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Methionine: Benefits and Foods High in Methionine

Discover Methionine benefits, top sources for vegans and carnivores and their Methionine content per 100g.

Luke Gartland avatar
Written by Luke Gartland
Updated over 10 months ago

What is Methionine?

Methionine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce, so it must be obtained through the diet. It plays a crucial role in many physiological processes, including the synthesis of proteins and other amino acids, detoxification, and the absorption of zinc and selenium. Methionine is also a precursor to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which is important for immune function and mood regulation.

Benefits of Methionine

  • Protein Synthesis: Essential for the production and maintenance of proteins in the body.

  • Detoxification: Helps in the detoxification process by converting into cysteine and glutathione, which are powerful antioxidants.

  • Absorption of Minerals: Aids in the absorption of essential minerals like zinc and selenium.

  • Precursor to SAMe: Important for immune function, mood regulation, and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

Daily Recommended Value (DRV) for Methionine

The DRV for Methionine is approximately 19 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For an average adult weighing 70 kg, the daily requirement would be:

  • 19 mg x 70 kg = 1,330 mg per day

Foods High in Methionine

Here are some foods rich in Methionine along with their approximate Methionine content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) for a 70 kg individual (1,330 mg per day).

Top Sources of Methionine for Carnivores

  1. Egg Whites

    • Methionine content: 1,393 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 105%

  2. Chicken Breast

    • Methionine content: 925 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 70%

  3. Turkey Breast

    • Methionine content: 925 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 70%

  4. Beef

    • Methionine content: 910 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 68%

  5. Pork Loin

    • Methionine content: 850 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 64%

Top Sources of Methionine for Vegans

  1. Brazil Nuts

    • Methionine content: 1,123 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 84%

  2. Soybeans

    • Methionine content: 547 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 41%

  3. Sunflower Seeds

    • Methionine content: 377 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 28%

  4. Tofu

    • Methionine content: 250 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 19%

  5. Lentils

    • Methionine content: 149 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 11%

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