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Home >
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METHIONINE
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Methionine is a sulfur containing essential amino acid, meaning that the body does not synthesize it on its own. It is the body's primary source of sulfur ...
It is found in foods such as sesame seeds, brazil nuts, fish, meats, some cereal grains. There is only a small amount of methionine found in fruits and vegetables. Methionine serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of two other non-essential amino acids; cysteine and taurine. A series of reactions removing the methyl group (demethylation) from methionine forms homocysteine. |
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METHIONINE |
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Methionine assits with the breakdown of fats, preventing build-up in the arteries. |
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Methionine is a component of a plethora of proteins within the body – Proteins are an integral part of cell make-up and function, without which we would literally not exist. Proteins make up enzymes, which catalyse or accelerate chemical reactions, including almost all of the reactions of metabolism, as well as DNA repair and replication. Proteins can be structural, making up cell walls and allowing cells to maintain size and shape. Cell signalling/signal transduction like that involved in the antibody-antigen interaction and that used by neurotransmitters, as well as hormones, would not happen without proteins made up of essential amino acids like methionine.
Methionine assists in the breakdown of fats and thereby prevents build-up in the arteries, as well as assisting with the digestive system. Methionine helps to remove heavy metals from the body, since it can be converted to cysteine, which is a precursor to gluthione, which plays an important role detoxifying the liver.
Methionine is also a great antioxidant, as the sulfur it supplies combats free radicals. It is also one of the three amino acids needed by the body to manufacture creatine monohydrate, a compound essential for energy production and muscle building. Women with low methionine during pregnancy have an increased risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
Methionine has been used to treat acetaminophen poisoning by protecting the liver. It has also been shown to improve memory recall in individuals with AIDS related nervous system degeneration. Methionine is used by the body to manufacture S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), which is found in ever cell of the body (see separate article on SAMe).
The recommended daily intake of methionine is 800-1000 mg/day. Children and infants need 2-5 times that amount. There is no toxic dosage of methionine, but some individuals may suffer from side effects of nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and irritability. |
METHIONINE –
QUICK FACTS
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FOOD SOURCES
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· sesame seeds, brazil nuts, meat, fish, beans and lentils, eggs, garlic, onions and yogurt. |
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APPLICATIONS |
· Individuals who may not be getting enough methionine in their diets include vegetarians/vegans, athletes, those with moderate to high alcohol intake, those at risk for acetaminophen poisoning. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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800-1000 mg/day |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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· choline and inositol. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
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· There is no known toxic dosage, however side effects can occur. |
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