L-Methionine

Absorption

Absorbed from the lumen of the small intestine into the enterocytes by an active transport process.

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.

Description

Colorless or white lustrous plates, or a white crystalline powder. It has a slight, characteristic odor. It is soluble in water, in alkali solutions, and in dilute mineral acids. It is slightly soluble in alcohol and practically insoluble in ether.

The Uses of L-Methionine

L-Methionine is used as an essential amino acid for human development and therapeutically acts as an antidote for acetaminophen poisoning. It serves as a chelating agent for heavy metals, as a flavoring agent and nutritional supplement for foods. It acts as a feed additive, vegetable oil enrichment and as a single cell protein. In addition to this, it is used as a hepatoprotectant and also acts as a lipotropic agent and prevents excess fat buildup in the liver.

Indications

Used for protein synthesis including the formation of SAMe, L-homocysteine, L-cysteine, taurine, and sulfate.

Background

A sulfur containing essential amino acid that is important in many body functions. It is a chelating agent for heavy metals.

What are the applications of Application

L-Methionine is an essential amino acid

Pharmacokinetics

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.

Metabolism

Hepatic