Methionine Intake Research Articles

High dietary methionine intake may contribute to the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting hepatic H2S production

Methionine, an essential sulfur-containing amino acid, is associated with hepatic lipid accumulation; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary methionine levels on hepatic lipid accumulation in mice and clarify the possible mechanisms involved. The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were fed a normal diet (ND, 0.86% methionine), high-methionine diet (HMD, 2.58% methionine), or methionine-restricted diet (MRD, 0.17% methionine) for 11 consecutive weeks. Our results showed that HMD increased the liver weight and liver index, plasma and hepatic lipid profiles, and hepatic fatty infiltration area and perirenal fat volume. In addition, HMD promoted lipid synthesis, inhibited lipid catabolism and glycolysis metabolism, reduced the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme complexes (Ⅰ and Ⅴ) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and elevated oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. Moreover, HMD inhibited homocysteine metabolism and significantly decreased the expression and activity of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST), thereby reducing endogenous H2S production in the liver. Interestingly, MRD reversed these adverse effects, and promoted endogenous H2S production. In conclusion, inhibition of hepatic H2S production may be the mechanism behind an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with high dietary methionine intake. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce methionine intake in the daily diet to prevent NAFLD and maintain good physical health.

The Total Sulphur Amino Acid Requirement Is Higher in Older Men Than Women

ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to determine the total sulphur amino acid (TSAA) requirement of adults > 60 years, using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method and to compare the requirement estimates between older males and females. The secondary aim was to compare the requirement estimates in older adults to the previously derived IAAO requirement in young males.MethodsFifteen healthy older adults (n = 7 male and n = 8 female participants), were randomized to receive 2 to 7 methionine intakes: 5, 10, 15, 19, 25, 35 and 40 mg. kg−1. d−1 without dietary cysteine. The TSAA requirement was determined using the IAAO method with L-[1–13C]phenylalanine as the indicator. The mean TSAA requirement was determined using two-phase linear mixed effect model, which identified a breakpoint in the F13CO2 in response to graded methionine intakes. The parametric bootstrap method was used to determine the 95% confidence interval (CI). To assess whether the breakpoints were different between older males and females or between older adults and young males the overlap in 95% CI was calculated. The null hypothesis was accepted if the interval contained zero.ResultsThe mean TSAA requirement for older males was 26.2 mg · kg−1· d−1 and 17.1 mg · kg−1· d−1 for older females. The TSAA requirement of older males is higher than older females (Difference in CI: 9.1 ± 8.85) and higher compared to young males based on our previous IAAO estimate of 12.6 mg · kg−1· d−1 (Difference in CI: 13.6 ± 5.98).ConclusionsTo our knowledge this is the first study to experimentally derive the TSAA requirement in older adults. The results can be used to assess whether the amino acid requirements of older adults can be met on a plant-based diet, especially given the current recommendations for increased plant protein consumption.Funding SourcesThis study was funded by CIHR. First author Alyssa Paoletti funded by Restracomp Scholarship provided by the Research Training Centre at SickKids Hospital.

Metabolic Availability of Methionine Assessed Using Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation Method, Is Greater when Cooked Lentils and Steamed Rice Are Combined in the Diet of Healthy Young Men

BackgroundLentil is considered a high protein source. However, it is low in sulphur amino acids (SAA) and their metabolic availability (MA) is further affected by antinutritional factors in lentils. The combination of lentils with grains such as rice can enhance the protein quality of a lentil-based meal but the MA of SAA in lentils must first be known. ObjectivesThe objectives of the current study were to assess the MA of methionine in lentils and to test the effects of consumption of complementing lentils with rice in young adults. MethodsFive healthy young men [age <30 y, BMI <25 (in kg/m2)] were each studied at 8 or 10 intake amounts of methionine in random order; 4 daily intake amounts of l-methionine: 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mg.kg–1.d–1 (reference diet), 3 daily intake amounts of methionine from lentils, and 3 daily intake amounts of the mixed meal of lentils + rice (test diets). The MA of methionine and the effects of complementation were assessed by comparing the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) response to varying intakes of methionine in cooked Canadian lentils, and in rice + lentils combined, compared with the IAAO response to l-methionine intakes in the reference protein (crystalline AA mixture patterned after egg protein) using the slope ratio method. l-[1–13C] phenylalanine was used as the indicator. Data were analyzed using the procedure “MIXED” with subject as a random variable, and oxidation day as repeated measure. ResultsThe MA of methionine from lentils was 69%. Complementation of cooked lentils with rice decreased the oxidation of l-[1–13C] phenylalanine by up to 16% (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThe content and MA of methionine are low in lentils. However, combination of lentils with rice in a 1:1 ratio can improve the protein quality of lentil-based diets, resulting in increased protein synthesis in young healthy adults. This trial was registered at www.clinical trials.gov as NCT03110913.

