FlavScents AInsights Entry for Dextro,laevo-methionine (CAS: 59-51-8)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Dextro,laevo-methionine
- IUPAC Name: 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid
- CAS Number: 59-51-8
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
- Molecular Formula: C5H11NO2S
- Molecular Weight: 149.21 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Dextro,laevo-methionine is an amino acid with a methylthio functional group, which can influence its sensory properties, although it is primarily known for its role in protein synthesis rather than as a direct odorant.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Dextro,laevo-methionine is not typically characterized by a distinct odor or flavor profile in isolation. It is primarily recognized for its role in biochemical processes rather than as a sensory compound. However, in certain contexts, methionine can contribute to a savory or umami taste, particularly when involved in Maillard reactions during cooking, which can enhance the flavor complexity of foods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Dextro,laevo-methionine occurs naturally in various protein-rich foods, including meat, fish, and dairy products. It is an essential amino acid, meaning it must be obtained through the diet. Methionine can also be formed through fermentation processes and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of other important compounds, such as cysteine and taurine. Its presence in foods contributes to the designation of "natural flavor" when derived from natural sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, dextro,laevo-methionine is used primarily as a precursor in the formation of savory flavors through Maillard reactions. It is not typically used as a standalone flavoring agent. The typical use levels in food systems are not well-documented, but it is generally present in concentrations that reflect its natural occurrence in protein-rich foods. Stability considerations include its susceptibility to oxidation and degradation at high temperatures, which can affect flavor outcomes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Dextro,laevo-methionine is not commonly used in fragrance formulations due to its lack of a distinct odor profile. Its primary relevance in fragrance chemistry is as a biochemical precursor rather than a direct contributor to fragrance notes. Therefore, it does not have a defined role in fragrance families or product types.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Dextro,laevo-methionine is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in foods as a nutrient supplement.
- European Union: It is permitted as a food additive under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
- United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards for food additives.
- Asia: In Japan and China, methionine is approved for use as a food additive, reflecting its essential role in nutrition.
- Latin America: Regulatory status aligns with international standards, with methionine recognized as a safe food additive.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Methionine is considered safe for oral consumption as an essential amino acid, with an established acceptable daily intake (ADI) based on nutritional requirements.
- Dermal Exposure: Not typically relevant for methionine, as it is not used in topical applications.
- Inhalation Exposure: Not applicable, as methionine is not volatile and does not pose inhalation risks in typical use scenarios.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Dextro,laevo-methionine is valuable in formulations for its role in enhancing savory flavors through Maillard reactions. It synergizes well with other amino acids and reducing sugars to create complex flavor profiles. Formulators should be aware of its stability issues, particularly its susceptibility to oxidation, and consider its natural occurrence in protein-rich ingredients to optimize flavor development.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on dextro,laevo-methionine is well-established in terms of its nutritional and biochemical roles. However, specific sensory and formulation data are less documented, reflecting its primary use as a nutritional component rather than a direct flavor or fragrance agent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges where applicable
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-09-07 12:07:39 GMT (p2)