Cysteine Peptides

Ag-Factor™ contains high quantities of cysteine peptides

Cysteine peptides are a precursor (chief raw material) for the production of glutathione (GSH) in cells.

A deficiency of cysteine peptides will affect the body's ability to generate glutathione, which is needed to maintain the health and regeneration of skin (for elasticity and smooth texture) and protect our bodies (especially the brain and liver) from harmful toxins.

Cysteine is found in beta-keratin, the main protein in nails and skin as well as hair. It is not only important in collagen production, it also assists in supporting skin elasticity and texture. In addition, Cysteine is required in the manufacture of the amino acid taurine.

What's more, Cysteine helps in strengthening the protective lining of both the stomach and the intestines, which may help prevent damage caused by aspirin and similar drugs. Cysteine is also critical to the metabolism of a number of essential biochemicals including coenzyme A, heparin, biotin, lipoid acid and glutathione.

Cysteine, the key to quality of life

Ag-Factor™ is rich in cysteine, a whey protein food source. Cysteine is a precursor (principal raw material) for the production of glutathione in cells. Cysteine is also required in the manufacture of the amino acid taurine.

Deficiency in cysteine will affect our body's ability to create glutathione, needed for the protection of cells (DNA) and protection of your body's (especially the brain and liver) from harmful toxins.

Cysteine is found in beta-keratin, the main protein in nails and skin as well as hair. It is not only important in collagen production, it also assists in the synthesis of proteoglycan (cartilage fluid), the critical ingredient that is the key to maintaining healthy joints.

Where does cysteine come from?

The protein fraction of milk contains many valuable components and biologically active peptides. Besides the main milk proteins, caseins and whey proteins, low amounts of several minor but important proteins and peptides are present in milk. AgFactor™ cysteine peptide is one of such bioactive peptides that are derived naturally through a proprietary process from the amino acid sequence of bovine milk proteins.

Glutathione, the body's "master antioxidant"

What does Ag-Factor™ have to do with glutathione?

Ag-Factor™ benefits the liver and the body's antioxidant redox state. It is a whey protein hydrolysate manufactured under carefully controlled conditions using food grade enzymes (patent filed in the USA, Europe, and Japan).

What role does glutathione (GSH) play in the body?

Glutathione is abundantly present in the liver, the principal organ involved in the detoxification and elimination of toxins. It minimises damage caused by free radicals and is very important for the health of cells. Its major effect is inside the cells, especially within the mitochondria – the actual "power plants" of every cell in the body.

GSH is responsible for many physiological, regulatory and transport functions in the body. Dr. Steven Pratt, the co-author of "SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life", listed GSH as one of the fourteen important ‘superfoods’ that is consistently present in most health-promoting, disease-preventing, anti-aging diets in the world.

Recent, extensive research has shown the direct relationship between decreased glutathione levels and the progression of many chronic diseases. If you want to ward off illness and disease as well as feel younger, you need glutathione.

Glutathione, the body's "master antioxidant"

GSH functions as an antioxidant and an antitoxin and is extremely important for the protection of cells from the oxidative effects of cell metabolism, protection of major organs, the function of the immune system, and the fight against aging.

It minimizes the damage caused by free radicals and is very important for the health of cells. Its major effect is inside the cells, especially within the mitochondria, the actual "power plant" of every cell in the body.

GSH is a powerful antioxidant and thus neutralizes free radicals and prevents their formation.
It plays an important role in immune function via white blood cell production and is one of the most potent anti-viral agents known.
One of the strongest anti-cancer agents manufactured by the body, Glutathione can revert oxidised vitamin C and vitamin E back to their unoxidised state.
It is used by the liver to remove many toxins including formaldehyde, acetaminophen, benzpyrene and many other compounds and plays a key role in Phase I and Phase II detoxification reactions.
An antioxidant necessary for the protection of proteins, it is involved in nucleic acid synthesis and plays a role in DNA repair.
It maintains cellular redox potential.

Glutathione, the body's "life preserver"

GSH is found in almost all living cells. The liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and the lens and cornea, have the highest concentrations in the body. However, as we age, Glutathione levels decrease. It is involved in cellular differentiation and slows the aging process.

Protects the integrity of red blood cells
Is involved in maintaining normal brain function.
Compounding factors however can deplete glutathione stores in our body.
Cysteine directly counteracts the poisonous effects of acetaldehyde.

What free radicals can do that glutathione may prevent

Turn LDL cholesterol into a form that can clog arteries.
Attack cellular genetic material, causing mutations that can lead to cancer.
Destroy cells in the eyes, leading to cataracts and macular degeneration.
Interfere with normal processes, raising blood pressure.
Destroy nerve cells, leading to neurological deterioration such as Parkinson's disease and Lou Gehrig' disease.
Promote inflammation, as in arthritis and asthma.
Damage sperm, leading to infertility and birth defects.

What is an antioxidant?

Antioxidants are substances that neutralise harmful free radical molecules. Why are free radicals so bad? Think of them like vampires, but instead of blood, they need electrons to survive. One free radical will take an electron from a healthy molecule, which then turns it into a free radical. That free radical then takes an electron from another healthy molecule. A chain reaction occurs that can harm many molecules in the blink of an eye.

Scientists widely regard free radicals as the main cause of aging and diseases.

What creates free radicals?

Free radicals are produced by the body as a normal part of breathing, and are therefore created at a greater rate during exercise. However, certain environmental triggers create an increase in free radical production, such as pollution, stress, hydrogenated oils, and radiation from the sun or x-rays.

How does Glutathione compare to other antioxidants?

All antioxidants have the same action – neutralising harmful free radical molecules – but their potency varies tremendously. Tipping the antioxidant scales, glutathione is:

Endogenous (your body self-regulates its production)
Is water soluble compared to other antioxidants
Is a primary antioxidant

Where is glutathione active?

Most antioxidants are tissue-specific. That means they tend to concentrate in one or two places in the body, and that's where they provide their antioxidant protection. Other carotenoids, for example, tend to favor specific organs such as the retina of the eyes or the prostate. Glutathione is special because it is active in many parts of the body, so it provides a more complete shield of antioxidant armor.