Our work at the Orentreich Foundation for the Advancement of Science has proven that methionine restriction (MR) extends lifespan and has many beneficial effects on various systems in animal models. Rodent MR models have shown improved cardiovascular function, bone development, insulin sensitivity, stress tolerance, and glucose metabolism, as well as a reduction in body mass and cancer development. Some of these effects have also been documented in invertebrate organisms, such as yeast, nematodes, and fruit flies.

In order for these effects to translate to humans, it is crucial to have access to the appropriate food sources. Building on their previous research, Associate Science Director Gene Ables and Senior Scientist Jay Johnson utilized information from the US National Nutrient Database to compile a list of various food sources that contain methionine content in order to give individuals an idea of what foods are best for a low-methionine diet. It was revealed that food sources for beef contained the highest content of methionine, followed by other animal-based sources such as poultry, fish, and dairy, whereas food like nuts, vegetables, cereals, and fruit contained less methionine. According to the data found, in order to achieve MR, a person has to eat more plant-based food and less animal-based food. This supports the idea that a vegan diet, which is naturally low in methionine, could be beneficial to healthspan.

sources for methionine