L methionine is an essential proteinogenic amino acid that contains sulfur. Its properties help facilitate the biosynthesis of several important substances in the functioning of the human body such as cysteine, l-carnitine, lecithin, taurine, and phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine.
Contents
Properties of methionine
It provides methyl groups in the methionine cycle —hence the origin of its name— also known as the organic chemical process or Yang Cycle. In this reaction, amino acids and the phospholipids we mentioned can be synthesized.
The first amino acid that is incorporated into proteins is methionine. Afterward, it is usually eliminated in the subsequent cellular phases, but it is necessary for creating them.
Being an essential amino acid means it must be consumed through diet or as a supplement in the form of L-methionine. The human body cannot synthesize it, so it must be added via capsules or methionine-rich foods. These often contain a lot of protein.
When proteins are ingested and reach the stomach, they begin to break down through various organic chemical processes. Essential amino acids are obtained from proteins, and once these are available, one of methionine’s properties is to participate in the new generation of human proteins necessary for maintaining health and creating new tissues. Let’s explore its functions.
What it is used for
- Utilization of fats in the diet.
- Helps strengthen hair.
- Blocks radiation damage.
- Reduces histamine levels.
- Improves muscle mass, preventing general weakening.
- Participates in many processes necessary for healthy skin, good-looking hair, and thickening of nails.
- Helps expel heavy metals from the body.
- Used to synthesize cysteine and taurine.
L-methionine
This is the bioavailable form of the amino acid. L-methionine is necessary for creating many proteins and aiding some metabolic processes related to the breakdown of dietary fats, such as limiting liver fat accumulation —a disorder known as fatty liver— or artery blockages.
The “L” designation refers to it being a proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it forms part of proteins. Many amino acids have these properties of l-methionine, but perhaps this one is most known for its function.
It is also essential for the creation of joint cartilage. Methionine contains a lot of sulfur, which benefits human health, and like all amino acids, it serves various functions.
Now that we know its differences, let’s look at the supplements and foods that contain it.
Foods rich in methionine
- Sesame seeds – 1.6 g.
- Brazil nuts – 1 g.
- Oats – 0.3 g.
- Soy – 0.8 g.
- Peanuts – 0.3 g.
- Chickpeas – 0.2 g.
- Corn – 0.19 g.
- Almonds – 0.15 g.
- Fava beans – 0.1 g.
- Lentils – 0.07 g.
- Rice – 0.05 g.
- Fish.
- Meat.
Taking it in amino acid supplements
Depending on each person’s needs, there is a wide variety of amino acid products, supplements in the form of capsules, tablets, and the most popular in the sports world, powdered jars where you can add the amount for each body weight.
In this case, when we talk about supplements with methionine, its function is more medicinal than athletic. Although it plays an important role in the development of other organic molecule groups, it does not directly provide an increase in energy or strength, something that in certain areas doesn’t improve performance.
However, while its role is not directly related to increased muscular energy, it does have the property of being limiting, meaning it determines the amount of nutrients that can be absorbed by cells from foods like potatoes, soy, or peanuts.
Side effects
When incorporated through food, there is no need to worry except in very specific cases. However, the side effects of methionine when taken in capsule or tablet form can include:
- Allergic reaction with itching, swelling.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Chest tightness.
- Nausea.
- Sleepiness.
If any of these symptoms or adverse reactions occur, stop taking the supplement and seek medical attention.
Regarding the contraindications of methionine, it can interact with Parkinson’s medication. Always consult a specialist before adding other substances when taking medication.
Remember not to abuse any type of supplement, adhere to the daily dose, and do not exceed the administration time indicated in the package insert.
S-adenosylmethionine
It is involved in the transfer of methyl groups and is composed of methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). S-adenosylmethionine or SAM-e is sold as a nutritional supplement. It promotes molecular chemical transactions, the methylation process, and helps regulate mental and psychological states related to depression.
There is also some evidence of the benefits of adenosylmethionine in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s, although this property is not yet fully confirmed in the scientific literature.
Selenomethionine
It is a powerful antioxidant against free radicals. It protects the body, skin, and organs from the damage these molecules cause inside the human body. Selenomethionine is the combination of the effects of selenium and methionine, a mineral and an amino acid.
Other properties of taking selenium and methionine include strengthening the immune system and improving thyroid gland function.
To take this form of L-methionine, one should ingest one capsule per day. Some formulations come in 200 mcg tablets, which help with the absorption of the two main components of this formulation.
Cystine and methionine
They are closely related, and cystine depends on sufficient methionine, as it is a precursor. Previously, a deficiency of methionine will also lead to a deficiency in cystine and cysteine.
Both elements are sulfur-rich amino acids with properties and benefits for hair, skin, and nails.
Just like with S-adenosylmethionine, it is available as a dietary supplement to stimulate hair growth and strengthen brittle nails.
Most of the time, it is recommended to take cystine and methionine together in capsules and add omega 3 ener zona and the properties of vitamin C or ascorbate complexes, which include the uses of ascorbic acid. This helps improve the absorption of all nutrients and provides a complete blend of the human body’s nutritional needs.
What is zinc with methionine
Zinc is an essential nutrient needed in multiple cellular processes, such as duplication, increasing lymphocytes in the immune system, during childhood growth, and is very necessary during pregnancy.
It also plays a role in processes that give fertility to men. Adding zinc methionine improves the way the body absorbs the mineral, giving it an organic chelated form, meaning the union of zinc and methionine amino acid.
This chelated zinc formulation makes it highly resistant and more difficult for it to bind with phytates, phytic acid, and intestinal fibers. As a result, taking zinc methionine allows for greater absorption and less waste or expulsion through the body’s natural processes of eliminating useless matter.
Does methionine have another function?
In addition to the properties described and knowing its uses, we can say that the function of methionine is:
- Acting as an antioxidant.
- Increasing selenium absorption.
- Protecting the liver.
- Reducing liver fat.
- Improving the production of organic compounds.
- Fundamental in the creation of DNA and RNA.
- Anti-stress.
It is a powerful protector of the body against damage that certain chemicals and heavy metals such as lead can cause. Its presence in the body facilitates the elimination and expulsion of toxins produced in the liver. It works well for eliminating alcohol remnants and also for reducing the effects of copper poisoning.
The role it plays in selenium absorption, a very important mineral for health, is also important. Selenomethionine helps improve the amount of selenium the body can absorb and process, thereby strengthening the body’s defenses and thyroid function.
In liver protection, its function is related to inositol and choline. Methionine is a lipotropic, acting to prevent fat accumulation in the liver. In some weight-loss products, it can be found combined with vitamin B6 to stimulate metabolic activity.
Dosage
The daily amount is between 500 to 1500 mg per day. The recommended dose for most people is one capsule per day, which is 500 mg of methionine.
It should be taken 30 minutes before starting to eat.
