Evidence supporting the use of: Cystine
For the health condition: Hangover

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Synopsis

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

Cystine has recently gained attention in the context of hangover treatment due to emerging scientific evidence, particularly from studies conducted in Japan. Cystine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is a dimer of cysteine. The main scientific rationale for its use in hangover support relates to its potential role in enhancing the metabolism of acetaldehyde, a toxic metabolite of alcohol. Acetaldehyde accumulation is thought to contribute significantly to hangover symptoms.

One notable randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2020 (Yun et al., Scientific Reports) investigated the effects of L-cystine and L-theanine supplementation on alcohol-induced hangover symptoms. The study found that subjects who received the combination experienced significantly reduced blood acetaldehyde levels and reported fewer hangover symptoms compared to placebo. The proposed mechanism is that cystine increases the synthesis of glutathione, an important antioxidant that helps detoxify acetaldehyde in the liver.

Despite these promising preliminary findings, the body of evidence is still limited, mostly based on small-scale studies and often in combination with other ingredients (notably L-theanine). There is a lack of large-scale, independent clinical trials, and the evidence is not yet robust enough for broad clinical recommendations. Thus, while there is some early scientific validation, the overall evidence is moderate at best.

More about Cystine
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Other health conditions supported by Cystine

Hair (loss or thinning)
Hangover

Products containing Cystine

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.