Methionine is an essential amino acid

[Guest guest]

I think that before some of you start to reduce the level of

methionine in your diet significantly, you should realize that

methionine is a ESSENTIAL amino acid.

The following article indicates that deficiency of dietary methionine

may lead to the accumulation of DNA damage, tumor formation, and

immune dysfunction.

http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/10/7/1209

This brings to mind several questions:

1) Why is methionine considered an Essential amino acid?

2) What are the symptoms of methionine deficiency?

3) What is the RDA for methionine in the diet?

ly, I would be afraid of restricting methionine and ending up

with tumors or a weakened immune system. I know of no centenarians

who practice methionine restriction. As Francesca pointed out,

vegetarian diets which are naturally low in methionine do not

guarantee longevity.

Tony