시스테인 세계 시장 규모는 2024년 4억 2,390만 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 이 시장이 2033년까지 6억 1,800만 달러에 달하고, 2025-2033년 4.06%의 연평균 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 전망하고 있습니다. 제약 및 퍼스널케어 산업의 확대, F&B 분야에서의 용도 확대, 건강 보조 식품 수요의 급증 등이 시장 성장을 주도하고 있습니다.
의약품 제제에서의 활용도 증가
의약품 제제에서 시스테인의 사용 확대가 시스테인 시장의 성장을 크게 촉진하고 있습니다. 시스테인은 생화학적 특성과 치료 효과로 인해 의약품 제제화에서 중요한 역할을 하고 있습니다. 유효성, 안정성, 생체 이용률을 높이기 위해 다양한 의약품 제제에 사용되고 있습니다. 예를 들어, Healthline이 발표한 기사에 따르면 시스테인을 충분히 섭취하는 것은 체내에서 가장 강력한 항산화제인 글루타티온을 보충하는 등 여러 가지 이유로 유익하다고 합니다. 또한, 이 아미노산은 호흡기 질환, 불임, 뇌 기능 개선에도 효과적입니다. 또한, 시스테인은 심혈관계 질환, 호흡기 질환, 신경계 질환 등 만성 질환을 타겟으로 하는 제제에도 사용되고 있습니다. 세포 내 글루타티온 수치 생성에 도움을 주어 간 기능을 지원할 수 있습니다. 예를 들어, 2022년 12월, 고객 만족에 초점을 맞춘 프로바이오틱스 브랜드인 Jarrow Formulas는 500mg의 N-아세틸-L-시스테인을 함유한 채식주의자 캡슐인 N-A-C를 출시하였습니다. 이 제품은 강력한 항산화 아미노산으로 간 건강을 촉진하고 체내에서 가장 중요하고 풍부한 항산화제 및 해독제 중 하나인 주요 항산화제 글루타티온의 체내 전구체 역할을 하는 강력한 항산화 아미노산입니다. 이러한 요인들이 시스테인 시장 점유율에 더욱 기여하고 있습니다.
식물성 대체 식품에 대한 수요 증가
식물 유래 대체품에 대한 수요 증가, 특히 식음료에서 시스테인의 역할로 인해 시스테인 시장의 성장이 크게 촉진되고 있습니다. 소비자의 취향이 채식주의자 및 비건 식단으로 이동함에 따라 다양한 식음료 카테고리에서 식물성 대체품에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 시스테인은 기존에는 깃털이나 인모와 같은 동물성 제품을 원료로 사용했지만, 현재는 이러한 수요에 대응하기 위해 생명공학 공정을 통해 생산하거나 식물성 원료에서 추출하기도 합니다. 예를 들어, 2022년 1월 덴마크의 생명공학 기업 바이오신티아(Biosyntia)와 뮌헨에 본사를 둔 바커 그룹(Wacker Group)은 발효 기반 바이오틴 생산을 유럽 전역으로 확대할 계획을 세웠습니다. 이 비오틴은 영양 보충제로 사용할 수 있으며, 식품 및 음료, 유아 영양, 건강 보조 식품에 적용될 것으로 기대됩니다. 와커바이오솔루션즈는 발효 기반의 L-시스테인, 사이클로덱스트린, 식물 유래 에탄올로 만든 실리콘 실란트 등의 제품으로 성장 분야에 대한 솔루션 개발에 주력하고 있습니다. 이는 시스테인 산업의 성장을 더욱 촉진하고 있습니다. 이와 더불어, 식물성 식단은 심장 건강, 체중 관리, 지속가능성 등의 잠재적 이점으로 인해 더 건강한 선택으로 인식되는 경우가 많습니다. 예를 들어, 미국 국립의학도서관이 발표한 논문에 따르면 식물성 식단은 허혈성 심장질환의 위험뿐만 아니라 모든 원인에 의한 사망률을 낮출 수 있으며, IHD 사망률의 감소와 관련이 있습니다. 또한 혈압, 혈당, 콜레스테롤 조절을 개선하고 약물의 필요성을 줄일 수 있습니다. 식물 유래 시스테인은 이러한 건강 및 웰빙 트렌드에 부합하며, 건강 지향적인 소비자들에게 어필하고 있습니다. 이러한 요인들이 시스테인 시장의 수익을 더욱 끌어올리고 있습니다.
