Wizard of Vitamins

SAMe Vitamin

What is SAMe?

S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) is an important biological agent in the human body, participating in over 40 essential biochemical reactions.

SAMe in Diets

SAMe is not abundant in the diet, though its precursor, the amino acidmethionine is plentiful in many protein foods. It is not known whether increasing one’s intake of methionine will increase the body’s production of SAMe. Supplements of SAMe have been available in the U.S. since 1997.

SAMe Medicinal Treatments

Liver cirrhosis Osteoarthritis Depression Fibromyalgia Hepatitis (for liver cholestasis) Pregnancy and postpartum support (for cholestasis only) Bipolar disorder Infertility (male) Migraine headaches Post-concussion syndrome

Known Consequences of SAMe Deficiency

SAMe is normally produced in the liver from the amino acidmethionine which is abundant in most diets. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are necessary for the synthesis of SAMe, and deficiencies of these vitamins results in low concentrations of SAMe in the central nervous system. Low blood or central nervous system levels of SAMe have been detected in people with cirrhosis of the liver, coronary heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.

SAMe Recommended Dosages

Healthy people do not need to take this supplement. Researchers working with people suffering from a variety of conditions have been using these amounts of SAMe: depression, 1,600 mg per day; osteoarthritis, 800–1,200 mg per day; fibromyalgia, 800 mg per day; liver disorders, 1,200 mg per day; and migraine, 800 mg per day.

SAMe Side Effects

Clinical trials in thousands of people for up to two years have demonstrated that SAMe is very well tolerated, much better than the medications with which it has often been compared. Occasional gastrointestinal upset may be experienced by some people. Researchers treating people with bipolar disorder (manic depression) have reported that SAMe could cause them to switch from depression to a manic episode. Certain medicines may interact with SAMe. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.