The Amount of Dietary Methionine Required to Maximize Synthesis of Transmethylated Products Is Higher Than That Needed for Protein Synthesis in Neonatal Piglets

ObjectivesMethionine is an indispensable sulfur-containing amino acid required for synthesizing protein as well as other critical nutrients. Methionine is the primary methyl donor for >50 transmethylation reactions to produce metabolites including creatine, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and methylated DNA. In piglets, because only one-third of methionine flux is incorporated into protein compared to transmethylation reactions (∼2/3), non-protein demands need to be considered when determining methionine requirement. Our objective was to quantify how much dietary methionine is required to maximize synthesis of protein as well as key transmethylated products. We hypothesized that more dietary methionine will be needed to maximize creatine synthesis, with lower levels required to maximize PC and protein synthesis. MethodsTwenty surgically altered Yucatan miniature piglets (∼8 d old; ∼1.6 kg) were fed complete diets for 5 d and then randomized to 20 test diets with methionine intakes ranging from 20%-220% of requirement (0.05–0.55 g/kg/d). After 24 h of test diet, [3H-methyl]-methionine was infused for 6 h to measure methyl incorporation into creatine, PC, and methylated DNA, and then a3H-phenylalanine flooding dose was given to measure protein synthesis. Break-point analysis was used to identify the methionine required to maximize product synthesis. ResultsPlasma methionine increased above 0.3 g methionine/kg/d, reflecting the whole body requirement. Creatine synthesis maximized at ∼0.3 g methionine/kg/d, while muscle protein synthesis was maximized at 0.2 g methionine/kg/d, suggesting growth is prioritized when methionine is limiting. PC synthesis was low up to 0.35 g methionine/kg/d and increased linearly with higher intakes, suggesting PC synthesis was not maximized at 200% of requirement.3H-DNA did not change with dietary methionine, and plasma homocysteine was positively correlated with dietary methionine. ConclusionsThese data suggest that more methionine is required to accommodate demands for creatine and PC synthesis than that for protein synthesis. Therefore, methionine requirement estimates for infants, which rely on protein synthesis outcomes, are likely insufficient to achieve maximal synthesis of key methylated metabolites creatine and PC. Funding SourcesNSERC.

Maternal dietary methionine restriction alters the expression of energy metabolism genes in the duckling liver

BackgroundIn mammals, the nutritional status experienced during embryonic development shapes key metabolic pathways and influences the health and phenotype of the future individual, a phenomenon known as nutritional programming. In farmed birds as well, the quantity and quality of feed offered to the dam can impact the phenotype of the offspring. We have previously reported that a 38% reduction in the intake of the methyl donor methionine in the diet of 30 female ducks during the growing and laying periods - from 10 to 51 weeks of age - reduced the body weight of their 180 mule ducklings compared to that of 190 ducklings from 30 control females. The maternal dietary methionine restriction also altered the hepatic energy metabolism studied in 30 of their ducklings. Thus, their plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations were higher while their plasma free fatty acid level was lower than those measured in the plasma of 30 ducklings from the control group. The objective of this new study was to better understand how maternal dietary methionine restriction affected the livers of their newly hatched male and female ducklings by investigating the hepatic expression levels of 100 genes primarily targeting energy metabolism, amino acid transport, oxidative stress, apoptotic activity and susceptibility to liver injury.ResultsSixteen of the genes studied were differentially expressed between the ducklings from the two groups. Maternal dietary methionine restriction affected the mRNA levels of genes involved in different pathways related to energy metabolism such as glycolysis, lipogenesis or electron transport. Moreover, the mRNA levels of the nuclear receptors PPARGC1B, PPARG and RXRA were also affected.ConclusionsOur results show that the 38% reduction in methionine intake in the diet of female ducks during the growing and egg-laying periods impacted the liver transcriptome of their offspring, which may explain the previously observed differences in their liver energy metabolism. These changes in mRNA levels, together with the observed phenotypic data, suggest an early modulation in the establishment of metabolic pathways.

