Methionine Benefits

What is methionine?

Well, it’s one of ten essential amino acids. The body uses methionine from food to make cysteine, a nonessential amino acid.

This amino acid is an excellent source of sulfur.

The body uses sulfur to promote healthy hair, skin, and nail growth. Sulfur reduces liver fat and it reduces cholesterol.

And sulfur helps eliminate heavy metals and toxins, protects the kidneys, and prevents bladder infection by stopping ammonia growth in urine.

It's Needed to Make
S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe)

Who cares?

SAMe is an active compound made from methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). SAMe acts as a methyl donor in many biochemical pathways including detoxification of harmful products of metabolism and the creation of neurotransmitters, cartilage, and glutathione.

Glutathione production is very important in anti-aging. This chemical helps reduce oxidation (oxidation of cells leads to cancer). It also mixes with toxins to form water soluble compounds that the body can eliminate.

Food Sources of Methionine

Your body does not produce methionine on its own, so you have to get it from food. Some methionine-rich foods:

• sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds

• eggs

• fish, sardines

• beef, pork, chicken

• cottage cheese

• lentils, soybeans

• Brazil nuts, peanuts, almonds

Fruits, vegetables, and legumes contain very little methionine.

Chances are you’ll never be methionine deficient in your entire life. Amino acid deficiencies result from a lack of protein. Only a vegan or someone on a low-protein diet would be in danger.

Methionine in a Supplement

Multi-nutrient supplements often contain methionine.

Look for it on the label. Confirm that it is L-methionine; the body absorbs the L-crystalline form the best. To ensure max absorption, the supplement should also contain taurine, cysteine, vitamin B6, and folic acid.

Don’t take supplemental methionine if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Remember, supplement ingredients may interact with prescription meds
or over-the-counter drugs.

To be safe, consult your doctor before starting any health supplement.