SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is a dietary supplement all-encompassing when it comes to treating health concerns. The spectrum of uses is so vast that you may not readily pinpoint how it can benefit you, so talk to your doctor about Sam-e to determine if it fits your needs.

The supplement gained prominence during the early 1950s in Italy and first arrived in the US a little over 20 years ago. Europe requires a prescription for treating conditions like arthritis, liver disease and depression. The US market sells it over the counter, with its popularity growing for treating many health conditions.

Sam-e generates naturally in the body from methionine, spreading throughout the body tissues and fluids. (x) The amino acid is in wild fish, sesame seeds, egg whites and oats. Your body requires the compound to make specific chemicals and monitor the essential functions of the cells in your body. Even though the supplement is naturally in your body, the supplement is a replica of Sam-e. S-adenosyl-L-methionine will quickly break down and degrade rapidly in its natural form, and many patents for stable salts of Sam-e exist because it helps maintain the viability of the compound.

Sam-e is relatively new with animal model studies reporting its potential as a pain-relieving agent, natural anti-inflammatory and mood-enhancing agent. Your body cannot generate enough Sam-e if you need it for therapeutic purposes, so a synthesized concentration of the compound may work. When deciding to take the Sam-e supplement, use your judgment, and see a doctor for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements.

What is Sam-e?

The central nervous system produces Sam-e from two sources in the body. They are an essential amino acid called methionine, and an energy-producing compound called adenosine triphosphate. Methionine plays an integral part in the growth of new blood vessels. At the same time, adenosine triphosphate operates as an energy-producing compound that acts as a fuel source for your body’s cells. S-adenosyl-L-methionine forms in your body naturally and monitors vital functions in your living cells.

Sam-e plays a part in the crucial process called methylation, sustaining several biochemical reactions that happen in your body. These reactions involve DNA repair, gene expression, maintaining cell membrane fluidity, neurotransmitters, synthesizing proteins and metabolizing minerals and fats. In other words, Sam-e takes part in many metabolic processes all through your body, being a part of the activation, formation, and breakdown of numerous chemicals that include proteins and hormones.

A scientific study reports that abnormal levels of Sam-e in the body associates with health concerns like liver disease, mood swings and osteoarthritis. The study investigated the efficacy of s-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of these conditions as well. It also touched on the effectiveness of treating fibromyalgia with Sam-e, but researchers agree more studies performed will help to understand the medicinal potential and mechanisms of Sam-e fully. Even though Sam-e is available, make sure you discuss the potential benefits of taking any supplement with your doctor. 

How Does Sam-e Benefit Your Health?

Alleviates Osteoarthritis 

The medical field continues debating whether or not Sam-e is a successful dietary supplement as a treatment for osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. The health condition is the gradual loss of cartilage characterized by chronic joint pain and immobility. Sam-e shows the potential to regenerate the cartilage tissue and act as an anti-inflammatory by increasing glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione recharges every antioxidant in the body and formulates from three amnio acids: cysteine, glutamate and glycine. 

A study reported in the Journal of Family Practice indicated that s-adenosyl-L-methionine seems to be as effective as NSAIDs, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Sam-e reduces pain and improves the body’s functional limitation without the adverse effects of NSAIDs, the most commonly used pain killer in the world that increases the chance of heart failure.

Helps Ease Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is chronic, pervasive pain in the muscles and connective tissues. Those who suffer from this condition experience long-term pain, mood swings and fatigue.

In Denmark, Frederiksberg Hospital’s Department of Rheumatology conducted a double-blind clinical study on 44 patients with fibromyalgia. The study included administering 800 mg of Sam-e orally for six weeks, and the participants reported improvements the last week. The ones who took the supplement experienced less pain, morning stiffness, fatigue, and mood swings than those on the placebo.

May Work as an Antidepressant 

Having bouts of depression may be resolved with Sam-e. Researchers report s-adenosyl-L-methionine for depression shows improvement in the individual and helps the individual avoid the harmful side effects of psychiatric drugs known as SSRIs. The hypothesis is SSRIs, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, increase serotonin to treat depression, but the adverse side effects may induce suicidal thoughts and more.

The National Center of Biotechnology Information reports several randomized controlled trials supporting that Sam-e is superior to both antidepressants and placebo. The supplement helped those who were not benefiting from SSRIs.

In Melbourne, Australia, a study indicates Sam-e administered to adults with depression was more effective than the placebo, particularly with male participants compared to female participants.

Before considering taking Sam-e for depression, consult your doctor, so both of you can determine if the supplement will work for you. Also, some of the studies used intravenous treatment instead of oral treatment. 

Improves Brain Function

Sam-e has a part in methylation, which is crucial in supporting many biochemical reactions in the body. These reactions include the brain, and as the body ages, the capability of methylate declines. Thus, the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, may increase. Patients with Alzheimer’s have low levels of s-adenosyl-L-methionine in their bodies and may weaken the patient’s metabolism and brain function.

As mentioned earlier, Sam-e plays a part in glutathione production. The compound is a potent antioxidant that operates within the cell. Research indicates a decrease in glutathione levels may correlate in the occurrence of Alzheimer’s and similar neurodegenerative diseases.

