Methionine (L-methionine) - properties, what it is, where it occurs

Methionine is an amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own. It influences neurological function, acts as an antioxidant, and supports liver function. That's probably a good reason to supplement it, right? No.

With a pharmacist we will talk about how methionine works, whether it is worth taking it in supplement form, and why limiting it may...support cancer treatment.

See also:

• Amino acids
• Protein
.
• Proteins
• Arginine
• Glutamine
• Proline
• Glycine
• Lysine

What is methionine?

Methionine is an amino acid exogenous - it must be supplied with food, as the human body cannot produce this compound on its own. Methionine is one of the twenty essential amino acids that make up proteins. It contains sulphur (as does cysteine), which is unique among all amino acidsand.

This characteristic makes methionine play an important role in many metabolic processes. For example, it is involved in the synthesis of other amino acids and some hormones, and is also essential for the production of taurine, an important component of bile.

Methionine is also crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system, supporting the production of antibodies in the bodyand.

L-methionine and D-methionine - how do they differ?

L-methionine and D-methionine are two different forms of methionine that differ in spatial configuration. Despite this, usually when we refer to 'methionine' without an additional term, we mean L-methionine. Why?"

L-methionine is the biologically active form of methionine. It also occurs naturally in animal and plant proteins. It is this form of the amino acid that is used by the body for protein formation and many other metabolic functionsand.

D-methionine on the other hand, is a form of the amino acid that has limited activity and is less present in nature. Therefore, it is not usually used for protein synthesis in living organismsand.

What formula does methionine have?

Methionine has the chemical formula: C5H11NO2S. This means that its molecule consists of five carbon atoms (C), eleven hydrogen atoms (H), one nitrogen atom (N), two oxygen atoms (O) and one sulphur atom (S)and.

Is methionine and cysteine worth taking together?

Methionine and cysteine are sulphur amino acids, i.e. amino acids that contain a sulphur atom in their chemical structure. As a result, they exhibit unique properties and are linked to many processes in the body.

Cysteine is an amino acid that the body can produce on its own, but its production depends on methionine resources. Therefore, the simultaneous intake of methionine and cysteine supplements can be beneficial, especially for people with special dietary needs, such as vegetarians, vegans, seniors or patients with certain ailments (e.g. liver disease)and.

What methionine is for - effects and properties

Methionine is an important amino acid that plays vital roles in the functioning of the body. As one of the 'building blocks' of proteins, it influences protein synthesis, supports the immune system, and regulates the liver.

What properties does methionine exhibit?

Promoting neurological function

Methionine is involved in the synthesis of important neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous systemand.

Dopamine, among other things, controls motor movements, and norepinephrine acts as a hormone and neurotransmitter, and is known for its effects on attention, stress responses and alertness .

Another function of methionine in the nervous system is its effect on homocysteine levels - a substance whose higher levels in the body are associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Methionine is the metabolic pathway for homocysteine, so adequate amounts in the diet can help maintain normal homocysteine levelsand.

Antioxidant activity

Methionine is involved in the production of glutathione and therefore affects antioxidant protection. Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants helping to neutralise free radicals and protect cells from their damaging effectsand.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause damage to cells and tissues in the body, leading to ageing and many chronic diseases. The antioxidant action of methionine is to provide the necessary sulphur for the production of glutathione, which then effectively neutralises free radicalsand.

As a result, methionine can protect the body from oxidative stress, which is important for maintaining overall health and improving longevityand.

Regulation of liver function

Methionine is an essential component of taurine, an amino acid that is required for bile production. As a result, methionine influences the digestive process, as well as the elimination of toxins from the bodyand.

Biliary, produced by the liver, is essential for the digestion of fats. When methionine levels are low, bile production can be reduced, which in turn will translate into problems with fat metabolismand.

Additionally, methionine is essential for the regeneration and protection of liver cells. Due to its antioxidant properties, it can protect the liver from the damaging effects of free radicals and other toxic substances .

Immune support

Methionine has a key effect on the immune system - it is essential for the production of antibodies, important proteins for immunity. These are what recognise and neutralise pathogens such as bacteria and virusesand.

Additionally, methionine helps regulate inflammatory responses, which are part of the immune response to infection or damage. Balance in these processes is important for a healthy immune system. Maintaining healthy levels of methionine in diet, can therefore help to boost immunity and protect against many diseasesand.

Methionine - dosage

The recommended dosage of methionine (in combination with cysteine) is 14 mg/kg body weight. Therefore, a person who weighs 70 kg should take about 1 gram of methionine per day. Despite this, some experts recommend taking up to 2 grams of this amino acid per dayand.

For people who have a special need for this amino acid - such as seniors - the dose can be increased to 3 grams per dayand.

Preferably, you should start your methionine intake with low doses (up to 1 g) and then gradually increase the portions if you feel you need it.