성장하는 식품 가공 산업
제빵 산업의 성장은 시장 성장을 가속하는 중요한 요소 중 하나입니다. 예를 들어, American Bakers Association에 따르면 미국의 베이커리 산업은 1,860억 달러의 전체 경제 효과를 가져온다고 합니다. 시스테인은 빵, 페이스트리, 피자 반죽 등 제과류 반죽의 반죽 조절제로 일반적으로 사용됩니다. 반죽의 탄력성, 질감, 볼륨을 개선하고, 제품의 품질과 안정성을 향상시킵니다. 이와는 별도로 식품 가공 산업도 크게 성장하여 시스테인에 대한 수요를 더욱 증가시키고 있습니다. India Brand Equity Foundation이 발표한 기사에 따르면, 식품 가공 부문은 2015년부터 2022년까지 연평균 7.3%의 놀라운 성장세를 보이고 있습니다. 또한, 2023년 11월에는 식품가공산업부가 뉴델리에서 'World Food India' 행사를 개최하였습니다. 이와는 별도로 가공식품 및 간편식에 대한 전 세계적인 수요 증가로 인해 관능적 특성을 유지하면서 가공 효율과 제품 보존 기간을 향상시키는 시스테인과 같은 재료의 필요성이 증가하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 국립의학도서관이 발표한 연구에 따르면 시스테인은 부패를 지연시켜 퍼티의 보존 기간을 연장할 수 있다고 합니다. 이러한 요인들은 시스테인 시장 예측에 더욱 긍정적인 영향을 미치고 있습니다.
The global cysteine market size reached USD 423.9 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 618.0 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.06% during 2025-2033. The expanding pharmaceutical and personal care industries, increasing applications in the F&B sector, the surging demand for health supplements, etc., are primarily propelling the market growth.
Increasing Utilization in the Formulation of Pharmaceutical Drugs
The increasing utilization of cysteine in the formulation of pharmaceutical drugs is significantly driving the growth of the cysteine market. Cysteine plays a crucial role in the formulation of pharmaceutical drugs due to its biochemical properties and therapeutic benefits. It is used in various drug formulations to enhance efficacy, stability, and bioavailability. For instance, according to an article published by Healthline, consuming enough cysteine is beneficial for various reasons, including replenishing the body's most powerful antioxidant, glutathione. These amino acids are also beneficial for curing respiratory issues, fertility, and brain function. Moreover, cysteine is used in formulations targeting chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, respiratory diseases, and neurological ailments. It can aid in the production of cellular glutathione levels and support liver function. For instance, in December 2022, Jarrow Formulas, a probiotic brand focused on customer satisfaction, launched N-A-C, a vegetarian capsule containing 500mg of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine. The product offering is a potent antioxidant amino acid that also serves as a precursor in the body to the key antioxidant glutathione - one of the body's most significant and abundant antioxidant and detoxifying agents that promotes liver health. These factors are further contributing to the cysteine market share.
Rising Demand for Plant-Based Alternatives
The increasing demand for plant-based alternatives is significantly driving growth in the cysteine market, particularly due to the role of cysteine in food and beverage products. As consumer preferences shift towards vegetarian or vegan diets, there is a growing demand for plant-based alternatives in various food and beverage categories. Cysteine, traditionally sourced from animal by-products like feathers or human hair, is now being produced through biotechnological processes or extracted from plant-based sources to cater to this demand. For instance, in January 2022, Danish biotech company, Biosyntia, and Munich-based, Wacker Group, planned to expand the production of fermentation-based biotin across Europe. This biotin was available as a dietary supplement and has potential applications in food & drinks, infant nutrition, and nutraceuticals. Wacker Biosolutions focuses on developing solutions for growth sectors, with products including fermentation-based L-Cysteine and cyclodextrins, and silicone sealants from plant-based ethanol. This is further driving the cysteine industry's growth. Besides this, plant-based diets are often perceived as healthier choices due to their potential benefits for heart health, weight management, and sustainability. For instance, according to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, plant-based diets can reduce all-cause mortality as well as the risk of ischemic heart disease, which is associated with lower IHD mortality. It can also improve blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol control, reducing the need for drugs. Cysteine derived from plant sources aligns with these health and wellness trends, appealing to health-conscious consumers. These factors are further bolstering the cysteine market revenue.
