Methionine

Methionine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

A sulfur containing essential amino acid that is important in many body functions. It is a chelating agent for heavy metals.

L-Methionine is a principle supplier of sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation; influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth. L-methionine may protect against the toxic effects of hepatotoxins, such as acetaminophen. Methionine may have antioxidant activity.

Trade Name Methionine
Availability Prescription only
Generic Methionine
Methionine Other Names (S)-methionine, L-Methionin, L-Methionine, Methionine
Type Oral
Formula C5H11NO2S
Weight Average: 149.211
Monoisotopic: 149.051049291
Groups Approved, Nutraceutical
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country United States
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Methionine
Methionine

Uses

Methionine is an amino acid commonly found as a component in total parenteral nutrition.

Used for protein synthesis including the formation of SAMe, L-homocysteine, L-cysteine, taurine, and sulfate.

Methionine is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE), Amino acid supplementation

How Methionine works

The mechanism of the possible anti-hepatotoxic activity of L-methionine is not entirely clear. It is thought that metabolism of high doses of acetaminophen in the liver lead to decreased levels of hepatic glutathione and increased oxidative stress. L-methionine is a precursor to L-cysteine. L-cysteine itself may have antioxidant activity. L-cysteine is also a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione. Antioxidant activity of L-methionine and metabolites of L-methionine appear to account for its possible anti-hepatotoxic activity. Recent research suggests that methionine itself has free-radical scavenging activity by virtue of its sulfur, as well as its chelating ability.

Toxicity

Doses of L-methionine of up to 250 mg daily are generally well tolerated. Higher doses may cause nausea, vomiting and headache. Healthy adults taking 8 grams of L-methionine daily for four days were found to have reduced serum folate levels and leucocytosis. Healthy adults taking 13.9 grams of L-methionine daily for five days were found to have changes in serum pH and potassium and increased urinary calcium excretion. Schizophrenic patients given 10 to 20 grams of L-methionine daily for two weeks developed functional psychoses. Single doses of 8 grams precipitated encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.

Food Interaction

  • Take with food.

Elimination Route

Absorbed from the lumen of the small intestine into the enterocytes by an active transport process.

Innovators Monograph

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*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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