Several scientific studies done on animal models tells you that the Sam-e supplement may improve cognitive performance, particularly in mice deficient in folate (folic acid). Researchers reported the supplement might help those who have various dementia that includes Alzheimer’s disease. Discuss with your doctor about supplementing your diet with S-adenosyl-L-methionine. 

May Help Relieve Pain

If you are in pain, it might be comforting to know that Sam-e may help relieve your symptoms. People take the Sam-e supplement for lower back pain relief, abdominal pain and PMS symptoms. The supplement contains analgesic properties based on a study relating to a treatment conducted on animal models.

The University of California discovered that administered as an oral Sam-e relieves stomach pain with children. The study took eight children who had abdominal pain and received 1,400 mg daily over a two-month timeframe. The findings were overall improvement regarding the illness.

A two-year scientific study performed on patients in pain with osteoarthritis in the knees, hips, cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back). Following the patients for two years, they reported improvement within the first two weeks of treatment. The study continued its course, by the 24th month, there were additional improvements overall, including a better outlook on life.

Helps Support Liver Function

People with chronic liver disease may experience a decrease in the formulation of s-adenosyl-L-methionine in their bodies, which may intensify the liver disease. By adding Sam-e supplements to the diet may prove to be a valid treatment for the debilitating disease. 

Researchers of eleven studies indicate the value and safety of using Sam-e as a therapy of chronic liver diseases. The supplement seems to help increase liver function and maybe a part of a treatment program for liver health. Additionally, the Sam-e supplement is not effective in the prevention of chronic liver disease.

May Support Asthma Symptoms

Suffering from asthma is a common health concern, unlike fibrosis, which is 13 to 20 in 100,000 people who become afflicted with the disease. Finding a solution for both health concerns may include Sam-e supplement. But, ask your doctor about taking any new supplement. 

An animal model reported in Experimental and Molecular Medicine that Sam-e had a suppressive influence on airway inflammation and fibrosis in mice having chronic asthma. The report says this is a novel treatment for individuals with chronic asthma symptoms as more human studies will help verify the validity of using s-adenosyl-L-methionine to lower the oxidative stress and relieve the inflamed airway.

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Sam-e for Dogs and Cats

Veterinarians prescribe Sam-e for dogs and cats with arthritis and liver health concerns, including reports of it making dogs feel happier.  

The Nutramax Laboratories, Inc reports the advantages of using glucosamine, a natural component found in cartilage, with s-adenosyl-L-methionine for maintaining cartilage in joint disorders of dogs based on an in vitro study. The report indicates the effectiveness of the combined properties based on observations, noting more biological activity relieving arthritis and other kinds of joint pains.

Another study performed on dogs with hepatitis, a liver disease, improved with Sam-e as a treatment as long as intervention occurs in the early stages of the disease.

How Much Sam-e Should You Take?

Before starting a new supplement, talk it over with your doctor and determine if it is the right choice for you. With that, the recommended amount of s-adenosyl-L-methionine is 400 to 1600 mg a day on an empty stomach. Most doctors recommend starting on at 400 mg a day and building the dosage from there.

Study the label of your supplement carefully to determine the dosage based on weight, age and health concern. The supplement acts as a stimulate, so try to take it in the morning. That way, it will not disturb your sleep schedule.  

Where Can You Buy Sam-e

You can purchase SAM-e supplements at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.

Are you interested in trying Sam-e as a dietary supplement for its potential effect on liver function, osteoarthritis, central nervous system, asthma, pain management and depression? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.

Sam-e Side Effects

Side effects from taking Sam-e supplements are not common, though there are reports of minor complaints including nausea, insomnia, nervousness and anxiety. The supplement paired with other supplements like St. John’s Wort and L-tryptophan sometimes helps with health concerns.

Individuals who are immunocompromised like HIV positive may have adverse reactions because s-adenosyl-L-methionine increases the growth of Pneumocystis carinii, lung infection that effects people with low immune systems, which may endanger those who have an impaired immune system.

Whether taking the supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding requires more research to determine whether it is safe. As mentioned earlier in the article, studies concerning children taking s-adenosyl-L-methionine, report minimal adverse reactions but consult a pediatrician first before administering Sam-e supplement.

Bottom Line

S-adenosylmethionine or Sam-e is a compound derived from the essential amino acid methionine and the energy-producing compound adenosine triphosphate. Produced naturally in the body regulates the necessary functions of the cells. 

The body experiences a lower amount of Sam-e, specific health concerns flare-up, including liver disease, osteoarthritis and central nervous system. The supplement exists as an over-the counter-supplement, which is in a synthetic form of the natural compound in the body. 

Even though research reports the success of using the compound, its benefits and mechanisms still need more substantial findings as a potential treatment for asthma, chronic pain, liver disease, fibromyalgia, depression and osteoarthritis. Try to consult with your doctor regarding any new supplement you add to your diet.

Also, consider the fact that s-adenosyl-L-methionine helps formulate glutathione, which recharges every antioxidant in the body. The antioxidant is vital to the handling of free radicals and the oxidization that occurs in the body. The fact alone is the key to understanding the overall health benefits of taking Sam-e.

Also, veterinarians prescribe Sam-e for dogs and cats with liver disease and joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.