Methionine |
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Basic Information
Methionine is an amino acid.
Available from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? Yes
Prescription required? No
NATURAL SOURCES
Eggs
Fish
Meat
Milk
NOTE: Not available from plant sources.
REASONS TO USE
Functions as building block of all proteins.
Cysteine and taurine may rely on methionine for synthesis in
the human body.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Helps eliminate fatty substances that might obstruct arteries,
including those that supply the brain, heart, kidneys.
WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?
Single amino-acid deficiencies are unknown except in people on
crash diets consisting of only a few foods.
Amino-acid deficiencies appear more commonly as a result of
total protein deficiency, which is rare in the United States and
Canada.
Anyone with inadequate caloric or nutritional dietary intake
or increased nutritional requirements.
Those with inadequate protein dietary intake.
Children, pregnant or breast-feeding women who are vegan
vegetarians.
People with recent severe burns or injuries.
Premature infants.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
In moderate deficiencies:
Slowed growth in children
Low levels of essential proteins in blood
In severe deficiencies:
Apathy
Depigmentation of hair
Edema
Lethargy
Liver damage
Loss of muscle and fat
Skin lesions
Weakness
UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS
None
LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY
None available, except for experimental purposes.
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):
No RDA has been established.
What this amino acid does:
Provides part of all proteins.
Miscellaneous information:
This sulfur-containing amino acid (like choline and taurine)
may help eliminate fatty substances that could cause occlusion
of vital arteries.
Poorly nourished people have a greater chance of adverse side
effects from taking amino-acid supplements, including an amino-
acid imbalance.
The poorer the diet, the greater the chance of an amino-acid
supplement creating a harmful combination.
Available as:
Tablets: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid. Don't chew
or crush. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
Capsules: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid. Don't chew
or crush. Take with or immediately after food to decrease
stomach irritation.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Are allergic to any food protein, such as eggs, milk, wheat.
Are at risk of poor nutrition for any reason.
Consult your doctor if you have:
Self-prescribed methionine without medical supervision.
Over age 55:
Don't take amino-acid supplements if you are healthy.
Pregnancy:
Don't take amino-acid supplements if you are healthy.
Breast-feeding:
Don't take amino-acid supplements if you are healthy.
Effect on lab tests:
None known.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't
freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture
may change action of amino acid.
OVERDOSE/TOXICITY
Signs and symptoms:
Unlikely to threaten life or cause significant symptoms.
What to do:
For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue amino acid, and
consult doctor.
For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire
bottle): Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or your nearest
Poison Control Center.
ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
None expected
INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS
None known
INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
None known
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