L-methionine is a sulfur-containing essential amino acid used by the body to form protein structures. The body cannot produce its own supply of l-methionine so it should be directly derived from the diet. Rich food sources of l-methionine include meat, eggs, poultry, cheese, and fish. Smaller amounts of methionine are also found in many fruits and vegetables. L-methionine supplements are the more standardised sources to meet the body’s required daily l-methionine dosage.
L-methionine is a very important ingredient in the synthesis of important chemicals needed for numerous vital biochemical processes in the body. It is involved in the production of creatine, another amino acid needed by the muscles to produce energy for movements. L-methionine contains sulfur, an important element for growth and metabolism. This essential amino acid is also a precursor to s-adenosylmethionine or simply “SAM”, a nutrient that influences the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. The last and most important function of L-methionine is that it is essential in the production of glutathione, which is the body’s most abundant and most powerful antioxidant.
L-methionine Benefits
- L-methionine helps the muscles to move and perform in athletics and body building activities. Its positive effects on creatine levels helps supply and boost energy levels in the muscles so it can vigorously move during intense workouts and training.
- L-methionine supplements help the body effectively metabolise fats. Effective fat or lipid metabolism significantly aids in weight control and in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. More on weight loss, creatine from l-methionine helps the body to restore balance the ratio between muscles and fat.
- L-methionine benefits liver health and its natural detoxification functions. This sulfur-containing amino acid helps aids the liver in processing fats, which prevents fatty liver disease. Also by increasing glutathione levels, l-methionine helps the liver to effectively neutralise toxins for healthy detox.
- L-methionine naturally supports cellular health with its powerful antioxidant activities. Optimum cellular health is essential in reversing the early signs of ageing and the development of degenerative (age-related) diseases. L-methionine works by fighting free-radicals that causes cell damage and cell death.
- L-methionine and Sam-e can help generate positive mood against depression, anxiety, and other mood problems. L-methionine helps produce SAM-e. SAM-e regulates the neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine and serotonin, which influences an individual’s mood and behavior.
- L-methionine benefits healthy skin, nails, and hair. It helps form collagen, the primary structural protein of the connective tissues including the skin, nails, and hair.
- L-methionine supplements boost natural immune functions. People with immune system problems have been diagnosed to have low l-methionine levels in the body. Supplemental l-methionine can replenish the deficiency for improved immune defenses against bacteria, viruses, and other infectious microbes.
- Emerging studies suggest that L-methionine may help prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Clinical tests have shown that this amino acid prevents bacterial adhesion in the bladder wall, which initiates the infectious process in the urinary tract.
L-methionine Side Effects
Common side effects of L-methionine supplementation include nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Individuals with allergy to l-methionine experience rashes, itching, swelling, and difficulty in breathing in worse cases.
Drug Interactions
Excessive intake of l-methionine supplements in people with deficiency in folic acid, Vitamins B6, and B12 can lead to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. L-methionine supplements inhibit the absorption of the Parkinson ’s disease medication levodopa. For people with suffering from these conditions, consulting a medical doctor prior to taking l-methionine supplements is recommended.
