Methionine

Methionine is important for immune cell production and proper nerve function. Methionine is a potent antioxidant and is noted as an important amino for your liver's repair and rebuilding processes. Methionine forms cysteine, also an amino acid, which helps form enzymes that detoxify chemicals and free radicals.

Methionine is a good source of sulfur, which prevents disorders of the hair, skin, and nails. It also encourages the breakdown of fats. Fat build up can effect the liver and obstruct blood flow to major organs such as the heart and kidneys, preventing a buildup of fat in the liver and arteries allows for better blood flow.

Key Uses of Methionine

*Acts as an antioxidant to reduce damaging free radicals

*Prevents skin and nail problems

*Prevents fat buildup in the liver and arteries

*Helps relieve or prevent fatigue

*May be useful to some with allergies

*May be helpful in relieving the symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.

*Beneficial for women who take oral contraceptives because it promotes the excretion of estrogen, preventing high levels of estrogen in the body which has been linked to some diseases such as blood clots and breast cancer.

Food Sources: Methionine is the least common of the amino acids. It occurs most in protein-based foods. Very low amounts are found in legumes and vegetables.

Methionine for Pregnancy

pregnant woman, methionine, folic acid, pregancy

If you're pregnant, remember that methionine, along with folic acid , a B-vitamin, plays a role in preventing neural-tube defect in the fetus. The neural-tube is the part of the fetus that forms during cell development and becomes the nervous system.

Methionine is an important amino acid for the normal development and closure of the neural tube. A methionine deficiency is associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects which can lead to nervous system problems such as spina bifida in new babies.

Vegetarians are more likely to be deficient in methionine than meat-eaters. If you are a vegetarian, talk to your doctor a nutritional formula with extra methionine. Be sure to take extra vitamin B12 and folic acid-especially during pregnancy.

Warning: Don't take methionine if you have elevated cholesterol or heart disease. Methionine converts to homocysteine, a known risk factor for heart disease.

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Methionine

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