Is SAM-E a Vitamin? Effects of Combining with Vitamin B-Complex

What is SAM-e a vitamin and what are the effects of using this natural compound for health and mood balance?

Many people use the terms vitamin and supplement interchangeably, but this use is not correct. A prime example is describing SAM-e, a popular nutritional supplement, as a vitamin.

Vitamins refer to a specific class of organic compounds that are required for health, but that the body cannot make on its own. There are 13 vitamins that your body requires and that must be obtained through the diet.

SAM-e is not considered a vitamin because we can make it endogenously and typically have sufficient levels in the body to meet our needs. However, there are some circumstances in which increasing levels through supplementation may be beneficial.

Oral SAM-e 200mg, 400mg and 500mg tablets are commonly used to promote a positive mood, stress relief and liver health. While SAM-e is not a vitamin, its health benefits can be enhanced when it is taken with B vitamins, particularly B-12.

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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What is SAM-e?

Vitamins are a type of supplement, but they are not the only kind of supplements available. SAM-e, for instance, is a molecule that is produced inside the human body and is responsible for many mood and immune functions.

S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAM-e) is a compound found naturally in the human body that was first isolated by scientists in 1952.

It was discovered that this molecule is created when amino acids (the building blocks of protein) are broken down by the body. SAM-e is found inside every cell, as it plays a role in cell wall maintenance.

It also helps the brain process chemicals involved in mood, such as serotonin, dopamine and melatonin. B vitamins, especially B-12, allow SAM-e to do its work in the brain. In animal studies, subjects with low B vitamin levels had lower levels of SAM-e than others.

Research on SAM-e has indicated that it may have benefits for health conditions that include anxiety, depression, and osteoarthritis. However, this supplement has not been approved by the FDA as a drug for the treatment of any medical conditions.

In Europe, it is sold as a prescription medication for the treatment of mild to moderate depression, Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder and other forms of mild mood disorders.

Approximately 40 studies on SAM-e and depression have been performed. In many of these studies, they found that it is more effective than a placebo for treatment of depression.

Some studies found that SAM-e, when taken in conjunction with a traditional antidepressant, is more effective than taking the antidepressant alone. It was also found to help with depression in cases where other treatments had not been effective.

SAM-e also compares favorably with both NSAID medications and a placebo for treating osteoarthritis pain. Participants who took this supplement experienced fewer side effects than those who took NSAIDs to control their arthritis symptoms.

Best Way to Take SAM-e 200 Mg Pills

SAM-e and B-vitamins can be taken together to make this supplement more effective. While there are no studies specifically on the combination of SAM-e and B-vitamin supplements, research has demonstrated that individuals with low levels of B-vitamins also had lower SAM-e levels.

Since B-vitamins are also associated with the production of the brain chemicals that affect your mood, having low levels can contribute to depression.

When taking SAM-e, it is often beneficial to take smaller doses throughout the day which is why the 200mg tablets are often recommended to new users. People should also start with a small dose and gradually increase to the desired dose. This can keep SAM-e from having a negative effect on the stomach.

The optimal dosage is dependent on the desired benefits. The FDA has not issued standardized dosage guidelines for this supplement. You should determine the right amount to take for your needs in conjunction with your physician.

In research studies on osteoarthritis, participants took 600 mg to 1200 mg per day. This amount was divided into two or three doses to avoid stomach upset.

In research studies on depression, this supplement has been administered in amounts ranging from 800 mg to 1600 mg per day divided into morning and afternoon doses.

In studies on pain from fibromyalgia, the dose used was 800 mg divided into two doses.

Unlike SAM-e, B vitamins should be taken with food to aid absorption and avoid upset stomach. Many people find that sublingual B-12 supplements are better absorbed than supplements in pill form. The RDA of B-12 is 2.4 mcg per day. However, larger doses can be taken safely.

B vitamins are available through a number of food sources. B-12 is only available through animal sources that include beef, chicken, fish and oysters. People who consume a vegan diet are at a higher risk for B-12 deficiencies.

To get a full spectrum of B vitamins, many health experts recommend a B complex vitamin to those who are not getting enough through food sources.

Potential Side Effects

In studies, researchers have found that SAM-e is well tolerated and generally is not associated with serious side effects in most patients. The most common side effects reported are upset stomach and nausea.

According to anecdotal reports, side effects can be avoided by taking SAM-e on an empty stomach and following with a full glass of water. Certain products such as enteric coated capsules are purported to cause fewer adverse effects.

A number of SAM-e reviews contain anecdotal reports of taking this supplements with B-vitamins. These individuals say that they experienced fewer side effects when taking both supplements. They also say that the feel that SAM-e is more effective when taken with the vitamin.

B-Complex vitamins are generally well tolerated but may have additional risks of side effects. Consult with a doctor before taking SAM-e with a B-Complex multivitamin.

SAM-e may have more serious side effects for some individuals. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may experience worsened symptoms of mania when taking this natural health product.

SAM-e should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient research. The safety of this supplement has not been established for children.

People who take levodopa for Parkinson’s should not take SAM-e, as it may interfere with the effectiveness of their medication. This product may interact with antidepressant medications or with herbal antidepressant preparations such as St. John’s Wort. It should also not be taken by people who are taking MAOI inhibitors.

SAM-e may interact with the cough suppressant dextromethorphan. Taking the two in combination may cause a higher risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include restlessness, confusion and agitation.

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