El Papel de la Metionina en tu Camino Hacia un Mejor Cabello

Tu cabello y tus folículos pilosos están compuestos por proteínas formadas por bloques de construcción llamados aminoácidos. Por lo tanto, cuando optimizas tu ingesta de aminoácidos, tu cuerpo puede tener suficientes recursos para crear proteínas. La metionina es un ejemplo de un aminoácido que juega un papel extremadamente importante en tu fisiología y el bienestar de tu cabello.

La metionina, un aminoácido esencial, está siendo estudiada por científicos por sus posibles efectos en el crecimiento del cabello.

¿Qué Es la Metionina?

La metionina se considera un aminoácido esencial, lo que significa que no puede ser producida por el cuerpo y debe ser consumida a través de medios dietéticos. Los alimentos comunes ricos en este aminoácido incluyen carne, pescado y productos lácteos. Ejemplos de alimentos de origen vegetal que proporcionan excelentes fuentes de metionina incluyen nueces de Brasil, semillas de girasol, quinoa y trigo sarraceno.

Las semillas de girasol y otras fuentes de alimentos proporcionan excelentes fuentes de metionina

La metionina es necesaria para muchas funciones importantes en nuestro cuerpo. Esto incluye nuestro metabolismo, reproducción celular, tejidos y la adecuada absorción de zinc y selenio. También está involucrada en los pasos iniciales de la construcción de nuevas proteínas en nuestras células para reemplazar estructuras más antiguas que se descomponen con el tiempo.

El código de ADN para la metionina es AUG, la señal para comenzar el proceso de construcción de proteínas. Las instrucciones en nuestros genes para crear la mayoría de las estructuras de proteínas comienzan con este código. Es el primero en ser transcrito (es decir, leído) por el ARNm en el proceso de construcción de proteínas.

La metionina también actúa como un sustrato para producir otros aminoácidos y varios compuestos que contienen azufre de los que dependen nuestras células para funcionar correctamente. Estos compuestos especiales también protegen nuestros tejidos, modifican nuestro ADN y mantienen los procesos normales de nuestras células. Incluyen:

• cisteína
• taurina
• glutatión
• SAMe

Debido a la importancia de estos compuestos para nuestra salud, muchos expertos recomiendan tomar suplementos de metionina para ayudar al cuerpo a producir aún más de ellos.

Methionine Creates Four Important Molecules That Our Bodies Need

Methionine is needed to create four compounds which our hair follicles and the rest of our cells and tissues depend on for normal, healthy functioning. 

Cysteine

Produced from methionine, cysteine is an important sulfur-containing amino acid used to create taurine, glutathione and other protein structures. Two cysteine molecules form a new type of amino acid, known as cystine which is used for the structures of our hair, skin and nails. The disulfide bonds of cysteine molecule hold the hair strand together. They consist of two sulfur atoms, each attached to a cystine component molecule. Chemical treatments like hair relaxers, straighteners and perms alter the disulfide bonds to create new hair textures. 

Taurine

Taurine is another amino acid created from methionine. It plays an important role in our metabolic processes, nervous system as well as our heart and circulatory system.  The hair follicle takes in taurine from the blood steam and incorporates it into the connective tissue sheath, the hair bulb and the outer root sheath. It supports hair survival and protects the follicle from the effects of TGF-B which slows hair growth. 

Glutathione

Glutathione is referred to as the “master antioxidant”,  defending our bodies from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It is also involved in the production of protein and DNA as well as the metabolism of nutrients. All of these are important functions that our hair follicles need to thrive. In one study, researchers looked at different types of glutathione across 27 men and women, 19-102 years in age. Based on their findings, they concluded that the keratinocytes of the hair follicle are endowed with an intrinsic ability to detoxify, as a result of glutathione [1]. However, this ability is age-related. In a similar study, researchers found that glutathione has an important role, protecting hair follicle cells during aging processes. They also confirmed that it decreases with age. However, hair follicles retain the ability to protect themselves from peroxides over time. 