The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Dietary Methionine Restriction.

The original description of dietary methionine restriction (MR) used semipurified diets to limit methionine intake to 20% of normal levels, and this reduction in dietary methionine increased longevity by ∼30% in rats. The MR diet also produces paradoxical increases in energy intake and expenditure and limits fat deposition while reducing tissue and circulating lipids and enhancing overall insulin sensitivity. In the years following the original 1993 report, a comprehensive effort has been made to understand the nutrient sensing and signaling systems linking reduced dietary methionine to the behavioral, physiological, biochemical, and transcriptional components of the response. Recent work has shown that transcriptional activation of hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key event linking the MR diet to many but not all components of its metabolic phenotype. These findings raise the interesting possibility of developing therapeutic, MR-based diets that produce the beneficial effects of FGF21 by nutritionally modulating its transcription and release.

Pre-diagnosis Dietary One-Carbon Metabolism Micronutrients Consumption and Ovarian Cancer Survival: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background and AimsEpidemiological evidence on the relation between one-carbon metabolism (OCM) micronutrients intake and ovarian cancer (OC) survival are limited and conflicting. We evaluated the aforementioned associations in a prospective cohort-the Ovarian Cancer Follow-Up Study.MethodsA total of 635 newly diagnosed OC patients aged 18–79 y were enrolled in the present study. Dietary intake related to one-carbon metabolism, including methionine, vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, choline, and betaine, was assessed using a validated 111-item food frequency questionnaire. Deaths were ascertained until March 31, 2021, via medical records and active follow-up. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for these aforementioned associations.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 37.2 months (interquartile: 24.7–50.2 months), 114 deaths were identified. We observed an improved survival with the highest compared with the lowest tertile of dietary vitamin B6 (HR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.32–0.84, P-trend <0.05) and choline intake (HR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.30–0.83, P-trend <0.05). No significant associations with OC survival were observed for dietary vitamins B2, B3, B9, B12, methionine, and betaine intake. We also observed a curvilinear association between vitamin B6 intake and OC survival (P non-linear <0.05).ConclusionOur study suggests that pre-diagnosis higher intake of vitamin B6 and choline may improve OC survival. Further clarification of these associations is warranted.

Issue Information

Genes to CellsVolume 27, Issue 4 p. 239-242 ISSUE INFORMATIONFree Access Issue Information First published: 11 April 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/gtc.12859AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Graphical Abstract Front cover: One Japanese bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula griseiventris), which likes to eat cherry blossoms, perches on a drooping cherry branch. This cherry tree has particularly well-shaped branches, and if we compare its flowers to five- or six-membered rings and the buds to sulfur atoms, the form of the flowers, buds and branches around the bird resemble the structure of methionine (left) and its metabolites, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM; top) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH; right). It has been reported that restricting methionine intake extends lifespan in a variety of species. Hopefully this bullfinch doesn't eat too many flowers. Designed by TRAIS Co., Ltd. (Kobe, Japan). Volume27, Issue4April 2022Pages 239-242 RelatedInformation

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Association of B Vitamins and Methionine Intake with the Risk of Gastric Cancer: The Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study.

Dietary intake of B vitamins and methionine might associate with carcinogenesis due to their role in DNA synthesis and methylation. Owing to the previous inconsistent findings on gastric cancer risk, we aimed to examine the associations between dietary intakes of B vitamins and methionine and the risk of gastric cancer, according to sodium intake.We included 86,820 Japanese individuals who completed a validated food frequency questionnaire with 138 food items in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to obtain HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of gastric cancer according to separate intakes of folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and methionine after adjusting for confounding factors, including Helicobacter pylori and atrophic gastritis in the subgroup analysis.We identified 2,269 gastric cancer cases within a median of 15.4 years of follow-up. We found no association between any of the dietary intakes of folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, or methionine with the risk of gastric cancer. In the stratified analysis by sodium intake, we observed a positive association between folate intake and risk of gastric cancer among participants with a high sodium intake (≥4.5 g/day) [HR = 1.28 (95% CI, 1.06-1.56), P trend = 0.001; P interaction = 0.02]. Meanwhile, there was no association between folate intake and risk of gastric cancer among participants with low sodium intake (<4.5 g/day) [HR = 0.94 (95% CI, 0.73-1.21), P trend = 0.49].In conclusion, we found no association between any dietary intakes of folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and methionine with the risk of gastric cancer. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: The increased intake of B vitamins and methionine in populations with adequate dietary intake of these nutrients showed no association with the risk of gastric cancer.

