Methonine is an essential amino acid, which basically means that it cannot be synthesized in the body and the only means of procuring it is through methonine rich food intake. Methionine is needed for manufacture of taurine, which is an important amino acid for cardiac function and serves  as a brain neurotransmitter as well. Thus, this particular amino acid is extremely vital for growing children. Deficiency of the amino acid leads to subsequent taurine, cysteine, and one-carbon metabolite deficiencies. It can also lead to poor synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and other phospholipids that are vital building blocs of the nervous systems. Excessive intake of methionine along with B vitamin deficiency may increase the risk for arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by increasing the blood levels of cholesterol and homocysteine.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance of sulfur containing amino acids (methionine and cysteine) for infants and children is 22mg and 45 per Kilogram body weight respectively.

Food Sources of Methonine

Methionine can be found in a variety of food items especially protein rich foods. Few of the sources are sausage, duck, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, wheat germ, red peppers, onions, and garlic, Brussels sprouts, eggs, yoghurt, and broccoli also conatin methonine.

Top 10 Methionine Rich Foods

1. Fish: Fish is a very good source of methonine providing 2000 – 3000mg of the amino acid based on the variety of fish.

2. Poultry: Poultry, especially turkey and chicken are loaded with methionine, ad its contentment can range from 1500 – 2000 mg per pound.

3. Meat: All meats and cured meats like bacon, sausage, etc. are packed with methionine (750 – 2500 per pound).

4. Shellfish: Seafood like mollusks, crustaceans are very high in their methionine content.

5. Eggs: Eggs especially egg yolks can meet almost 23 percent of the RDA of methionine,  and are also frequently consumed breakfast item in children

     6. Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese although not as popular as cheese among children can be transformed into something delightful by the preparing it the right way. It can also provide 1200 mg of methionine per pound.

      7. Peanuts: Peanuts in any form are loved by children, and provide 640 mg of methionine per cup.

8. Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are methionine rich (1400mg/cup), and children can be encouraged to consume them.

9. Whole lentils: Dry lentils can be a healthy source of methionine (350mg/cup) for vegans in their daily diet.

10. Yoghurt: Yoghurt can be flavored to suit any kid’s taste, and one cup would meet almost 47%RDA of methionine.

Children, on a vegan diet,  are prone to protein deficiency. In such cases their food can be supplemented with soybean or soybean isolates to meet both protein and methionine demands

Note: Children, especially ones under 2 yrs are prone to food intolerance and allergy. Introduce any new food slowly and cautiously. If you are aware of you child's food allergies avoid the any food that contains that particular allergen completely.

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