You may know that amino acids serve as building blocks for the body's own proteins (also called protein). Methionine is also an essential component of proteins. But methionine also has many other interesting functions.
Methionine is an essential amino acid
First of all, it is important to mention that methionine is one of the essential amino acids . This means that our body cannot produce it itself and we have to consume it in sufficient quantities through food. With non-essential amino acids, it is not quite as critical that we consume enough. Because the body can produce them itself from essential amino acids if necessary. For example, the non-essential amino acid cysteine can be formed from methionine. But here too, it is important that sufficient protein is consumed through food.
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Occurrence in food
Methionine is found in protein-rich foods. Particularly good sources are fish, beef, cheese and nuts.
Functions of methionine in the body
Methionine performs many functions in the body:
- Methionine can bind heavy metals and thus support detoxification . [1]
- Methionine serves as a methyl group donor . [2] Methyl groups are required for many processes in the body. For example, neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin, adrenaline and acetylcholine are activated by methylation. Genes are also regulated by methylation.
- Serves as a building block for S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) . SAM has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects. It is used in the treatment of depression. [3]
- Is converted into the amino acids cysteine and taurine
- Acidifies urine : Excess methionine is excreted in the urine, making the urine acidic. This can inhibit bacterial growth and thus prevent urinary tract infections. [4]
- Can increase histamine levels [5]
- Is needed for the formation of glutathione . Glutathione is an important detoxification molecule in the body that also has antioxidant properties. [6]
Conclusion: Methionine is very versatile
Methionine is not only an important protein building block, it also fulfils many functions in the body. It is essential for gene regulation, has important functions in detoxification and serves as a precursor for other amino acids.
The need for methionine can be easily met as long as sufficient protein is consumed. Methionine can easily be lacking in a low-protein diet.
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[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3824386/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471069/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6457972/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9446004/