Growing Food Processing Industry
The growing baking industry is one of the significant factors driving the market growth. For instance, according to the American Bakers Association, the American bakery industry has USD 186 billion in overall economic impact. Cysteine is commonly used as a dough conditioner in baked goods such as bread, pastries, and pizza crusts. It improves dough elasticity, texture, and volume, leading to better product quality and consistency. Apart from this, the food processing industry is also gaining significant growth which is further propelling the demand for cysteine. According to an article published by the India Brand Equity Foundation, the food processing sector has received an impressive average annual growth rate of 7.3% from 2015 to 2022. Also, in November 2023, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries hosted the 'World Food India" event, in New Delhi. Apart from this, the increasing demand for processed and convenience foods globally is driving the need for ingredients like cysteine that improve processing efficiency and product shelf life while maintaining sensory attributes. For instance, according to research published by the National Library of Medicine, cysteine can delay spoilage and extend the shelf life of patties. These factors are further positively impacting the cysteine market forecast.
Currently, synthetic holds the majority of the total market share
According to the cysteine market outlook, advances in chemical synthesis, enzymatic processes, and biotechnological methods have significantly improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of synthetic cysteine production. Continuous innovation in production techniques enhances scalability and reduces production costs, making synthetic cysteine more competitive compared to traditional extraction methods. Moreover, the increasing demand for cysteine as a food additive, particularly in the bakery and processed food sectors, is a major driver for synthetic production. Synthetic cysteine offers manufacturers a consistent and reliable source of amino acid, ensuring product quality and compliance with regulatory standards. Apart from this, the rising health benefits of synthetic cysteine is also driving the market growth. For instance, according to an article published by Forbes, NAC, a synthetic form of cysteine, may be an effective treatment for certain respiratory conditions, such as chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Flavor enhancer currently exhibits a clear dominance in the market
According to the cysteine market overview, cysteine is valued for its ability to enhance umami flavors and improve overall taste perception in food products. This makes it particularly sought after in savory and baked goods where rich, savory notes are desired. Moreover, cysteine's versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of food applications, including bakery products (e.g., bread, pastries, pizza crusts), snacks, soups, sauces, and processed meats. Its effectiveness in improving flavor profiles across diverse product categories contributes to its consistent demand. For instance, according to a sensory analysis published by Springer Nature in December 2023, 0.25-0.75% range of cysteine increased the meaty, caramel, umami, mouthfulness and salty notes, and caused a decrease in bitter taste of the MRPs as confirmed by GC-MS.
Currently, food and dietary supplement accounts for the largest market share
Cysteine is a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports overall immune health. Consumers are increasingly seeking supplements that provide antioxidant support to combat the effects of free radicals and promote cellular health. Moreover, glutathione, synthesized from cysteine, plays a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances in the liver and other tissues. Dietary supplements containing cysteine are sought after for their potential to support liver function and aid in detoxification processes. For instance, in May 2024, Plexus Worldwide, a health and wellness company, launched IronWoman, an iron supplement specifically formulated for the unique needs of women. The supplement was made by combining L Plantarum strain, with cysteine, and Vitamin C to create a combination that offers superior iron absorption.
Asia Pacific accounts for the largest market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific currently dominates the global market.
According to the cysteine market statistics, the Asia Pacific region has a rapidly growing food industry, fueled by urbanization, changing dietary habits, and increasing disposable incomes. Cysteine is widely used as a food additive, particularly in baked goods and savory products, to enhance flavor and texture. The rising demand for processed and convenience foods along with the growing fast-food industry further drives the market for cysteine in this region. For instance, the National Bureau of Statistics of China reports that in 2022, full-service restaurants brought in Yuan 502.94 billion (USD 70.98 billion) in income, while fast-food restaurants brought in Yuan 157.82 billion (USD 22.24 billion). This observed the expansion of China's food industry. Moreover, with a rising awareness of health and wellness among consumers, there is an increasing demand for dietary supplements containing cysteine. Asian consumers are widely adopting supplements for antioxidant support, respiratory health, and overall well-being, contributing to the growth of the cysteine supplement market.
The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major market companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include: