Studies on Nutritional Value of S-Methylcysteine Sulfoxide

(I) Effect of Increased Dietary S-Methylcysteine Sulfoxide on Growth and Tissues in Rats

Abstract

S-Methylcysteine Sulfoxide (Methiin) is distributed abundantly in Liliaceae (garlic, onions etc.) and Cruciferae plants (cabbage, radish etc.) and is one of the greater sources of sulphur containing amino acids in Japan. The effect of increased doses of dietary Methiin in rats is described herein.
A 2% Methiin supplemented diet was administered at libitum to Wistar rats for a 74 day period. This resulted in a slow down of growth although decrease in food intake also played a role. Extra intake of Methiin resulted in an increase in splenic iron as well as a decrease in the erythrocyte counts.