L-Methionine inhibits 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal accumulation and suppresses inflammation in growing rats.

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is a biomarker for oxidative stress to induce inflammation. Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid with antioxidative activity. On the other hand, the evidence on whether and how methionine can depress HNE-derived inflammation is lacking. In particular, the link between the regulation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and methionine intake is unclear. This study examined the link between depression from HNE accumulation and the anti-inflammatory function of L-methionine in rats. Male Wistar rats (3-week-old, weighing 70-80 g) were administered different levels of L-methionine orally at 215.0, 268.8, 322.5, and 430.0 mg/kg body weight for two weeks. The control group was fed commercial pellets. The hepatic HNE contents and the protein expression and mRNA levels of the inflammatory mediators were measured. The interleukin-10 (IL-10) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels were also estimated. Compared to the control group, hepatic HNE levels were reduced significantly in all groups fed L-methionine, which were attributed to the stimulation of GST by L-methionine. With decreasing HNE levels, L-methionine inhibited the activation of NF-κB by up-regulating inhibitory κBα and depressing phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B. The mRNA levels of the inflammatory mediators (cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrotic factor alpha) were decreased significantly by L-methionine. In contrast, the protein expression of these inflammatory mediators was effectively down regulated by L-methionine. The anti-inflammatory action of L-methionine was also reflected by the up-regulation of IL-10. This study revealed a link between the inhibition of HNE accumulation and the depression of inflammation in growing rats, which was attributed to L-methionine availability. The anti-inflammatory mechanism exerted by L-methionine was to inhibit NF-κB activation and to up-regulate GST.

Human Milk Fortifiers for Preterm Infants: Do We Offer the Best Amino Acid Mix?

For preterm and small-for-gestational age infants on enteral nutrition, the best solution is to add human milk fortifier (HMF) to human milk (HM) which is provided by the mother or a milk bank. HMF provides a means to add additional protein, energy, and micronutrients, while maintaining HM as the main source of nutrition. Because of their rapid increase of lean body mass, preterm infants have much higher protein requirements than term infants. Recommendations on protein requirements of preterm infants are available, but protein quality - i.e. the amino acid (AA) profile in HMFs has not been systematically assessed. Present guidelines for enteral nutrition recommend protein intakes around 4 g/kg body weight (BW) for preterm infants <1,500 g, an intake that is not achievable with unfortified HM intakes <200 mL/kg BW/day. It is generally assumed that the AA profile of HM is the best reference for the AA profile of HMF. We calculated advisable intakes of AAs for preterm infants between 400-2,500 g which are based on AA increments of the fetus. Corrections for absorption, inevitable losses, oxidation, and variation of AAs in HM were introduced. Our calculations indicate that extremely low birth weight (ELBW <1,000 g) and very low birth weight (VLBW <1,500 g) infants have substantially higher AA requirements than low birth weight (LBW) infants growing from 1,900 to 2,400 g. In ELBW infants, daily intakes of the different indispensable AAs (IAA) with 4 g of (term) HM protein/kg BW range between 59 and 125% of the respective advisable intakes. Intakes of 7 IAAs and 3 conditionally indispensable AAs (CIAA) are below advisable intakes. On the other hand, with 4 g HM protein per kg BW/day, the IAAs isoleucine and leucine and some dispensable AAs are already supplied in abundance. In VLBW infants, daily intakes of the IAA methionine and 3 CIAAs are still below the advisable intakes. In LBW infants (<2,000 g) receiving 3.5 g HM protein per kg BW daily intakes of 1 IAA and 3 CIAAs would be too low. Preterm infants should receive HMFs which provide adequate amounts of AAs which are needed for their rapid growth and development while avoiding excessive intakes. In particular, very high AA requirements of ELBW infants are a challenge. AA composition of present HMFs for preterm infants should be reconsidered: spiking HMF protein with the AAs which are presently undersupplied or providing targeted AA-based HMF are options to further improve the AA profile in fortifiers.

