COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 324
valuable insights into a person's antioxidant status and help guide
treatment strategies.
When to use this test:
● When a deficiency is suspected.
● To overall antioxidant status
Normal Range
Optimal Range
0.5-1.9 nmol/mL
0.5-1.9 nmol/mL
Cysteine
Cysteine is an amino acid that helps the body make glutathione,
one of its most important antioxidants. It also acts as an
antioxidant on its own, helping protect cells from damage. Most of
the time, the body makes enough cysteine, so deficiencies are
rare. However, high levels can sometimes occur. When there is
excess cysteine, there are often lower levels of zinc and vitamin
B12.
Cysteine levels are commonly assessed through whole blood
micronutrient tests, such as SpectraCell’s Micronutrient Test. Urinary
cysteine testing is available through Evexia’s renal dysfunction
panel and Rupa’s offerings. The Metabolomix+ test also evaluates
cysteine, along with other important biomarkers like amino acids,
organic acids, and oxidative stress indicators.
When to use this test:
● When there is a concern for cardiovascular disease risk.
● To determine the severity of heart disease.
Range
Units
Conventional
11.0-36.1 nmol/mL
Optimal / Functional
11.0-36.1 nmol/mL
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