Sports medicine coaches and specialists have been looking for ways to improve the efficiency of the training process and achieve maximum mobilization of the resources of the human body for many decades. Diets, nutritional supplements and special sports nutrition have become an integral part of the means of achieving high athletic performance.
With intense physical exertion, the need for organs to compensate for the energy expended and the substances consumed for this sharply increases, many of which are not synthesized in the body and come from outside. One of them is the essential amino acid methionine.
Definition
Methionine is an irreplaceable aliphatic sulfur-containing α-amino acid, which is a colorless crystals with a specific odor, soluble in water. This substance is part of a large number of proteins and peptides, including casein.
Properties
Back in 1949, it was found that cabbage juice has a healing effect in stomach ulcers, due to the presence of this compound in the composition. Therefore, it received a second name - vitamin U (from the Latin "ulcus" - ulcer).
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Without methionine, the normal course of basic biochemical processes and the full functioning of internal systems are impossible. It contributes to:
- Stabilization of the gastrointestinal tract and the improvement of the walls of the stomach and intestines.
- Increase the antioxidant protection of cell tissues, remove excess fluid and eliminate puffiness.
- Reducing fatty deposits in the liver and improving its condition.
- Speeding up the metabolic process and increasing energy production.
- Deactivation of histamine and removal of symptoms of allergic reactions.
- Intensification of the body's detoxification process and reducing the effects of harmful substances and toxins.
- Normalization of the functioning of the nervous system and improvement of the psycho-emotional state.
- The complete synthesis of hormones (including adrenaline and melatonin), ensuring the correct alternation of wakefulness and sleep.
- Improvement of cartilage tissue, nails, hair, skin and elimination of acne.
Due to the above properties, methionine for athletes is one of the elements of the methodology for increasing the tolerance of heavy physical exertion and the intensification of the training process without causing harm to health.
Methionine in sports
Vitamin U is widely used both as an independent preparation and as a part of various supplements and mixtures. It is used in many sports, especially those where muscle gains are dependent on performance and endurance and strength are required.
By accelerating the cleansing process of the body and reducing the recovery period, methionine in sports is one of the ways to increase the number of sets of physical exercises.
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In cyclic forms, it allows you to lengthen training distances and run them at maximum speed. Maintaining a good mood increases the return on intense exercise and helps maintain the athlete's confidence in achieving top performance in competition.
Regular use in combination with other amino acids and intense physical activity helps to maintain muscle performance and muscle definition, and also prevents the formation of fatty deposits and promotes weight loss.
Methionine tablets
Methionine is used in sports to accelerate muscle building and reduce body fat. Improving digestion helps to fully assimilate essential nutrients and vitamins in the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates its own synthesis of vitamin U. As a result, everything you need quickly enters the cellular tissues. This ensures the efficiency and normal functioning of all internal systems and organs under conditions of heavy physical exertion.
The activation of metabolism and an increase in the production of creatine have a beneficial effect on the formation of relief and volumetric muscles. Cleansing the liver and stimulating its work, methionine accelerates the elimination of decay products from the body and neutralizes their harmful effect. This allows you to increase the weights in the approaches and shorten the rest time.
As a part of sports nutrition and fat burning supplements, due to the activation of the absorption of components, methionine increases the overall effectiveness of the action.
Proper use of this amino acid creates the conditions for maximum training results, quick recovery of performance and creates a state of satisfaction after exercise.
How to use
In the normal rhythm of life in the body of a healthy person, methionine is synthesized in sufficient quantities. Sports activities or hard physical labor lead to increased consumption. In order not to reduce the intensity of training and not to lose the results obtained, it is required to timely fill the arising deficit.
The average daily requirement of an athlete for methionine directly depends on the intensity of physical activity during the day and body weight (on average 12 mg per 1 kg). The calculation is made individually, depending on the goals.
Weightlifting requires an increased dosage: in the training regime - 150 mg, in the pre-competition period - up to 250 mg. In any case, the trainer together with the sports doctor determines the rate and scheme of admission.
If there are no specialist recommendations to achieve certain goals or features of the state of the body, then the drug is taken 3-4 times a day before meals. Course use is practiced: 10-15 days - reception, then 10-15 days - a break.
To enhance the properties of methionine, it is useful to combine with B vitamins: cyanocobalamin and pyridoxine. This increases its biochemical activity.
The amount of intake of other amino acids should be controlled so that an overdose does not occur.
What products contain
The highest concentration of vitamin U is found in Brazil nuts - 1100 mg per 100 g. There is also a lot of it in such food products (in 100 g):
- Various types of meat (pork, beef, chicken) - 552 to 925 mg.
- Hard cheeses - up to 958 mg.
- Fish (salmon, tuna) - 635 to 835 mg
- Legumes (soybeans, beans) - up to 547 mg.
- Dairy products - 150 mg.
A significant amount of this amino acid is found in various varieties of cabbage and other green vegetables.
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A normal diet satisfies a person's daily needs and ensures an active lifestyle. Additional methionine supplementation may be required for successful exercise.
Contraindications and side effects
It is not recommended to use:
- With individual drug intolerance.
- Until 6 years of age.
- With renal or hepatic failure and the presence of liver disease (viral hepatitis, hepatic encephalopathy).
A doctor's consultation is required before use. In case of deviations in the state of health, an appropriate individual dosage can be recommended.
It is necessary to take products containing methionine in accordance with the attached instructions and observe the indicated daily allowance.
With proper use, side effects are not observed. Regular overdose can cause various allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and inadequacy (confusion of thinking, disorientation in space).
The price of methionine ranges from 36 to 69 rubles per pack (50 tablets of 250 mg).
