Methionine
Scientific Name: (S)-2-amino-4-(methylsulfanyl)-butanoic acid (C5H11NO2S).
Other Names: Met, M.
Methionine is an essential amino acid for humans, meaning that it cannot be produced within the body and must be ingested via some external source.
It is a nonpolar amino acid and a lipotropic (meaning that it assists in the breakdown of fat during metabolism).
Forms of Methionine: As a supplement, capsules are available and should be consumed in quantities of no more than 2 grams of methionine daily.
Sorces of Methionine: High levels of methionine are found in seeds and nuts, such as sesame seeds and Brazil nuts, as well as in fish and meat.
Peppers and spinach are the top vegetable sources for methionine, though most fruits and veggies contain a minute amount.
Plants and microorganisms synthesize methionine from aspartic acid and cysteine.
Home Remedies using Methoinine:
Benefits and Uses of Methionine:
Methionine is important in the synthesis of taurine, cysteine, and carnitine, as well as the production of lecithin and many phospholipids.
The sulfur contained in methionine is used by the body for several functions, including:
- reduction of cholesterol (via improved production of lecithin in the liver)
- healthy skin, hair, and nail growth
- protection of the kidneys
- excretion of heavy metals
- regulation of ammonia formation in the urine (reducing bladder irritation)
- detoxification of metabolic waste
- prevention of fat accumulation in the liver.
Methionine is an effective treatment for overdose of acetaminophen (active ingredient in Tylenol), preventing the poisoning of the liver and permanent damage to the organ.
It can also be used to treat painful symptoms of arthritis without risk of gastrointestinal damage caused by other solutions (such as naproxen or ibuprofen).
In Europe, it is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant drug, as it works more quickly and with fewer side effects.
Side Effects of Methionine:
Increased consumption of methionine and its various forms could lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Patients with acidosis or liver insufficiency should not take methionine as a supplement and it should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. It cannot be used by individuals with manic depression, as it is shown to induce or heighten the manic phase of the condition.
Typical side effects experienced by healthy patients include drowsiness, irritability, and some minimal nausea and vomiting.
Additional Information for Methionine:
Methionine is one of only two amino acids encoded by a single codon in the standard genetic code (tryptophan being the other).
