Human beings possess an essential amino acid known as L Methionine. This compound plays a vital part in the health and metabolism of multiple species and also in human beings. Moreover, it is a crucial bit of angiogenesis (development of new blood vessels).
Methionine Structure
Between two amino acids, Methionine contains sulphur while the other one is cysteine. Generally, every amino acid holds a similar structure that is an amino group connected to one hydrogen, one side is a chain group and the other is a carboxyl group. Moreover, Methionine’s chemical formula is C5H11NO2S, and its side chain is C2H7S.
Following is a diagram that shows Methionine structure
Dietary Sources of L –Methionine
High concentrations of L-methionine are present in meat, eggs, Brazil nuts and sesame seeds. Notably, it is also available in some seeds of plants and cereals. However, maximum vegetables and fruits hold low levels of L-Methionine.
Maximum legumes have a low amount of protein content, and hence they are low in L-Methionine. Moreover, the protein sources which do not have enough of L-Methionine are not counted as complete proteins. Due to this reason, sometimes pet foods are mixed with racemic Methionine.
Furthermore, individuals must not overcook or excessively boil food products containing L – methionine. It may damage the amino acid structure as they are hugely soluble.
A Tabular Representation Showing Sources of Food Containing Methionine.
|
Sources of Food |
g/100g |
|
Eggs |
3.204 |
|
Flour from sesame seeds |
1.656 |
|
Rice (cooked, brown, medium-grain) |
0.052 |
|
Beef |
0.749 |
|
Parmesan and shredded cheese |
1.114 |
|
Bacon |
0.593 |
|
Peanuts |
0.309 |
|
Tuna fish |
0.755 |
|
Wheat germ |
0.456 |
|
Oats |
0.312 |
|
Chickpea |
0.253 |
|
Seeds of chia |
0.588 |
|
Roasted, fried and boiled chicken |
0.801 |
|
Yellow corn |
0.197 |
|
Pork |
0.564 |
|
Almonds |
0.151 |
|
Lentils |
0.077 |
Effectiveness Of L Methionine
The most important use of Methionine is for the treatment of acetaminophen poisoning. Although there is a lack of evidence, this amino acid may also be useful for the following diseases:
Humans who intake high quantities of Methionine are less prone to breast cancer.
Some studies suggest that if individuals take L-methionine via food for at least six months, they may experience improvement in Parkinson’s disease symptoms like tremor, rigidity and incapability of controlling movements.
Females who eat more amounts of L-methionine during their pregnancy may have a reduced risk of neural tube issues.
Apart from the mentioned diseases, Methionine can improve several other health conditions like herpes simplex virus (HSV), pancreatitis, asthma, schizophrenia, depression, liver function, shingles, human papillomavirus, allergies, urinary tract infections, etc.
Moreover, there are other Methionine uses as well. It can be used as an additive to dogs as it assists in lessening the growth of kidney stones in them. Also, it acts as a pesticide to fight against caterpillars (giant swallowtail) which damage orange crops.
Impact On Health
Reduction of L-methionine is related to hair greying. Due to loss of this amino acid, hydrogen peroxide gets built up in follicles of hair which results in lack of tyrosinase effect. Hence, it further leads to hair discolouration.
On the other hand, large doses of Methionine may affect the human brain and cause heart diseases. Also, it can enhance the development of a few tumours. Hence, Methionine must not be used by self-medication.
Do It Yourself
1. L – methionine is essential for growth of _________ ________ in the human body.
2. High levels of methionine is available in _________, _________, _________ and _________.
3. L – methionine is vastly used for the treatment of __________ __________.
4. The chemical formula of methionine is _________.
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