L-Methionine is one of the nine essential amino acids, which means that is not produced by the body. L-methionine as well as other amino acids are the building blocks that our body uses to make protein. Foods that contain L-methionine are dairy products, fish, and meat as well as any other foods that are high in protein. L-methionine places an important role in many functions of the body. L-methionine is taken by mouth to treat liver disorders and a variety of viral infections however there is very limited scientific research that supports its uses and claims.
L-methionine it’s often used as an antioxidant and to help protect damaged tissues. For those that take ibuprofen or Tylenol and get a poisoning reaction called acetaminophen, the use of L-Methionine prevents the breakdown of such from damaging the liver.
L-methionine has been found possibly effective for Tylenol poisoning; however it has shown insufficient evidence for: breast cancer, neural tube birth defects, Parkinson disease, hot flashes, herpes simplex, shingles, pancreatitis, liver function, depression, alcoholism, asthma, allergies, and schizophrenia.
While L-methionine has no harsh side effects and has been proven likely safe when taken by mouth, some side effects have been reported such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, drowsiness, and dizziness.
There are some safety precautions for those that are pregnant and breastfeeding, while this amino acid is likely to be safe, before taking L-methionine as a supplement you should consult your family physician for the safety and the likelihood of vitamins or prescribed drugs interaction. Those with a condition call acidosis, those with atherosclerosis, liver disease or MTHFR (the most common genetic cause of elevated serum levels of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia), should not use L-methionine as a supplement. (MTHFR deficiency is caused by genetic defects in MTHFR, which is an important enzyme in the methyl cycle). Please consult your family physician as before taking any vitamins or supplements.
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