Methionine is an essential amino acid and it is important to get enough of it to maintain good health.
This amino acid is unique because of its sulphur structure.
Methionine has many health benefits, helping to maintain liver function and ensuring optimal protein synthesis.
Often used in sports or for its antioxidant properties, this amino acid is full of good surprises.
Methionine characteristics
- Essential amino acid
- Found mainly in animal products (meat, fish, dairy)
- Requires the presence of vitamin B12 to be synthesised and assimilated
- Protects the liver
- Enables protein synthesis
- Antioxidant properties
- Used in animal feed
Health benefits of this amino acid
Methionine and hair
Methionine is an amino acid with a very solid sulphur structure, which has a reputation for strengthening skin appendages, particularly hair and nails.
Protein biosynthesis
It is the basis for the structure of all proteins, making it essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Methionine for a healthy liver
Thanks to its sulphurous structure and antioxidant potential, methionine enables the regeneration of liver (and kidney) cells and prevents the formation of fatty deposits in the liver and gallbladder.
Antioxidant
Methionine is a natural antioxidant and helps to combat cellular ageing.
Methionine and bodybuilding
Adequate dietary intake of amino acids ensures good muscle protein synthesis and optimal cell renewal after training.
Its content of antioxidant molecules also helps to reduce oxidative stress caused by often intense bodybuilding sessions and can help to improve recovery.
Link with vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the synthesis of methionine, so it is important to supplement your B12 requirements so as not to inhibit the synthesis of this essential amino acid.
Foods rich in methionine
Methionine occurs naturally in many protein-rich foods.
It can also be added synthetically, in which case it is derived from petroleum.
It is recommended that natural sources of nutrients are always preferred:
- Walnuts
- Beef
- Parmesan cheese
- Gruyère cheese
- Poultry meat
- Pork Meat
- Fish
- Sesame Seeds
- Soy Bean
- Boiled egg
How to use methionine correctly?
Use of methionine as a dietary supplement
500 to 3000 mg of methionine per day is recommended for a healthy adult.
In supplements, methionine is often combined with vitamin B6, zinc, magnesium or other essential amino acids.
The dosage depends directly on the problem being treated and the supplement being used.
Methionine supplementation is often recommended to balance mood, combat depressive disorders, promote recovery after exercise, or simply to preserve the liver.
There are many other uses for this supplement and it is best to consult a doctor.
Methionine deficiency: a health risk?
The main symptoms of methionine deficiency are liver problems.
Methionine deficiency can lead to the saturation of the liver with lipids and its poisoning.
In addition, as this amino acid is essential, its lack affects the production of neurotransmitters and can lead to depressive states.
As with any essential amino acid, methionine deficiency is therefore dangerous for the body.
What are the side effects of overdosing on methionine?
Recent studies have shown a possible role for methionine in the development of schizophrenia if consumed in excess during pregnancy.
In general, a long-term excess of methionine would increase the risk of dementia and certain heart conditions.
Interaction with vitamin B12
There are few known interactions between this amino acid and other nutrients.
On the other hand, we know that a good supply of vitamin B12 allows optimal methionine synthesis.
It is therefore important to cover vitamin B12 requirements to avoid the risk of deficiency.
Chemical properties of methionine
The molecular formula of methionine is C5H11NO2S and its molecular weight is 149.211 g/mol.
Methionine is one of the 9 essential amino acids.
It is distinguished from the others by the presence of a sulphur atom in its composition.
It plays an essential role at the cellular level, both in development and in the structuring of DNA.
SAM or S-adenosylmethionine is the activated form of methionine that can be used by the body to methylate DNA or proteins.