| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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approved; nutraceutical |
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Description
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A sulfur containing essential amino acid that is important in many body functions. It is a chelating agent for heavy metals. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
Used for protein synthesis including the formation of SAMe, L-homocysteine, L-cysteine, taurine, and sulfate. |
| Pharmacology |
L-Methionine is a principle supplier of sulfur which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys; a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder irritation; influences hair follicles and promotes hair growth. L-methionine may protect against the toxic effects of hepatotoxins, such as acetaminophen. Methionine may have antioxidant activity. |
| Toxicity |
Doses of L-methionine of up to 250 mg daily are generally well tolerated. Higher doses may cause nausea, vomiting and headache. Healthy adults taking 8 grams of L-methionine daily for four days were found to have reduced serum folate levels and leucocytosis. Healthy adults taking 13.9 grams of L-methionine daily for five days were found to have changes in serum pH and potassium and increased urinary calcium excretion. Schizophrenic patients given 10 to 20 grams of L-methionine daily for two weeks developed functional psychoses. Single doses of 8 grams precipitated encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
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| Biotransformation |
Hepatic |
| Absorption |
Absorbed from the lumen of the small intestine into the enterocytes by an active transport process. |
| External Links |
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