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SAM-e supplements are frequently purchased for their mood-lifting and pain-relieving effects. You can buy SAM-e tablets in several different forms, but there can be significant differences in efficacy across products.
S-adenosylmethionine, or SAM-e, is an intermediate in the conversion of the amino acid L-methionine into homocysteine. SAM-e is needed for several bodily functions, including the production of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. It is also involved in joint health and immune function.
SAM-e products have been on the market in the U.S. since 1999 and this molecule was first discovered in the 1950s. Researchers have studied the medicinal effects of SAM-e in various forms, including injections and oral forms, in order to understand its effects on depression, liver disease and other conditions.
Consumers who want to buy SAM-e pills for depression, joint pain or other conditions can find it online and in some retail stores. Before using these supplements, consumers should know more about it, including its benefits, dosage amounts and potential side effects.
Mood
Cognitive Health
Joint Function- Enhances mood & promotes cognitive health
- Essentual for dopamine, serotonin & norepinephrine metabolism
- Promotes joint comfort & liver health
Should you Buy SAM-e Tablets?
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There are several common uses of SAM-e supplements. Those who buy SAM-e online or in stores might use it for depression, anxiety or as a natural mood enhancer.
According to the Natural Medicines Database, other uses for SAM-e supplements include osteoarthritis, migraines, chronic lower back pain, bursitis, fibromyalgia and premenstrual syndrome.
These products have also been used as part of alternative medicine to manage a number of conditions, including heart disease, liver disease and multiple sclerosis. SAM-e pills have also been studied for conditions that affect the brain, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and seizures.
Some people take SAM-e supplements in order to slow the aging process or boost mental performance. Other uses include managing attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome.
While SAM-e has been widely researched for some of the above conditions, more research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of this supplement for most of the uses above. The FDA has not approved SAM-e as a drug to treat any specific medical conditions.
Top SAM-e Supplements
Benefits and Effects of SAM-e
SAM-e supplements can help boost low levels of this important methyl donor in the body. Research suggests that individuals with depression and other mood disorders may have low levels of this compound in their cerebrospinal fluid.
According to a 2009 article published in Whole Health Chicago, SAM-e is involved in the methylation process that helps promote cellular growth and repair. SAM-e provides a methyl group for a number of important chemical reactions in the body, including DNA methylation and amino acid synthesis. [1]
SAM-e also helps the body maintain adequate levels of glutathione, which is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Glutathione is the most potent antioxidant in the liver,helping to detoxify the body.
SAM-e may also be involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, which is needed to produce the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is involved in functions in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system and plays a key role in memory and attention.
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, several studies showed that taking SAM-e orally might improve symptoms of major depression and reduce joint pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis. [2]
Other studies have examined the effects of SAM-e on other conditions, such as liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and migraines. More clinical trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of SAM-e for these conditions, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. [3]
Early studies involved administering SAM-e intravenously or through injections. Studies on the oral use of SAM-e have only been undertaken more recently, which helps account for the lack of data to date, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [4]
- Enhance mood and promote cognitive health
- Essential for Dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine metabolism
- Promote joint comfort and liver health
How to Buy SAM-e Supplements
Where can you buy SAM-e? Consumers can find SAM-e for sale online at reputable retailers, such as Amazon and GNC.com. Consumers can also purchase SAM-e tablets, pills and other supplements with this ingredient at local stores that carry dietary supplements.
Some brands include Jarrow Formulas, Doctor’s Best, Nature Made, Now Foods and Source Naturals. Of these, the Doctor’s Best brand of 400 mg enteric coated SAM-e tablets has the most reviews and is the best-selling product on Amazon.com.
SAM-e supplements come in different forms, including tablets, capsules, enteric coated tablets and liquid formulas. Dosages range from as little as 200 mg to as much as 1,500 mg, although many SAM-e products for sale contain 400 mg per serving.
There are no standard dosages for SAM-e established by the FDA. The amount that consumers can safely take depends on the purpose they are using it for, and other factors, such as age. Consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate dose for your needs.
When purchasing SAM-e supplements, consumers should look for products that include the SS form of SAM-e rather than the RS form. The SS form is the active form of SAM-e, while the RS form is the inactive form.
Consumers can also purchase enteric coated pills for better absorption and a lower risk of gastrointestinal problems. Enteric coated pills do not break down in the stomach. Instead, they begin to break down in the intestines, which ensures that the SAM-e contained in the supplement is bioavailable.
SAM-e supplements are sometimes combined with other ingredients that offer similar benefits, such as glucosamine for joint health. Those who plan on taking supplements that only contain SAM-e or products that also have other ingredients should check with their doctor first.
Side Effects of SAM-e Supplements
SAM-e pills taken in small to moderate doses can cause side effects, such as headaches, anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, diarrhea and nausea. These supplements can also cause insomnia and heart palpitations, so they should not be used at night.
Supplements that contain SAM-e are safe for most people to take, but some people should avoid taking these products. SAM-e supplements can lead to more serious manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder.
SAM-e supplements might also be unsafe to take for those with other conditions or those who take certain medications. Consumers who want to buy SAM-e should talk to their doctor first about potential risks.
