Protein - Methionine

Question 1

Methionine

Answer 1

Methionine is a sulphur-containing essential amino acid.

Question 2

Food sources

Answer 2

• High in animal foods – Beef, eggs, chicken etc.
• Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, beans, whole grains (e.g. quinoa)

Question 3

Function

Answer 3

• Methionine is a major methyl donor in the body (for methylation reactions such as the homocysteine cycle, and in phase 2 liver detoxification). Raised homocysteine damages the vascular endothelium and increases the risk of atherosclerosis and miscarriage
  o Use B6, folate and B12 to support methylation, whilst restricting dietary methionine (animal sources) to lower homocysteine.

Question 4

Caution:

Answer 4

• Excess methionine also increases acidity in the body.