Dietary intake of one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients and hepatocellular carcinoma survival in the Guangdong Liver Cancer Cohort.

Dietary intake of one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients has been linked to cancer-related outcomes, but their effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality are still unknown. The objective was to assess whether pre-diagnostic dietary intakes of methionine, folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, riboflavin and niacin are associated with HCC survival in this prospective cohort study. In total, 905 newly diagnosed HCC patients were recruited in the Guangdong Liver Cancer Cohort study between September 2013 and April 2017. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 79-item food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazard regression models were utilized to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the overall and HCC-specific mortality. During a median of 791 days of follow-up, we documented 395 deaths, 353 (89%) of which resulted from HCC. The multivariate-adjusted HRs in the highest vs. the lowest quartile of methionine intake were 0.59 (95% CI: 0.42-0.80; P for trend = 0.001) for overall mortality and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.49-0.93; P for trend = 0.027) for HCC-specific mortality. However, no significant association of other micronutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism with HCC survival was observed. Our research suggests that a high level of methionine intake, but no other one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients, may improve survival in patients with newly diagnosed HCC.

Influence of Liquid Methionine (methiogrow) in Drinking Water on Broiler Chicks Performance, Drinking Water, and Carcass Traits

The effect of a liquid methionine source provided through the drinking water on broiler chick performance, water intake, and carcass characteristics were studied using 264 unsexed broiler chicks (Ross 308, 7 days old). Methionine was added within three replicates in four treatments with 22 birds in each as follows: T1 (control treatment): without adding liquid methionine, T2: adding 0.25 ml of liquid methionine/litter of drinking water, T3: adding 0.50 ml of liquid methionine/litter of drinking water, and T4: adding 0.75 ml of liquid methionine/litter of drinking water. Live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, water intake, and carcass traits were taken. The results showed that adding liquid methionine in drinking water were significantly increased (P≤0.05) live body weight, total feed intake, and body weight gain, as well as carcass traits also were significantly different among the treatments. Within the limits of the study, liquid DL-methionine provided in the drinking water was effectively assimilated by broiler chicks and increased total methionine intake, which increased the growth rate of the chicks.

Cross-sectional association between the amino acid intake and episodic memory in middle- and old-aged community dwellers

The specific amino acid intake has been suggested to be positively associated with the cognitive function. However, few reports have investigated the association between the amino acid intake and episodic memory (EM). Therefore, we investigated this association. Data were obtained from the fourth survey (2004-2006) of the National Institute for Longevity Sciences - Longitudinal Study of Aging. We analyzed 2,082 participants 40-85 years old (50.1% male). The dietary intake was assessed by the three-day dietary records, and participants were classified into sex- and age-specific tertiles of protein and amino acid intakes. EM was assessed using the Logical Memory II of the Wechsler Memory Scale. The association of protein and amino acid intakes with EM was analyzed using the general linear model. Covariates were sex, age, body mass index, education, depressive symptoms, smoking status, employment status, living alone, and medical history in model 1. The energy intake was added to model 1 in model 2. The protein intake was added to model 2 in model 3. The mean (standard deviation) age was 59.4 (12.3) years old. After adjusting for the energy intake, the EM tended to be higher with a higher protein intake (p=0.053 for group differences and p=0.015 for trends). Furthermore, after adjusting for energy and protein intake, EM was significantly higher with higher intakes of isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine, and histidine (p< 0.05, both for group differences and trends). Our findings suggest a positive association between EM and the intake of essential and semi-essential amino acids, independent of the protein and energy intake.

