methionine

Methionine is an essential amino acid required for protein synthesis and numerous metabolic processes in the human body. It serves as a principal supplier of sulfur and is involved in methylation reactions by forming S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which acts as a universal methyl donor for over 50 transmethylation reactions. Methionine exhibits antioxidant properties, helps detoxify harmful substances such as heavy metals and acetaminophen metabolites, regulates lipid metabolism by increasing hepatic lecithin production and reducing liver fat accumulation, and can acidify urine to relieve skin irritation from incontinence. It also plays roles in growth, repair of tissues, DNA methylation regulation, ammonia detoxification (by creating ammonia-free urine), and may have anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways[1][6][7]. Methionine is used clinically to treat conditions such as liver disease (including fatty liver), homocystinuria (cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency), osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease risk management due to its effect on homocysteine levels, depression, Alzheimer’s disease support therapy, schizophrenia adjunctive therapy (historically at high doses), pancreatitis support care[5], prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy[2], control of strong urine odor or diaper rash via urinary acidification[3][4], and protection against radiation or oxidative stress damage[7]. Excessive intake can cause adverse effects including nausea/vomiting/headache at high doses; it may increase blood homocysteine levels—a risk factor for cardiovascular disease—and should be avoided by individuals with certain metabolic disorders or severe liver dysfunction.

Brand names

ME-500ME500ME 500

Other names

a-amino-g-methylthiol-n-butyric acidracemethionine