Methionine

amino_acid

Amino acid whose restriction extends lifespan by reducing mitochondrial free radical production; most susceptible protein to oxidation

Food Sources

Foods that contain Methionine.

Fish
Fish tend to have the highest levels of methionine; haddock, halibut, or roughy up to 709 mg per 100 cal
Source: How Not to Age
Poultry
Poultry has among the highest methionine levels; roasted chicken breast can reach 587 mg per 100 cal
Source: How Not to Age
Egg Whites
Whites-only omelet can top the charts at 714 mg methionine per 100 cal
Source: How Not to Age
Legumes
All beans have similar low amounts of methionine around 65 mg per 100 cal
Source: How Not to Age
Fruits
Fruits are very low in methionine; even oranges, the highest, average only 34 mg per 100 cal
Source: How Not to Age

How Methionine works at a cellular level.

PromotesmTOR Activation
PromotesAntioxidant Defense
Methionine has a pro-oxidant effect; supplementing rodent diets results in spikes in oxidative stress markers. Restriction reduces mitochondrial free radical generation.
InhibitsAutophagy
Methionine restriction induces autophagy
InhibitsmTOR Suppression
Methionine activates mTORC1; methionine restriction improves metabolic health
PromotesMethionine restriction
Long-term dietary restriction of methionine to required minimum increased the lifespan of mice and rats. Diets with lower levels of sulfur-containing amino acids are associated with reduced risk of cardiometabolic disease