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 |
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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