Methionine is an essential amino acid which is not manufactured in the body. It is obtained from food sources and dietary supplements. There are several uses of methionine in our body, it is necessary in synthesis of RNA and DNA, it helps to absorb selenium. In order to make a proper utilization of methionine, it requires cofactors such as vitamin B6, B12, choline, folic acid and magnesium.
Methionine is found in foods such as meat, fish, beans, lentils, garlic, seeds, and yogurt, cheese, chicken and beef.
Some of the benefits of methionine before knowing its deficiency symptoms:
- It is a great antioxidant as it contains sulfur which is useful to curtail the free radicals.
- Its use in depression, chronic liver disease and arthritis is well known.
- Methionine also improves memory. And therefore it is helpful in dementia condition.
- Methionine also helps to maintain soft and supple skin, healthy hair and nails.
- Methionine helps to breakdown fats which prevents atherosclerosis.
Methionine Deficiency Symptoms
- Deficiency of methionine can cause many symptoms:
- Dementia, fatty liver, slow growth, edema, skin lesions are caused due to methionine deficiency.
- Methionine deficiency is contributory factor in causing diseases such as childhood rheumatic fever, muscle paralysis, hair loss, depression, folic acid deficiency.
Low Methionine Diet, Treatment
Those suffering from methionine deficiency should take foods which are high in methionine and supplements of methionine.