Evidence supporting the use of: Cysteine compounds (unspecified)
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that plays a vital role in the structure of keratin, the main protein in hair. Its use in supporting hair health, including for hair loss or thinning, is scientifically plausible because cysteine is a key component in the formation of disulfide bonds that give hair its strength and rigidity. Some in vitro and animal studies have suggested that cysteine or its derivatives (like N-acetylcysteine) may promote hair growth or protect hair follicles under certain conditions. Additionally, cysteine is sometimes included in oral supplements for hair loss, often alongside other amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

However, high-quality human clinical trials specifically isolating cysteine's effect on hair loss are limited. Most available studies use multi-ingredient supplements, making it difficult to attribute any observed benefits to cysteine alone. There is some evidence that cysteine supplementation may be beneficial in individuals with specific deficiencies or underlying conditions that affect hair health, but robust evidence for its efficacy in the general population is lacking. As such, the scientific evidence supporting the use of cysteine compounds for hair loss or thinning can be considered modest (2/5), with biological plausibility but limited direct clinical validation.

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