By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph
SAM-E stands for S-adenosylmethionine, a naturally occurring molecule that is found in virtually all body tissues and fluids. It is made in the body from homocysteine and 5-methylene tetrahydrofolate. With its synthesis being closely linked to vitamin B12 and folate metabolism, deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to decreased SAMe concentrations. SAMe plays an essential role in over 100 biochemical reactions involving the synthesis and metabolism of hormones, neurotransmitters, nucleic acids, proteins, and phospholipids where it is involved in transmethylation. Due to its extensive action, it has been used for many different purposes including depression, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, intrahepatic cholestasis, and even sexual dysfunction.
Despite it being such an important molecule in the body, it is not well-known as it has been over-shadowed by other supplements that can be used for each of its individual actions. For example, milk thistle is much better known as a liver supporting supplement, 5-HTP is better known for mood support, MSM and glucosamine are better known for helping with joint pain, etc. However, SAM-e supplementation can increase glutathione, an important molecule in liver detoxification. SAM-e can increase serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels, which means it can help with depressive symptoms on more than one front. It has been proven in clinical trials to work as well as tri-cyclic antidepressants with benefits felt in as little as one t6 two weeks. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in the treatment of osteoarthritis, SAM-e supplementation can increase the levels of synovial fluid in the joint in just seven days. It may even help stimulate cartilage growth and repair.
One of the greatest benefits of trying SAM-e is that it is generally very well-tolerated. Side effects are mild (e.g., nausea, dizziness, nervousness, sweating, headache) and usually only seen at high doses. If you are using it for its liver-supporting properties, make sure to take it along with a good folate and vitamin B6 supplement such as Thorne Research’s MULTI B#6 to maximize the benefit. SAM-e can be rapidly degraded when exposed to the environment, so make sure to choose one that is enteric-coated such as the one by AOR. There is potential for it to interact with other supplements and/or medications thus if you are on any other medications or herbal supplements, make sure you let your doctor and/or pharmacist know before you start taking SAM-e.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
