine is available in capsule or tablet forms at your local or internet vitamin store. Always look for name brands like Source naturals or Now foods to ensure quality.

About the Author

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