SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine)

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) is a molecule that the body continually produces to fuel numerous vital body processes. It was discovered in 1952.  Recently, SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) has gained prominence when it was found out that it has the capacity to ease up depression similar to the effect of antidepressants.  SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) comes from methionine which is an amino acid and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Amino acid is found in food rich in protein while, ATP produces energy and is found in all body’s cells.  SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) provides a vital link in methylation wherein it donates a piece of itself to body tissues and organs.  Methylation is a chemical reaction that occurs billions of times a second all over the body. By doing this SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) contributes to cell growth and repair.  It also helps in forming key compounds in the brain such as neurotransmitter dopamine and serotonin which is a mood-enhancer.  It also sustains the required level of glutathione which is an antioxidant that protects the cell from free radicals. 

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) has several known benefits to the body which includes the following:

It relieves depression and stress.  It was found out that SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) does ease depression ranging from mild to moderately severe depression.  Small clinical trials conducted revealed that SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) works same way as the prescribed tricyclic antidepressants such as imiprmine, amitriptyline and desipramine in treating depression.  The effect could be noticed in a week which is faster than the usual medication which could take several weeks. 

It treats chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).  It aids CFS sufferers by fighting depression at the same time.

It lowers pain due to arthritis and inflammation.  It keeps the gel-like cartilage that cushions joints intact.  It is effective in increasing mobility and decreasing swelling and pain similar to NSAIDA (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories) such as ibuprofen and aspirin.  It has no side effect such as stomach bleeding and kidney damage associated with NSAIDs. 

It controls back pain. Due to its ability to reduce swelling and pain, SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) can effectively control back pain by its role in repairing and restoring spinal discs, cartilage and surfaces of joints.

It lowers fibromyalgia symptoms.  SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) can minimixe symptoms linked with the illness such as muscle pain, depression and fatigue.

It treats hepatitis and other liver disorders.  SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) capacity to  produce glutathione which promotes liver efficiency.

It protects against Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders associated with age.  Improvements were noticed as SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) supplements were taken by elderly individuals.

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) supplements are available in tablet forms.  In order to be effective, take the enteric-coated SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine).  Other pointers to keep in mind in using SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) include:

§ Take vitamin B complex with SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) to avoid toxic buildup of homocysteine. The recommended amount is 100 mg of B complex ones a day regardless of SAMe dose. 
§ Start with half of the daily dosage recommended if you are sensitive to medications.  Gradually increase the intake after a week.
§ To treat depression, arthritis, fibromylagia and liver disorders, take 400 mg of SAMe twice daily.  If no improvement is noticed after three weeks increase the dosage to 400 mg three times daily. You can lower the dosage to 200 mg twice daily if you noticed improvements.
§ Take SAMe on an empty stomach. Take it one hour before or two hours after meals.  In case of nausea or heartburn drink plenty of water.
§ SAMe can be combined with other natural or conventional antidepressants.
§ Look for ‘pharmaceutical grade’ SAMe products and go for ‘butanedisulfonate’ instead of ‘tosylate’.
§ Don’t take SAMe with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor antidepressants.

Possible side effects of SAMe range from mild stomach upset, dry mouth and insomnia to diarrhea and heartburn.  Don’t take SAMe without seeing a doctor first especially if you have bipolar disorder because SAMe could trigger it.