Methionine as a double-edged sword in health and disease: Current perspective and future challenges

Methionine is one of the essential amino acids and plays a vital role in various cellular processes. Reports advocate that methionine restriction and supplementation provide promising outcomes, and its regulation is critical for maintaining a healthy life. Dietary methionine restriction in houseflies and rodents has been proven to extend lifespan. Contrary to these findings, long-term dietary restriction of methionine leads to adverse events such as bone-related disorders, stunted growth, and hyperhomocysteinemia. Conversely, dietary supplementation of methionine improves hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, inflammation, fibrosis, and bone health. However, a high level of methionine intake shows adverse effects such as hyperhomocysteinemia, reduced body weight, and increased cholesterol levels. Therefore, dietary methionine in a safe dose could have medicinal values. Hence, this review is aimed to provide a snapshot of the dietary role and regulation of methionine in the modulation of health and age-related diseases.

Supplementation of Lysine and Methionine in Milk Replacer or Starter Concentrate for Dairy Calves in Step-Up/Step-Down Feeding Program.

Simple SummaryYoung animals may have limited growth when amino acid (AA) requirements, especially lysine (Lys) and methionine (Met), are not met. However, the requirements of these AA are not well established for dairy calves, and supplementation strategies may vary with the milk feeding program. This study aimed to evaluate supplementation with Lys and Met in a milk replacer (MR) or a starter concentrate (SC) for calves in a step-up/step-down feeding program. Supplementation with Lys and Met did not benefit the dairy calves’ performance or metabolism when fed higher volumes of MR. Further studies are needed to understand the negative effects of AA on calf starter intake.This study aimed to evaluate the performance and metabolic changes in dairy calves fed in a step-up/step-down program and supplemented with lysine and methionine in a milk replacer (MR) or starter concentrate (SC). Male Holstein calves (n = 45) were blocked and distributed in the control without supplementation (1) and with lysine and methionine supplementation in the SC to achieve an intake of 17 and 5.3 g/d, respectively (2), and in the MR to achieve the same daily intake (3). MR was fed 4 L/d until the 2nd week, 8 L/d from the 3rd to 6th week, and 4 L/d from the 7th to 8th week, when calves were weaned. The calves were followed until the 10th week of age. Feed intake was measured daily. Weight and body measurements were registered weekly, and blood samples were collected biweekly. The lysine and methionine intake during the whole period was higher when supplementation occurred via MR. There was a supplementation effect for average daily gain after weaning, and the animals supplemented in the MR had lower BW than those that were not supplemented. Supplementation in MR decreased starter intake at the 10th week and total intake (g DM/d) after weaning. Supplementation with lysine and methionine in the MR or the SC did not benefit the performance or metabolism of dairy calves in the step-up/step-down program. Further studies are needed to understand the effects of amino acid supplementation on feed intake.

Association Between Dietary Intake of One-Carbon Metabolism-Related Nutrients and Fluorosis in Guizhou, China.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the associations between dietary one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients (betaine, choline, methionine, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12) and fluorosis among the Chinese population in an area known for coal-burning fluorosis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, with 653 fluorosis patients and 241 non-fluorosis participants. Dietary intake was acquired using a validated semi-quantitative 75-item food frequency questionnaire. The risk associations were assessed by unconditional logistical regression.Results: We observed a significant inverse association between dietary betaine, total choline, methionine, folate, vitamin B6, and choline species and fluorosis. The adjusted OR (95% CI) in the highest quartile of consumption compared with the lowest were 0.59 (0.37–0.94) (P-trend = 0.010) for betaine intake, 0.45 (0.28–0.73) (P-trend = 0.001) for total choline intake, 0.45 (0.28–0.72) (P-trend < 0.001) for methionine intake, 0.39 (0.24–0.63) (P-trend < 0.001) for folate intake, 0.38 (0.24–0.62) (P-trend < 0.001) for vitamin B6 intake, and 0.46 (0.28–0.75) (P-trend = 0.001) for total choline plus betaine intake. Dietary intakes of choline-containing compounds, phosphatidylcholine, free choline, glycerophosphocholine, and phosphocholine were also inversely associated with lower fluorosis (all P-trend < 0.05). No significant associations were observed between dietary vitamin B12 or sphingomyelin and fluorosis.Conclusion: The present study suggested that the higher dietary intakes of specific one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients, such as betaine, choline, methionine, folate, and vitamin B6, are associated with lower fluorosis prevalence.

