Methionine
A sulfur amino acid that starts protein and methylation.
What is Methionine?
Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid. It is the "start" amino acid that begins building nearly every protein, and it supplies methyl groups for methylation reactions that regulate DNA and make compounds like creatine and the antioxidant glutathione.
Health benefits of Methionine
- Provides methyl groups for DNA and cellular reactions
- A precursor for glutathione, the body's master antioxidant
- Helps produce creatine and carnitine
- Supports healthy skin, hair and nails through sulfur
Top food sources of Methionine
See full rankingEggs, fish, meat, poultry, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds and whole grains. Values shown per 100 g.
Egg, white, dried, powder, glucose reduced
3,204 mg
Egg, white, dried, flakes, glucose reduced
2,991 mg
Egg, white, dried
2,790 mg
Fish, cod, Atlantic, dried and salted
1,859 mg
Fish, whitefish, dried (Alaska Native)
1,740 mg
Seal, bearded (Oogruk), meat, dried (Alaska Native)
1,684 mg
Seeds, sesame flour, low-fat
1,656 mg
Egg, whole, dried, stabilized, glucose reduced
1,557 mg
Egg, whole, dried
1,477 mg
Egg Mix, USDA Commodity
1,443 mg
Whale, beluga, meat, dried (Alaska Native)
1,353 mg
Seeds, sesame flour, partially defatted
1,331 mg
How much Methionine do you need?
There is no FDA Daily Value for individual amino acids. The WHO estimate for methionine plus cysteine is about 15 mg per kg of body weight per day.
Methionine deficiency
Deficiency is uncommon; very low intake can impair growth and methylation. Strict plant-based diets are usually fine when varied, as grains, soy and seeds supply it.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Methionine do?
Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid. It is the "start" amino acid that begins building nearly every protein, and it supplies methyl groups for methylation reactions that regulate DNA and make compounds like creatine and the antioxidant glutathione.
How much Methionine do I need per day?
There is no FDA Daily Value for individual amino acids. The WHO estimate for methionine plus cysteine is about 15 mg per kg of body weight per day.
Which foods are highest in Methionine?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Egg, white, dried, powder, glucose reduced, Egg, white, dried, flakes, glucose reduced, Egg, white, dried, Fish, cod, Atlantic, dried and salted, Fish, whitefish, dried (Alaska Native).
What happens if I don't get enough Methionine?
Deficiency is uncommon; very low intake can impair growth and methylation. Strict plant-based diets are usually fine when varied, as grains, soy and seeds supply it.