Methionine: Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Methionine Health Benefits ? A powerful antioxidant and enemy of disease

Modest, still not so famous, but extremely useful and faithful guardian angel. This is L-methionine – the scarecrow for all kinds of insidious diseases.

L-methionine (or simply methionine) is an amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCH (NH2) CH2CH2SCH3. It belongs to the group of so-called essential (essential) amino acids and is classified as neutral with a non-polar residue. Along with cysteine, methionine is one of the two proteinogenic amino acids whose chemical structure in the molecule contains sulfur. The methionine derivative – S-adenosyl methionine, has the functions of a donor of methyl groups in the processes of transmethylation in the body. It is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cysteine, carnitine, taurine, lecithin and phospholipids. Methionine has been closely linked to folic acid metabolism and vitamins B6 and B12, which are also sources of methyl groups.

Methionine prevents fatty degeneration and other liver damage, thus preventing impaired blood circulation to the brain, heart and kidneys. Therefore, methionine is considered to have antisclerotic action. According to recent research, high levels of this amino acid also lead to a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. It is good to know, however, that improper conversion of methionine can cause cardiovascular disease.

The synthesis of the amino acids cysteine ​​and taurine depends on the presence of methionine in the

This amino acid supports the digestive system. Detoxifies damaging agents such as lead and other heavy metals, reduces muscle weakness and brittle hair and has a beneficial effect on people with osteoporosis or allergies to chemicals. aAso used to treat rheumatism and toxemia during pregnancy.

Methionine Health Benefits

Methionine is a powerful antioxidant.

As noted, it is a good source of sulfur, which inactivates free radicals and protects against skin and osteolysis problems (the process of destruction of bone tissue without its subsequent replacement by other tissue).Its needed for people with Gilbert’s syndrome (abnormality of liver function) and is required in the synthesis of nucleic acids, collagen and proteins.

It has a beneficial effect on women who take oral contraceptives by increasing the excretion of estrogen (steroid female sex hormones associated with ovulation and sexual behavior in females). Reduces the amount of histamine in the body – especially useful in people with schizophrenia, in whom the level of histamine is typically higher than normal.

When the levels of toxic substances in the body increase, the need for methionine increases. In the body, it can be converted to the amino acid cysteine ​​(a precursor to glutathione). Thus, methionine protects glutathione, helping to prevent its depletion when the body is overloaded with toxic substances. Because glutathione is a major neutralizer of toxins in the liver, methionine protects the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances.

Methionine is one of only two amino acids containing the AUG codon, also known as the “initiation codon”. The name of the genetic code derives from the fact that it has the function of sending a “message” to ribosomes to start protein translation from mRNA (mitochondrial ribonucleic acid). Subsequently, methionine passes to the n-terminus of all proteins in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, although it is most often removed after post-translational modification.

As an essential amino acid, it is not synthesized in the body, but is obtained from dietary protein sources or supplements. The highest levels of methionine are found in nuts, fish, meat, dairy products, garlic, beans and lentils. Methionine is minimal in most fruits and vegetables. Those that still have higher limits are spinach, peas and boiled corn. Since the body uses methionine to produce choline (food for the brain), it is good to take choline or lecithin (because it is rich in choline) so as not to reduce the supply of methionine.

Protein-rich legumes are also generally low in methionine. Its derivative DL-methionine is sometimes added as an ingredient in pet foods. A curious fact is that if heated in a pot of water methionine, cysteine ​​and soy protein, it will create the aroma of meat. , Methionine Health Benefits. 

Methionine intake

The recommended daily dose of methionine is 12 mg. of body weight. However, it should be avoided by pregnant or lactating women unless prescribed by a doctor.

 

 


Table of foods containing L-methionine (per 100 g)
Type

Vegetables with methionine content over 50 mg.
spinach, peas, boiled corn
Vegetables containing methionine 25 mg. – 50 mgr. broccoli, mushrooms, cauliflower, avocado, soy sprouts, potatoes
Vegetables with methionine content below 25 mg. carrots, boiled red beets, Swiss lettuce, tomatoes, Italian pumpkin, yellow pumpkin, green pepper, paprika, yellow pepper, eggplant, green and red cabbage, boiled kale, lettuce, cucumber, boiled green beans, red and brown onions, celery, okra
Fruits containing methionine 25 mg. – 50 mgr. seedless orange, tangerines

Fruits with methionine content below 25 mg.
watermelon, flax, melons, apples, pears, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwis, plums, dried dates, peaches, nectarines, bananas, pineapple, apricots

Snacks containing methionine 25 mg. – 50 mgr.
potato chips (28 g), french fries (10 pieces), saltines (target type)
Snacks containing methionine over 50 mg. all kinds of nuts, popcorn
Desserts with methionine content below 25 mg. ice cream mix with mocha, fruit sherbet (without added egg)
Other foods containing methionine over 100 mg. tofu, red beans, black beans, tempeh

 

Although still not as popular as a standalone product on the market in our country, L-methionine has its rightful place on the pedestal. Due to its exceptional properties, it can easily become synonymous with the spartan health of each of us.

 

Sources used for Methionine Health Benefits : 

  1. wikipedia.org
  2. HCUsupport.com

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