Methionine

Methionine Functions and Uses

The most well documented use of Methionine is to prevent damage from acetaminophen overdose primarily through IV or orally. It is recommended that treatment begin as soon as possible. Treatment after ten hours from the acetaminophen poisoning will be ineffective.

Methionine assists in the synthesis of certain substances in the body, including choline and epinephrine because it is a primary methyl donor. Methionine act in response to adenosine triphosphate to form S-adenosyl methionine, or what is commonly known as SAMe.  SAMe is a vital part of the production of melatonin, creatine and other substances. 

Methionine is also used in the treatment of endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissues from the lining of the uterus begin to grow outer portion of the uterus. Methionine can also be useful in the removal of surplus estrogen from the liver, which will help patients that have a condition called estrogen dominance, which involves increased levels of estrogen.

There is some indication that Methionine can help with various other ailments, though evidence is far from conclusive. These ailments include;

• Parkinson’s disease
• Some allergies
• Addiction
• Side effects from radiation
• Asthma
• Schizophrenia
• Depression

Methionine and Dietary Sources

Much of one’s daily Methionine needs can be obtained through diet alone. Some food that are rich in Methionine include meats, fish, garlic, brewer’s yeast, cheeses, brazil nuts, eggs, whole grains and onions to name a few. Smaller amounts of Methionine are found in vegetables and foods that are fermented, which is why consumption of whole grains is vital for vegans and vegetarians.

Methionine Dosage

For cases of acetaminophen poisoning, the patient should be given 2.5 g of Methionine every 4 hours. This should be given in 4 doses to prevent severe liver damage and possible death. Note that the treatment will not be effective 10 hours after the overdose occurs and should only be given by a doctor or other medical professional.

For regular use, the World Health Organization recommends that an adult receive 1g every day. Typically this is consumed through regular diet, though occasionally deficiencies may occur.

Methionine Deficiency

Though most people get more than enough Methionine through their daily food intake, occasionally deficiency can happen. This is typically related to a lack of S-Adenosylmethionine.

Methionine deficiency may cause cataracts, depression, loss of color in the hair, muscle atrophy, edema (swelling), loss of fatty tissue, lesions, inhibited development in children and tiredness. In pregnancy, Methionine deficiency is suspected to cause neural tube defects in babies.

Methionine Side Effects

Methionine should only be used to treat acetaminophen overdose under the supervision of a doctor or other medical professional. Self-treatment with Methionine at this dose can be dangerous.

• Overdose of Methionine can cause an increase in homocysteine levels, which is thought to cause heart disease. In high doses it can also lead to brain damage and even death if not taken correctly.
• Methionine is also thought to increase tumor growth in some cases.
• Those who suffer with Acidosis should be cautious when taking Methionine. Methionine can lead to changes in the acidity of the blood which can cause problems for patients with this ailment.
• If you suffer from liver disorders such as cirrhosis you should refrain from taking excess Methionine.
• Large doses of Methionine can cause delirium, irritation, lethargy, disorientation or confusion in Schizophrenia patients. These patients should not exceed more than 20g a day for more than 5 days.
• Pregnant and/or nursing women should not take Methionine. Not enough information has been gathered to assess the risks and therefore it is better to be safe and stay away.
• Methionine can make hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) worse. Methionine increases the level of homocysteine in the blood, which increases the chances of heart disease.

Use caution, and keep your doctor informed, when adding any dietary supplement to your diet. Compare several sources and providers of Methionine using the supplement finder now!