Methionine is one of the essential amino cids which is not produced by the body, and must be provided by the diet. It supplies sulphur and other compounds required by the body for normal metabolism and growth. Methionine is needed to produce another sulphur containing amino acid, L-Cysteine, which is a powerful anti-oxidant.

Meat, fish, and dairy are all good sources of methionine. Vegetarians can obtain methionine from whole grains, but beans are a relatively poor source of this amino acid.

What it does

  1. Lipotropic Agent:
    Methionine inhibits the accumulation of fatty deposits in the liver and promotes the excretion of bile facilitating the removal of toxins in the faeces.
  2. Liver Protection: Needed to manufacture cysteine, which neutralises compounds damaging to the liver. Also helps reduce sluggish liver function due to excessive fatty build-up.
  3. Detoxifier: Through its conversion to SAMe, methionine aids detoxification of numerous toxins, free radicals and by-products of metabolic and hormonal waste.
  4. High Histamine Disorders: Certain cases of schizophrenia and depression are often associated with high histamine levels. Methionine can increase the rate at which histamine is degraded by methylation and seems most successful in people with schizophrenia who are also depressed.
  5. Anti-Allergic: Due to its ability to detoxify histamine, Methionine appears to reduce the severity of reactions to both food-related and respiratory allergens.
  6. High oestrogen levels: Methionine may facilitate the removal of excessive oestrogen in the body by promoting its inactivation in the liver and excretion with bile.

Potential Uses

Hayfever Fibroids Sluggish liver function
PMS Detox Endometriosis
Food allergies

Methionine is an essential amino acid, which means that the body cannot produce it on its own. It must be obtained from food. Methionine is found in a variety of foods, including:

  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Eggs
  • Dairy products
  • Beans
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Whole grains

Benefits of Methionine

Methionine has a number of health benefits, including:

  • Production of proteins: Methionine is a component of many proteins, including enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
  • Production of creatine: Creatine is a molecule that helps to provide energy for muscle contraction.
  • Detoxification: Methionine helps to remove toxins from the body.
  • Production of glutathione: Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage.
  • Production of taurine: Taurine is an amino acid that plays a role in many bodily functions, including heart health and vision.
  • Weight loss: Methionine may help to promote weight loss by increasing satiety and reducing appetite.

Consequences of Deficiency

A deficiency in methionine can lead to a number of health problems, including:

  • Hair loss: Methionine is important for the production of keratin, which is a protein that makes up hair.
  • Muscle weakness: Methionine is important for the production of proteins, including muscle proteins.
  • Fatigue: Methionine is involved in the production of energy.
  • Depression: Methionine is involved in the production of neurotransmitters, including serotonin.
  • Anemia: Methionine is involved in the production of red blood cells.

Examples of Products Full of Methionine

The highest sources of methionine are:

  • Meat: Beef, pork, chicken, and fish are all good sources of methionine.
  • Eggs: Eggs are a good source of methionine.
  • Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese are all good sources of methionine.
  • Beans: Beans are a good source of methionine.
  • Nuts: Almonds, peanuts, and walnuts are all good sources of methionine.
  • Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are all good sources of methionine.
  • Whole grains: Quinoa, oats, and brown rice are all good sources of methionine.

How to Use Methionine

The best way to get enough methionine is to eat a diet rich in methionine-rich foods. You can also take a methionine supplement. The amount of methionine you need depends on your age and health status. It is best to talk to your doctor to determine the right amount of methionine for you.

Where is methionine usually found?

Methionine is usually found in animal-based foods, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. It is also found in some plant-based foods, such as beans, nuts, and seeds.

What foods are highest and lowest in methionine?

The highest sources of methionine are:

  • Beef liver
  • Chicken breast
  • Eggs
  • Tuna
  • Yogurt
  • Peanuts
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Beans

The lowest sources of methionine are:

  • Potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Lettuce
  • Grapes
  • Strawberries
  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Oranges
  • Grapefruit

What does methionine do to your body?

Methionine is involved in a number of important bodily functions, including:

  • Protein synthesis: Methionine is a component of many proteins, including enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
  • Detoxification: Methionine helps to remove toxins from the body.
  • Production of creatine: Creatine is a molecule that helps to provide energy for muscle contraction.
  • Production of glutathione: Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage.
  • Production of taurine: Taurine is an amino acid that plays a role in many bodily functions, including heart health and vision.

What diet has methionine?

A diet that is rich in methionine is typically an animal-based diet. However, there are also some plant-based foods that are good sources of methionine, such as beans, nuts, and seeds.

 

Cautions

Methionine may be beneficial used alongside acetaminophen, methotrexate and gentamicin.

It is advised to ensure adequate intake of vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid when taking high levels of l-methionine to prevent it’s conversion to homocysteine.

People with bi-polar (manic) depression should not take Methionine or SAMe.

Best avoided by pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Sufferers of neoplastic disease should avoid .

Caution with schizophrenia, hepatic and renal failure, methionine should only be used under medical supervision.

Julia

Aspired author of the Health and Wellbeing News. Work on improving my life, respect mental health, aim balance. Love pilates, photoshopping, engaging plots and discussions.

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