Methionine

Benefits of METHIONINE – Essential Amino Acid which protects the liver

Methionine is an essential amino acid. A sulphur containing amino acid, it is required in the body for making nucleic acid and collagen, and protein synthesis. The body can make cysteine, another amino acid, from methionine but not vice versa. It can also make choline, a vitamin of the B complex group, in the body with the aid of vitamin B12 and folacin, provided the diet is high in protein. It acts as an antioxidant, and as such, removes harmful free radicals from the body.

FUNCTIONS IN THE BODY

- Of all the amino acids, methionine is of key importance for the health of the liver.
- It protects the liver from fatty degeneration.
- The cysteine that it forms prevents the destruction of the liver cells.
- This amino acid helps dissolve cholesterol and assimilates fat.
- It is required by the pancreas, lymph nodes, and the spleen, and is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin.
- It is necessary for the maintenance of normal body weight.
- It also helps to maintain the proper nitrogen balance in the body.

RICH SOURCES OF METHIONINE

- Whole grains.
- Meat and Poultry.
- Milk and milk Products.
- Leafy vegetables, peaches and grapes also contain methionine.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

The deficiency of methionine can ultimately lead to:
- chronic rheumatic fever in children.
- hardening of the liver.
- nephritis of kidneys.
- according to studies, methionine deficiency can be the cause of choline deficiency, as it can lead to retention of fat in the liver.

HEALING AND THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES

- Methionine is considered to be one of the body’s most powerful detoxifying agents.
- The therapeutic dosage of methionine varies from 200mg to 1000mg daily.
- This amino acid has also been found valuable in cases of high blood cholesterol, as it helps in bringing down cholesterol levels.

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