Methionine

Other Names: DL-Methionine, DL-Méthionine, L-2-amino-4-(methylthio)butyric acid, L-Methionine, L-Méthionine, Méthionine, Metionina.
Methionine is one of the eight essential amino acids : The human body does not naturally produce methionine, so humans can only get it by ingesting it. Sources include protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and Brazil nuts, as well as cereal grains. People can also get it through a supplement or through intravenous (IV) therapy administered by a health care provider.

Special Precautions of Methionine

• Methionine seems to be safe for treating acetaminophen poisoning, but only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
• Don’t treat yourself with methionine. It may be UNSAFE to use methionine to self-medicate if you use larger amounts than those typically found in food. Too much methionine can cause brain damage and death. Methionine can increase blood levels of homocysteine, a chemical that might cause heart disease. Methionine might also promote the growth of some tumors.
• Cancer : Methionine has been shown to play an active part in cancer cell proliferation and malignant tumor growth. Restricting your methionine intake may be the key to stopping cancer in its tracks
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of methionine during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
• Acidosis: Methionine can cause changes in acidity of the blood and should not be used in people with a condition called acidosis.
• “Hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis): There is some concern that methionine might make atherosclerosis worse. Methionine can increase blood levels of a chemical called homocysteine, especially in people who don’t have enough folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin B6 in their bodies, or in people whose bodies have trouble processing homocysteine. Too much homocysteine is linked to an increased risk for diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
• Liver disease, including cirrhosis: Methionine might make liver disease worse.
• Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency: This is an inherited disorder. It changes the way the body processes homocysteine. People who have this disorder should not take methionine supplements because methionine might cause homocysteine to build up in these people. Too much homocysteine might increase the chance of developing diseases of the heart or blood vessels.
• Schizophrenia: Large doses of methionine (e.g., 20 g/day for 5 days) might cause confusion, disorientation, delirium, agitation, listlessness, and other similar symptoms in people with schizophrenia.

Benefits and uses of Methionine are

Methionine is a protein-based amino acid and lipotropic compound that helps with metabolism and breaks down fat. It can also help with chelation, which is the removal of heavy metals from the body to ensure that the liver, kidneys, and bladder remain healthy. This amino acid preserves artery function and maintains healthy nails, hair, and skin. Additionally, it is essential for muscle growth and energy.

• Preventing liver damage in cases of acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning when given by mouth or intravenously (by IV) by emergency room staff. Treatment should begin as quickly as possible, but must start within 10 hours of acetaminophen overdose.
• Colon cancer. There is some evidence that eating a diet that is rich in methionine and folate (a type of B vitamin) might help to prevent coloncancer, especially in people with a family history of colon cancer and in people who drink large amounts of alcohol.
• Maintaining normal liver function.
• Treating depression.
• Alcoholism.
• Allergies.
• Asthma.
• Radiation side effects.
• Schizophrenia.
• Drug withdrawal.
• Parkinson's disease.