This post is a little more technical; if you aren’t interested in the science, read the first and the last paragraph. For the rest of you, have at it.
CysReplete is a formula that is used in conjunction with any balanced amino acid therapy. CysReplete contains only L-cysteine, selenium and folate. CysReplete is necessary for two main reasons: (1) using tyrosine or L-dopa (i.e., Mucuna pruriens) without CysReplete can deplete the sulfur amino acid system and (2) to prevent neurotoxicity due to methylmercury.
The methionine-homocysteine cycle is the primary sulfur amino acid system in the body. Using tyrosine or L-dopa leads to a depletion of sulfur in this system, which can cause heart irregularities, pain, decreased immune function and insomnia. Luckily, there is a simple strategy to remedy this depletion: take sulfur.
S-adenosyl-methionine, also known as SAMe can be used for this purpose; however SAMe is quite expensive at the doses needed (about 4500 mg/day). We have found cysteine to work equally as well at a substantial cost savings.
The selenium is added to the formula to prevent cysteine (or any sulfur amino acids) from creating an environment that contributes to neurotoxicity from methylmercury. Methylmercury is formed in the body if body stores of mercury come into contact with a methyl donor, such as SAMe or cysteine. Methylmercury is a much more toxic and dangerous substances than elemental mercury, as it can cross the blood-brain-barrier and studies have shown that administration of sulfur-containing amino acids can increase the concentration of methylmercury in the brain. However, selenium irreversibly binds to methylmercury rendering the methylmercury biologically inactive and non-toxic. Therefore, by providing the body with sufficient selenium along with adequate sulfur amino acids, such as cysteine, the potential danger of methylmercury exposure is avoided.
Folate is required in order to provide optimal function of the folic acid cycle which keeps the methionine-homocysteine cycle functioning properly. Folate also plays a vital role in keeping homocysteine levels in check..
CysReplete is an important component of any balanced amino acid therapy program and needs to be included any time a person takes tyrosine or L-dopa (Mucuna pruriens) to insure optimal long-term care.
My doctor started me on Cysreplete several weeks ago. Since then I have had a constant headache every day. In addition to the headache, I have had a huge change in mood, from my normal ‘let things slide by’ to feeling extremely angry about the smallest annoyances. I do NOT like feeling like this.
Therefore I’m writing to inquire if the headaches and mood change can possibly be attributed to CysReplete?
I will add that these new symptoms are just about exactly how my body reacted to Wellbutrin about 20 years ago, prescribed for ADD but making me feel mean and cranky.
Finally, I’m writing to you because the nurse at my MD’s office has no clue and instead told me to go off all new supplements and add each back one at a time. It seems to me that an medical office that puts their patients on medications, be they pharmaceuticals or natural supplements should be fully aware of the possible side effects from all of the things they prescribe.
Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Hi Yvonne,
Thank you for your inquiry, although I am sorry to hear you are feeling so poorly. I have not seen this type of reaction to CysReplete per se, however,the reaction you describe could certainly be attributed to a neurotransmitter imbalance. I would recommend you speak with your doctor about testing and/or modification of your amino acid dosing to get these symptoms under control.
Please let me know if we can be of further service – I wish you the best of luck.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
Is simply taking Organic Sulfur the same as taking L Cysteine, to avert the Tyrosine depletion issue? Or are the two compounds different enough? I have Organic Sulfur, so I am wondering if I need to go to the trouble of ordering in the L Cysteine.
Thank you!
Wes
Hi Wes,
Great question. Organic sulfur is usually referring to MSM. MSM has significantly less sulfur by weight than L-cysteine, so you would need to take significantly more of it (on the order of 3-4x more) to get the same benefits. In addition, quality is always a concern. I recommend that you use the CysReplete, as it also contains some selenium to protect against possible methylmercury issues.
Dr. Chad