Methionine and Liver Disease- A Word of Caution
by Darlene Morrow, BSC
Methionine has been recommended to people with HCV as a liver protectant
particularly in conjunction with tylenol (500mg twice a day). While it is
generally accepted that methionine is a liver protectant, the evidence is not
conclusive as to the recommended dosage and possible to side effects. Extreme
caution is necessary in individuals with severe liver disease because
drugs/substances are processed in the liver. The effects of Hepatitis C and
liver disease vary from individual to individual. The extent of damage and your
particular condition (fibrosis, cirrhosis, etc.) will all have a bearing on your
body's ability to deal with outside substances. The following excerpt
demonstrates the possible dangers of self medicating. We strongly recommend that
all supplements be approved for your use by your physician.
Please keep in mind when reading this article that the suggested dosage of
methionine was 2 x 500mg which is equal to 1g.
Should Methionine Be Added to Paracetamol (Tylenol) Formulations? - Caution
in Patients with Liver Disease!
Reprinted with permission from [Drugs & Ther Perspect 10(11): 11-13,
1997. (c) 1997 Adis International Limited]
source: www.medscape.com/adis/DTP/1997/v10.n11/dtp1011.04/dtp1011.04.html
Adverse effects associated with methionine include nausea, vomiting,
drowsiness and irritability. [8] Moreover, methionine should be used with
caution in patients with severe liver disease as this agent may aggravate
hepatic damage and this drug should not be used in patients with acidosis. [8]
Although methionine (an amino acid) is an essential dietary constituent, studies
have shown that methionine may cause reduced serum folate levels, leucocytosis,
changes in serum pH and potassium and increased urinary calcium excretion when
given at dosages of 8 to 13.9 g/day for 4 to 5 days. Moreover, functional
psychoses have been seen in schizophrenic patients receiving higher dosages of
10 to 20 g/day for 2 weeks, and single doses of 8g have precipitated hepatic
encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. [3] Although there is no evidence in
humans, animal studies indicate that methionine may have adverse effects on the
cardiovascular and coagulation systems. [3,4]
References:
3. Jones AL, Hayes PC, Proudfoot AT, et al. Should methionine be added to
every paracetamol tablet? No: the risks are not well enough known. BMJ 1997 Aug
2; 315: 301-4
4. Krenzelok EP. Should methionine be added to every paracetamol tablet? Yes:
but perhaps only in developing countries. BMJ 1997 Aug 2; 315: 303-4
8. Martindale. The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 31st ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press,
1996: 683-4