Association of dietary intakes of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate, and methionine with the risk of esophageal cancer: the Japan Public Health Center-based (JPHC) prospective study

BackgroundB vitamins and methionine are essential substrates in the one-carbon metabolism pathway involved in DNA synthesis and methylation. They may have essential roles in cancer development. We aimed to evaluate the associations of dietary intakes of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate, and methionine with the risk of esophageal cancer (EC) using data from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study.MethodsWe included 87,053 Japanese individuals who completed a food frequency questionnaire and were followed up from 1995–1998 to 2013 and 2015. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by Cox proportional-hazard regression across quintiles of dietary intakes of B vitamins and methionine.ResultsAfter 1,456,678 person-years of follow-up, 427 EC cases were documented. The multivariable HR (95% CI) of incident EC in the highest versus lowest quintile of dietary intake of vitamin B12 was 1.75 (1.13–2.71; p-trend=0.01). Stratification analysis based on alcohol consumption showed that higher dietary intakes of vitamin B12 and methionine were associated with an increased risk of EC among never-drinkers; HRs (95% CIs) were 2.82 (1.18–6.74; p-trend=0.009; p-interaction=0.18) and 3.45 (1.32–9.06; p-trend=0.003; p-interaction 0.02) for vitamin B12 and methionine, respectively. Meanwhile, there was no association between vitamin B12 and methionine intake with the risk of EC among drinkers. There were no associations between dietary intake of folate or vitamin B6 and the risk of EC.ConclusionDietary intake of vitamin B12 was positively associated with the risk of EC in the Japanese population.

Factors affecting the incidence of depression in obese persons

Introduction: Many researchers have highlighted a reciprocal link between depression and obesity. This study was an attempt to analyze the effect of various lifestyle factors on the degree of depression assessed using Beck’s inventory. Objectives: To analyse the incidence of depression in obese individuals using a standardised tool named Beck’s depression inventory and to analyse the correlation of different lifestyle and dietary factors with depression. Methodology: The study was conducted in two health care centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This experiment was part of a research on obesity and was done among respondents having higher grades of BMI who attempted either bariatric surgery or conventional weight loss methods to reduce weight. The criterion for inclusion in this experiment were BMI of 33 Kg/m2 - 50 Kg/m2 and age range 18-65 years. Those having BMI more than 50Kg/m2, history of nephropathy, food allergy and uncontrolled diabetes were excluded. The samples included 10 respondents who opted conventional method and 18 respondents who opted Bariatric surgery for weight loss. The base line data were collected through a structured questionnaire and the depression status was assessed using Beck’s depression inventory. A comparative analysis was done using percentage distribution, Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and Paired t test. Results: The major variable for this experiment was the depression score which generated a mean value of 7.4±3.9 in the surgery group and 13.7± 8.2 in the non surgery group. Age, monthly income, sitting time in hours, sleep apnoea score, waist circumference, Family obesity score and morbidity score were influencing depression status. Body Mass Index and body fat percentage were the most correlating anthropometric parameters with the depression score. Sitting time lower than 5 hours and sleep duration greater than 6hours were related to higher depression score whereas sleep apnoea score did not have any linear relation with depression score. Sedentary occupation and sleep initiation time later than 10’o clock also related to higher score with depression inventory. Respondents who had a history of obesity from childhood had higher incidence of depression. The diet analysis revealed that higher intake of protein, carbohydrates and fiber produced a negative trend in the case of depression score while higher intake of fat was producing a positive correlation. The intake of Methionine, phenyl alanin, tryptophan and tyrosine were higher than requirement and had a negative influence on depression. Deficient intake of omega three and omega six fatty acids and excess intake of PUFA and MUFA related to higher scores in depression while adequate or higher intake of EPA and DHA related to lower scores of depression. When the intake of anti oxidant water soluble vitamins were low, the scores obtained with the depression inventory were high. The intake of calcium was close to requirement and was showing somewhat positive influence on depression score. The intake of other important minerals and trace elements were lesser than requirement and had negative influence on depression status. The mean intake of sodium was found to be higher than the recommended intake and produced proportional rise in the depression score. Summary and conclusion: It is clear from this study that unhealthy lifestyle patterns and poor diet quality have a strong influence on depression score obtained through Beck’s inventory