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Study brings new insights into type 2 diabetes
In previous studies by DIfE, a partner of the German Center for Diabetes Research, it had already been established that mice fed low-protein diets had better blood sugar levels. As the latest results show , reducing methionine could prevent type 2 diabetes . Methionine is an amino acid found in proteins of all living things. Since the human organism cannot produce methionine itself, the amino acid is only ingested through animal products.
Amino acid in meat responsible for type 2 diabetes?
In the current study , mice were fed a low-methionine diet, with amazing results. In this way , the sugar metabolism and the sensitivity to the hormone insulin could be improved. Only the amino acid was left out during the research, the mice continued to be fed a high-protein diet. From these results it can be concluded that with less methionine uptake, the liver releases more FGF21. FGF21 is a hormone that is mainly produced in the liver and has various positive effects on the organism. These include a fat-free liver, higher insulin sensitivity and a faster metabolism.
Result: part-time vegetarian?
Since methionine is mainly ingested through meat, vegetarians and vegans had significantly better values in a direct comparison – at least as far as the hormone FGF21 is concerned. After only four days of a vegetarian diet, the meat eaters’ FGF21 levels increased . According to researchers, even going on a vegetarian week every now and again could have positive effects.
However, it must be noted that the amino acid methionine also has important positive properties and is extremely important, especially for children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
