Meta Information
ID:methionine-restriction
Name:Methionine Restriction
Schema Version:1.5
Alternate Names
- MR
- Low-Methionine Diet
Active Compound
null
Intervention Type
dietary_practice
Delivery
Route:
oral
Scope:
- systemic
Regulatory Status
Empty Array
Indication
Focus:
healthspan
Description:
A dietary strategy to reduce the intake of the essential amino acid methionine, aiming to mimic some of the metabolic benefits of caloric restriction and promote longevity.
Typical Protocol
- Reduce daily methionine intake to approximately 15-20% of typical levels, often targeting <1g per day.
- Emphasize consumption of low-methionine plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and certain grains.
- Strictly limit or eliminate high-methionine foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy.
- Some protocols involve cyclical restriction (e.g., 5 days on, 2 days off) to improve adherence and mitigate risks.
Expected Cost Mean
Low Cost:
-20
High Cost:
50
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Potential cost savings from reduced meat intake, possibly offset by specialty vegan foods.
Summary
Methionine is an essential amino acid that, when restricted, activates longevity pathways similar to those seen in caloric restriction. By reducing methionine, the body decreases mTORC1 signaling and increases hydrogen sulfide production, processes strongly linked to improved metabolic health and extended lifespan in animal models. This dietary approach aims to achieve these benefits without reducing overall calorie intake.
Purpose
Reduces a key amino acid to mimic caloric restriction benefits.
Card Summary
A dietary strategy that limits the amino acid methionine, found primarily in animal proteins, to activate longevity pathways similar to caloric restriction.
Drug Class
null
Drugs In Class
Empty Array
Impact
Score:
4.5
Justification:
Strong animal data for longevity, but limited human evidence and significant adherence challenges.
Evidence
Grade:
C
Score:
3.5
Justification:
Robust longevity evidence in animal models, but human data is sparse and short-term.
Safety
Score:
3.8
Justification:
Methionine is essential; long-term restriction risks deficiency, sarcopenia, and nutrient imbalances.
Flags
- Methionine is an essential amino acid; severe or prolonged restriction can be harmful.
- High risk of inducing sarcopenia (muscle loss), especially in older adults or those not engaged in resistance training.
- Difficult to implement and maintain due to the ubiquity of methionine in protein-rich foods.
- Requires careful dietary planning to avoid other nutrient deficiencies, particularly B12 and creatine.
- Not recommended for pregnant women, children, or individuals with a history of eating disorders.
Verdict
Promising in animals, but challenging and unproven for human healthspan.
Created
2026-05-06T16:39:29.887084Z
Ai Model
Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)