Sources of Methionine: Are You Getting Enough of This Amino Acid?

Sources of Methionine: Are You Getting Enough of This Amino Acid?
Page content

What Is Methionine?

Methionine is an essential amino acid. It cannot be created by the body and therefore, must be consumed in the diet. This is not that difficult as there are many great sources of methionine from garlic to eggs. What role does this nutrient play in the body? Why is it important?

Like other essential amino acids, methionine is necessary for the body to function properly. Getting plenty from food sources allows the body to not only work, but to thrive. Methionine is used to help break down fats. When this happens efficiently, fats are less likely to accumulate in the liver, allowing this organ to function properly, or the arteries. In this way, it is also useful for supporting good digestion.

Methionine is an important amino acid for protecting the body from free radicals and toxins. First, it is one of the body’s sources of sulfur. This mineral neutralizes free radicals, disinfects the blood, and helps the body resist bacteria. Sulfur is needed by the body to protect against exposure to pollution and even radiation. It is part of methionine, but also several other amino acids, including cysteine, taurine, and glutathione. The body can use methionine to create cysteine, which can be used to produce glutathione, one of the most important compounds for neutralizing toxins in the liver. Because methionine is necessary for helping the body deal with toxic substances it is increasingly important as exposure to toxins, from pesticides residues to medications such as acetaminophen, increases.

Methionine is known to benefit people with osteoarthritis because it is a precursor of a compound known as SAMe, which appears to help with joint pain and stiffness. SAMe is also beneficial for depression. Having adequate levels of this amino acid in the body is important for pregnant women — low levels are linked with an increased risk of neural tube defects.

Food Sources

Some of the best sources of this amino acid are animal products. Meat, eggs, fish, and yogurt all contain methionine. Non-animal sources include soybeans, garlic, onions, seeds, and lentils. Grains are also a good source for vegetarians. The recommended daily requirement for

garlic

methionine varies depending on body weight. For an average adult 800 to 1,000 mg is enough per day.

Balance

Is it necessary to take methionine supplements? Using diet as your primary source of nutrition is always better than taking supplements, especially synthetic supplements. For vegetarians, however, it is important to take a look at what is consumed. As long as there is plenty of soy, whole grains, onions, garlic, and seeds in the diet, methionine deficiency should not be a concern. It is important, however, to be aware of what the food sources of methionine are and to make sure they are in the diet. Furthermore, keep in mind that exposure to toxins from drugs, medications, alcohol, or the environment can increase your need for this invaluable essential amino acid.

References

Health News https://www.healthnews.com/natural-health/amino-acids/methionine-essential-sulfur-containing-amino-acid-643.html

Balch, Phyllis, CNC. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition.” (The Penguin Group, 2006).

photo by Nadia Prigoda-Lee

photo by Low Jumping Frog