Where methionine is found - food products

Methionine can easily be provided with your diet. You can find this amino acid in numerous foods. Which foods contain the most methionine?

Methionine deficiency

Methionine deficiency can result from various causes. One of the most common causes is an inadequate diet. Methionine is an endogenous amino acid (the human body does not produce it), so it must be supplied with food. Diets low in methionine, such as vegan or vegetarian diets, without proper meal planning, can lead to a deficiency of this componentand.

Some people may also have a problem absorbing methionine from food, which also leads to a deficiency. Although rare, certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease or metabolic disorders, can impede the proper absorption of methionineand.

In addition, various ailments and infections can increase the need for methionine. If the patient does not adjust the intake of this amino acid from the diet, a deficiency may occur.

Research therefore suggests that methionine restriction may become an additional strategy for cancer treatment, especially when combined with chemotherapy - adds pharmacist.

Symptoms of methionine deficiency

Methionine deficiency in the body can cause a variety of symptoms, often associated with impairment of certain metabolic functions. What are the most common symptomsand?

• Growth impairment. Methionine is essential for normal growth and development. Deficiency of this amino acid, can slow these down and also lead to delays in physical development in children.
• Methionine deficiency.
• Fatigue. Methionine is involved in energy production, so a lack of it can result in feelings of chronic fatigue and lack of energy.
• Dermal problems. Methionine deficiency is not uncommonly manifested by dry skin, loss of skin firmness or other skin problems.
• Hepatic disorders. Methionine is needed for normal liver function - a deficiency can lead to disorders of this organ.
• Nervous system problems. Methionine plays a key role in the production of certain neurotransmitters, so a deficiency is not uncommon to result in nervous system problems. Symptoms can then include depression, anxiety, sleep disorders or problems with concentration.
.

Methionine excess

Methionine excess is most often the result of unwise supplementation. Although this amino acid is found in numerous foods, it is virtually impossible to overdose on it from the diet. Much more often, long-term intake of high doses of supplementsand leads to this condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of methionine excess can include nausea, vomiting, irritability, lethargy, dizziness and irregular heartbeat. In extreme cases, the condition even leads to more serious health problems such as liver damage or heart diseaseand.

If you suspect an excess of methionine, the most important step is to contact your doctor. A specialist will probably recommend stopping supplementation and suggest blood tests to check methionine levelsand.

Overall, when treating excess, it will also be necessary to change diet and stop supplementation, and to regularly monitor methionine levelsand. Systematic testing is important to make sure that methionine levels are returning to normal and that there are no associated health problems.

Methionine supplementation

Methionine supplementation can be effective in several situations. First and foremost, it is recommended to people who have difficulty providing methionine in their diet. This is particularly common in people on vegetarian or vegan diets, as this amino acid is mainly present in zoonotic productsand.

Additionally, methionine supplementation will be helpful for certain medical conditions. For example, in people with liver disease, methionine can support the normal function of this organ. It may also be recommended as a supplement to support detoxification of the body or in cases where support of the immune system is needed.

Although it is always advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting methionine supplementation. It is also important to adhere to the recommended dosage, as an excess of this amino acid can lead to adverse side effects, such as an increase in homocysteine levels, which increases the risk of developing heart disease.

Methionine supplementation is a good way of supporting the immune system.

How long to supplement methionine?

It is best to supplement methionine only until any deficiency of this amino acid has been remedied. In addition, it is a good idea to consult any supplementation, including methionine, with a doctor or nutritionist.

Specialists are best placed to assess whether taking a particular supplement is necessary, how long it should last and what dose should be used. Most often, however, methionine supplementation should last for several weeks.

Methionine supplementation should be taken for several weeks.

When to take - morning or evening?

In methionine supplementation, it usually does not matter whether you take the product in the morning or in the evening. The timing of intake does not affect the effect of the amino acid. However, some people may experience stomach discomfort after taking the supplement on an empty stomach.

Some people may experience stomach discomfort after taking the supplement on an empty stomach.

When you experience such health problems, take methionine with a meal - this should help. And if nothing changes, contact your doctor or dietician.

Methionine is a great way to help you.

Methionine in pregnancy

A great deal of caution is advised when using any supplements, including methionine, during pregnancy. Although there is no specific data to suggest that methionine supplementation is harmful to pregnant women, it is always advisable to consult your doctor.

Methionine - side effects

Like any other supplement, methionine can cause some side effects, especially when taken in excess. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting and even diarrhoea. Some people may also experience feelings of lethargy or dizzinessand.

Methionine in excess, especially with long-term use, can lead to more serious health problems such as liver damage. Methionine is also a sulphur-containing amino acid, so excessive intake can lead to increased serum homocysteine levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseaseand.

Methionine - reviews

Summary