SAM-e Benefits for Mood, Stress, Joints, Aging & More

The purported benefits of using a SAM-e supplement include mood balance, improved cognitive health, liver health, immune function and joint comfort.

SAM-e is a natural chemical produced within the body. It plays a role in a wide range of different functions as a methyl donor.

It is involved in the production of various neurotransmitters, synthesis of cartilage, the replication and repair of DNA, the formation of phospholipids and cell membranes and more.

While we can make this compound naturally in our liver, there are times when using a SAM-e supplement may promote overall health and well-being. As a dietary supplement, it is commonly taken for low moods, to relieve arthritis pain and as an anti-aging supplement.

Research shows that SAM-e is effective for depression and for joint problems. It is also safer than many prescription drugs with a low risk of side effects. What are the other health benefits of SAM-e and what is the best way to take this supplement?

SAMe

Mood Supplement

Mood

Cognitive Health

Joint Function

How It Works:

• Enhances mood & promotes cognitive health
• Essentual for dopamine, serotonin & norepinephrine metabolism
• Promotes joint comfort & liver health

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1600 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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SAM-e Health Benefits

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), which was first discovered in the 1950s, occurs naturally in tissue throughout the human body.

It is produced by the body from the amino acid methionine and from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the primary energy currency in your cells.

SAM-e helps synthesize and metabolize brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and melatonin and also supports the immune system and helps maintain cell membranes.

SAM-e is not available from food sources, although you may be able to increase levels of this compound in the body by eating more foods that contain methionine.

It is also available in pill form over the counter. Researchers have studied oral use of SAM-e supplements for a number of conditions, including:

• depression
• anxiety
• fibromyalgia pain
• heart disease
• osteoarthritis
• bursitis and tendonitis
• lower back pain
• dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• anti-aging benefits
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• improving mental performance
• liver disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• PMS
• ADHD
• migraine headaches

How it Works

Most research on SAM-e health benefits has involved injectable forms rather than oral supplements. It is still being established whether oral pills have the same effects, although many studies do show benefits from taking it this way.

At least 40 studies have been performed on SAM-e and depression. Most trials last a few weeks and involve injectable forms of the compound.

While the studies suggest that SAM-e may help with both anxiety and depression, it has not been approved by the FDA as a treatment for either of these conditions. More research is needed to validate clinical efficacy.

Some research indicates that people who do not respond to conventional antidepressants may see alleviation of symptoms when taking this product. There is also evidence that adding SAM-e to conventional treatments for depression may be more effective than taking conventional antidepressants alone.

S-Adenosylmethionine was found to be as effective as certain anti-depressant medications commonly used with a lower risk of side effects. It also appears to start working faster than some traditional therapies.

In research on osteoarthritis, it was found that SAM-e had the same level of effectiveness as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, not all studies showed benefits when compared with a placebo.

In studies, people who took SAM-e orally saw some improvement of symptoms of fibromyalgia. SAM-e performed favorably when compared to both a placebo and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy (TENS).

The benefits of this supplement for weight loss are still being established. Depression can affect appetite, leading to overeating in some individuals. Because SAM-e may have antidepressant effects, it may help moderate depression-related overeating.

Preliminary research suggests that taking SAM-e may reduce symptoms of ADHD in adults. However, a study focusing on ADHD and a specific chromosomal issue indicated that it was no more effective than a placebo.

There is some evidence that SAM-e may reduce aggressive behavior in people who have schizophrenia. However, more research is needed.

This compound has also been studied for its effects on smoking cessation. Research has not shown any benefits of SAM-e for people who wish to quit smoking.

How to Take

Experts recommend starting with a low dose, such as 200 mg per day, to avoid stomach distress. The dose can be gradually increased.

There is research that indicates that oral SAM-e may not be absorbed well if taken in certain forms. Experts recommend taking it with folic acid, vitamin B12 and the amino acids trimethylglycine and methionine to increase absorption.

Manufacturers also sell enteric coated tablets that contain this ingredient. These tablets are believed to have higher oral bioavailability compared to standard gelatin or vegetarian capsules.

The recommended dose depends the reason it is being used. According to the Natural Medicines Database, the following dosages have been used in clinical studies:

For depression, the recommended SAM-e dose is 800 to 1600 mg SAM-e, divided into morning and afternoon doses.

For osteoarthritis, the recommended dose is 600 to 1200 mg per day, divided into two to three doses.
For fibromyalgia pain, the recommended dose is 800 mg, divided into two doses. In studies, SAM-e was taken for fibromyalgia for six weeks.

To combat alcohol-related liver disease, SAM-e was taken orally in a dose of 600 to 1200 mg per day.

For ADHD, 400 mg SAM-e was taken three times per day and gradually increased to 800 mg taken three times per day.

For sexual dysfunction, participants took 400 to 800 mg per day for a period of eight weeks. The amount e was increased over a two-week period.

Adverse Effects

The Natural Medicines Database rates SAM-e as “Likely Safe”, which means it is generally well tolerated and has a low risk of adverse effects. However, a small number of users do report negative effects when they first start taking it.

The most common side effects reported when taking SAM-e are nausea and upset stomach. High doses may cause symptoms that include headache, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia and heart palpitations.

Some manufacturers recommend that you do not use this supplement late at night as it could make it difficult to fall asleep. Some people taking SAM-e may experience feelings of elation or abnormally elevated mood.

In a study on the effects on alcohol-related liver diseases, participants took SAM-e for a period of two years without serious side effects. Most other studies involve patients taking it for a short period of time. More research is needed to determine safety over long-term use.

SAM-e may worsen symptoms of mania in people who have bipolar disorder. Because of this, experts recommend that people with bipolar only take the product under a doctor’s supervision.

The safety of this supplement during pregnancy has not been established. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult with their doctor before using this supplement.

This compound has been studied children with hepatitis. However, there is not enough research to indicate that children taking SAM-e without a doctor’s supervision is safe. More research is needed to determine whether it is appropriate for this population.

It may interfere with the action of levodopa, a drug that is used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It may interact with antidepressants. SAM-e should not be taken by people who are taking MAOI inhibitors.

SAM-e may interact with dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant that appears in medications like Robitussin DM. There is a possibility that it can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Before taking SAM-e supplements for specific health benefits, consult with a doctor to find out whether this supplement is appropriate for you.

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