Best L-Methionine Supplement Uses & How to Take

Methionine is an amino acid that comes from common food sources in the diet, include beef, nuts, eggs, cheese, beans, fish and turkey. As an essential amino acid, methionine cannot be made in the body and must be derived from foods.

This amino acid is involved in a number of cell functions. It serves as a precursor to the synthesis of the amino acid cysteine and is involved in the methylation process that produces S-adenosyl-methionine, or SAM-e. Methionine is also used to produce creatine, which is an organic acid.

It is possible to maintain adequate levels of methionine through dietary sources. Those who are unable to do so might benefit from taking methionine supplements. Methionine and cysteine have a combined recommended dietary intake of 25 mg per gram of protein.

Methionine supplements are considered safe when used at appropriate dosages. However, high doses have certain risks associated with their use and should only be used while under the care of a doctor.

Methionine

Amino Acid

Detox

Liver Health

Anti-Aging

How It Works:

• Used to make the anti-oxidant glutathione
• Supports detoxification pathways
• Can be converted into SAMe

Dosage:

25 mg per gram of protein

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Common Uses of Methionine Supplements

According to the Natural Medicines Database, methionine supplements are used for several different purposes.

They can be used clinically to manage acetaminophen poisoning, which is a condition that can damage the liver. Methionine helps prevent liver damage by preventing acetaminophen from breaking down inside this organ.

Methionine supplements are also used for liver detoxification, joint health, digestion and depression.

These supplements have other uses as well, such as lowering pH levels in urine, managing liver disorders, promoting muscle health, managing allergies, breaking down fats and increasing energy levels.

Methionine supplements have also been used to support wound healing, mood disorders such as depression, alcoholism, reducing the side effects of radiation, managing the symptoms of schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and drug withdrawal.

Benefits and Effects of Methionine Supplements

In the, body, the amino acid Methionine is used to produce S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). This is a natural chemical involved in several bodily functions, including immune function, mood regulation and cognitive function. SAMe helps support joint health as well.

Methionine is also used to synthesize cysteine, which is needed to produce an antioxidant called glutathione. This antioxidant helps promote detoxification, a process in which harmful substances are removed from the liver and other parts of the body.

Methionine also contains sulfur, which helps support healthy cartilage, nails and other types of connective tissue. This amino acid also helps the body make creatine when we do not get enough from dietary sources. Creatine is involved in energy metabolism and also plays a role in cognitive performance.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, Methionine is considered possibly effective for managing the symptoms of acetaminophen poisoning.

There is insufficient evidence to support claims of its effectiveness for other uses, such as cobalamin deficiency, depression, joint health, energy level increases and healthy digestion. More studies are needed to rate its efficacy in these areas.

How to Take Methionine Supplements

Methionine supplements are available in different forms, including powder, tablets and capsules. These products come in different dosages, ranging from 500mg to 250g.

There is no standard or recommended methionine supplement dosage. Those who want to use these supplements should talk to their doctor to find out what dosage is safe for them to take.

A 2006 literature review published in the Journal of Nutrition found that doses of 250 mg taken daily are generally considered safe. [1]

When used for managing acetaminophen toxicity, 2.5g of methionine are given in four doses at 4-hour intervals, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [2] This dosage is significantly higher than the typical dose used as a dietary supplement and should only be taken under medical supervision.

The dosage needed for other uses varies based on an individual’s health, age and other factors.

Side Effects of Methionine Supplements

Methionine supplements are considered safe to take in low or moderate doses under a doctor’s care. These supplements should not be taken without medical guidance from a healthcare provider due to the risks associated with their use.

High amounts of methionine can lead to a buildup of homocysteine, which can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Doses over 100mg/kg should be avoided in order to lower the risk of serious and possible fatal cerebral effects, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [3]

Methionine is not known to cause interactions with drugs. Those who are planning on using this supplement should still check with their doctor first if they take any medications for underlying health conditions.

Methionine supplements can cause interactions with certain diseases. In those with schizophrenia, large doses of these supplements might lead to agitation, disorientation and other symptoms. Methionine supplements can also cause liver disease or atherosclerosis to become worse.

A 2015 study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Science found that moderate methionine increases in mice had atherogenic effects that promoted the buildup of plaque in the arteries. [4] Other conditions that methionine can interact with include acidosis and MTHFR deficiencies.

Women who are pregnant and those who are nursing should avoid taking methionine supplements. There is insufficient evidence to support the safety of these supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Methionine supplement reviews from a large number of consumers indicate that these products are generally effective for various uses, including liver detox and joint health. A small number of consumers indicated that these products were not effective for them.

Those who plan to take these products should keep in mind that the best methionine supplement for them will depend on what they are using it for and what brand they purchase.

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