Methionine

An Amino Acid

Description:

Methionine is an essential amino acid that contains sulfur. If an adequate amount of vitamin B6 is not present, methionine converts into homocysteine, the toxic molecule linked to several diseases including cardiovascular diseases.

Plants/Foods:

• Avocado
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Granola
• Meats
• Seeds
• Wheat germ

Physiologic Functions:

• Breaks down estrogens
• Increases iron absorption
• Maintains cartilage
• Methionine activating enzyme makes S-adenosyl L-methionine (SAM)
• Required for carnitine synthesis
• Required for choline synthesis
• Required for creatine synthesis
• Required for epinephrine synthesis
• Required for histamine breakdown
• Required for melatonin synthesis
• Required for nucleic acid synthesis
• Required for the production of glutathione
• Vast majority of proteins in the body begin with methionine

Clinical Indications:

• Allergies
• Attention deficit disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Cholecystitis
• Cholelithiasis
• Depression
• Endometriosis
• Fibrocystic breast disease
• Hemorrhoids
• Hepatitis
• Obesity
• Oteoarthritis
• PMS
• Uterine fibroid
• Congested liver detoxification
• Heavy metal poisoning
• High-histamine schizophrenia - used in combination with folic acid and calcium
• Parkinson's disease

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency:

• Catabolism
• Nitrogen retention

Causes of Deficiencies:

• Protein malnutrition

Contraindications:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease

Toxicity and Side Effects:

• May be the most toxic amino acid
• Symptoms include:
  
  Gas
  Hypercalciuria
  Uneasy feelings

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).