Selenocysteine
Definition
Selenocysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid–amino acids being the building blocks of proteins. This amino acid is conditionally essential because the body can normally produce it using other essential amino acids, but it may require supplementation when a person is ill. Selenocysteine is the selenated form of cysteine, in that selenium takes sulfur’s place in this compound.
Health considerations
Since this amino acid can be produced by modifying existing essential amino acids in the body, consumption of selenocysteine is not technically required unless one is fighting an illness. Though consumption of this amino acid is still strongly suggested, so as to allow the essential amino acids to fulfill their other purposes in the body.
May be found in
Cottonseed, sesame seed, soy, peanut, gelatin, molluscs, egg whites
References
Alternative Spellings and Names
Sec, U
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