Methionine -- an essential amino acid -- helps to supply your body with sulfur, which plays a key role in synthesizing and utilizing antioxidant nutrients. Methionine is not produced or stored in the body and needs to be obtained through diet. Milk, a source of complete protein, contains all the essential amino acids necessary for health, including methionine. Choosing milk that has been additionally fortified with protein can significantly increase methionine levels.
The Basics
An 8-ounce glass of whole milk with 3.25 percent milk fat provides 7.69 grams of protein, 7.93 grams of total fat, 11.71 grams of carbohydrates and 12.32 grams of natural sugars in the form of lactose. At a reasonable 149 calories, a glass of milk contains a generous serving of high-quality protein, as well as healthy amounts of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and the trace mineral selenium. However, it is high in undesirable saturated fat. With 4.551 grams of undesirable saturated fatty acids, it contains over a quarter of the daily 16-gram limit advised by the American Heart Association for a 2,000-calorie diet.
Methionine Features
In addition to supplying sulfur, methionine helps to create methyl groups essential for chemical and metabolic reactions in your body. It is also lipotropic, meaning that it helps the liver process fat. In addition, methionine is converted in the body to S-adenyl methionine, which helps produce serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. Methionine is converted in the body to the enzyme homocysteine; Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University reports that excessive levels of homocysteine are associated with heart disease. With regards to homocysteine, methionine is a two-edged sword; it is a source of homocysteine, but it also speeds the conversion of homocysteine to beneficial cystathione.
The Specifics
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, an 8-ounce glass of whole milk contains a modest .178 grams of methionine. This is less than a third of the .666 grams contained in a 3 1/2-ounce serving of pork loin roast, but is significantly higher than the .116 grams provided by a cup of lima beans or the .050 grams in two slices of whole-wheat toast. For higher amino acid content, use protein-fortified milk, with a methionine content of .244 grams per 8-ounce glass. Other dietary sources of methionine include meat, fish and other dairy products such as cottage cheese and yogurt.
Other Amino Acids
An 8-ounce glass of whole milk provides .178 grams of tryptophan, necessary for stable mood and sleep, along with .246 grams of alanine, used by the body to build protein and derive energy from glucose. The serving also contains .361 grams of tyrosine -- essential for the creation of the hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine and the neurotransmitter dopamine -- along with .334 grams of lysine, needed to preserve lean muscle mass.
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Whole Milk
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; The Vascular Toxicity of Homocysteine and How to Control It; Mark F. McCarty, PhD. and Charles A. Thomas, Jr., PhD.
- Drlam.com; Methionine; Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H.
- Encyclopedia of Amino Acids: 20 Kinds of Amino Acids That Support the Body
- Bodybuilding.com; All About Alanine; Clayton South, S.P.N.
- Bodybuilding.com; L-Tyrosine; Clayton South, S.P.N.
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