- Helps alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression
- Provides relief of pain and swelling in osteoarthritis
- May help fibromyalgia sufferers
- Preliminary evidence points to aid for migraine headache sufferers
- Cannot be obtained through the diet
SAM-e (pronounced “Sammy”) is a little known supplement within the United States that offers the potential of significant benefits for several conditions. The supplement has been in widespread use in Europe for some time. SAM-e (s-Adenosylmethione or ademetionine) is an amino acid first discovered in 1952. SAM-e is produced in small amounts in the body through a combination of ATP (the body’s main energy molecule) and the amino acid methionine. SAM-e cannot be obtained through food. The body does not always produce sufficient SAM-e and studies have identified several conditions which may benefit from SAM-e supplementation.
Depression: Depression will affect up to 25% of women and 12% of men during their lifetimes. In any given year 10 to 15 million Americans will have clinical depression. SAM-e’s anti-depressive activity was first documented in 1976. In the past several decades forty clinical studies have been conducted exploring SAM-e’s relationship with depression. The consensus of the studies is that SAM-e is effective in improving the mood of people suffering with mild to moderate depression. It provides relief comparable to standard medications without the side effects (headaches, sleeplessness, and sexual dysfunction). Exactly how SAM-e works is unclear although it is known that SAM-e plays a role in more than 30 different chemical reactions including certain mood enhancing chemicals like serotonin. (Individuals diagnosed with bi-polar disorder should not take SAM-e as it can lead to a manic episode.)
Osteoarthritis: One unexpected benefit of SAM-e discovered while treating depression was its positive effects on osteoarthritis. SAM-e supplementation resulted in a decrease in pain and inflammation. It also helped promoted cartilage repair. In several studies SAM-e was as effective as NSAIDs in providing relief to people with osteoarthritis in the knee, hip or spine. It also compared favorably to prescription medications in reducing morning stiffness, pain, and swelling.
Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a non-life threatening condition which presents itself as pain in muscles, tendons and ligaments and as extreme fatigue. In studies, SAM-e appeared to improve pain, fatigue, morning stiffness and mood.
Migraine Headaches: Preliminary study suggests SAM-e may help reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine headaches.
Full effectiveness of SAM-e may require daily intake for up to one month. SAM-e is highly susceptible to absorbing moisture from its surroundings. Because of this our SAM-e is enteric coated to provide maximum stability. This also provides maximum passage through the stomach to the intestine where SAM-e is absorbed.