SAMe(S-Adenosylmethionine)

SAMe is found throughout the fluids, cells and tissues of the body, participating in many types of biochemical reactions by transferring a part of itself to other molecules, such as DNA and proteins. It is needed for creatine production and cellular energy. Additionally, SAM helps our immune system function properly. Overall, it helps our cells defend themselves against destruction and damage.  SAMe is involved in a process called methylation, donating a methyl group to other compounds.  Methylation is necessary for synthesizing DNA, RNA, phospholipids, proteins, hormones, neurotransmitters and glutathione. It also promotes gene expression, lipid and mineral metabolism. SAMe is also needed to create polyamine compounds which regulate the life cycles of our cells, including apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Polyamines also repair DNA, promote gene expression and phosphorylate proteins. One type of polyamine, called spermidine, has even been referred to as a “universal anti-aging drug” since it has shown to promote longevity across many living systems, including single-cells. 

La metionina puede influir en la expresión genética y mejorar nuestra capacidad para crecer cabello.

Lastly, the methylation capacities offered by SAMe helps our DNA  adapt and evolve. Adding a methyl group to DNA is an epigenetic mechanism that enables necessary changes to be made in the sequencing of our gene codes [2]. This capability gives our physiology greater flexibility in how it responds and adapts to environmental changes.  In one study, researchers came up with a hypothesis that DNA methylation varies in different regions of the scalp [3] . This would explain why men with androgenetic alopecia experience hair loss in the vertex, but not the occipital regions. Their results suggest that increased levels of AR methylation protects occipital hair follicles from miniaturization.  Such findings imply that it may be possible to apply the principles of DNA plasticity through methylation to topical formulations in the therapeutic treatment of androgenetic alopecia. 

Beneficios de la Metionina y la Estructura de Nuestro Cabello

La metionina contribuye a un cabello más saludable y fuerte, y al bienestar general de nuestro cuerpo.

La queratina es la proteína que comprende la mayor parte de la estructura de nuestro cabello. Un estudio revela una relación bastante profunda entre la metionina y la integridad estructural del compuesto proteico de la queratina. Los investigadores descubrieron que la desmetilación de la metionina lleva a la queratina dañada en el cabello humano.

La importancia central de la metionina radica en su capacidad para iniciar la producción de proteínas y crear varias moléculas importantes que necesitamos para mantener e incluso mejorar el funcionamiento saludable de nuestras células. No solo debemos esforzarnos por mejorar nuestra ingesta de metionina por el bien de nuestro cabello, sino también por la salud de todo nuestro cuerpo. Aunque la metionina se puede obtener de fuentes dietéticas, los niveles óptimos también se pueden lograr a través de productos de suplementos dietéticos naturales y comprensivos.

Pérdida de Metionina y Cabello Canoso

Los investigadores han encontrado que la reducción de la metionina en el cuerpo lleva a una acumulación de peróxido de hidrógeno en los folículos pilosos [3]. Además, una enzima conocida como tirosinasa se vuelve menos efectiva. Estos cambios contribuyen a la pérdida de pigmentación en el cabello, haciendo que se vuelvan grises y blancos. Methionine levels in your body can be enhanced through dietary intake. When considering a supplement product, be sure to hone in on the quality of its formulation, the bioavailability of its ingredients and its overall attunement with the natural needs of your body.

Frequently Ask Questions

Is more methionine better when it comes to dietary intake?

As with any form of nutritional intake, the key to remember is balance. Excessively high methionine consumption may lead to toxic effects. Studies on animals actually show that lowering methionine can lead to improved health benefits. Examples include slower aging processes and an expanded lifespan. However, further studies are needed to generalize these findings to humans.

How much methionine should I be taking?

The daily recommended intake of methionine plus cysteine is 8.6 mg/ lb (19 mg/kg) per day for adults, which is about 1.3 grams for an individual weighing about 150 pounds. Elderly men and women may require higher intakes of methionine at 2 to 3 grams per day.

I am a vegan. What are some good sources of dietary methionine?

There are certainly plant-based sources of this amino acid. Some examples include wheat gluten, spinach, Brazil nuts, spinach, oats and sunflower seeds, to name a few. However, you will need to consume large amounts of these types of foods to obtain the correct levels of methionine. Vegans, vegetarians and plant-based eaters should regularly consult with their physician to ensure that their individual dietary needs are properly met.