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S-adenosylmethionine

What is it and where does it come from?

SAMe (s-adenosylmethionine) is a naturally occurring longevity nutrient (1) that can be produced by the body. It can also be produced chemically. As with other substances, ageing leads to a natural decline in production. Discovered in 1953, SAMe is a precursor of the substances spermidine and spermine. It is produced in the body from the amino acid methionine. Due to its inherently unstable structure, SAMe cannot be found in significant quantities in food sources. Therefore, SAMe must be taken as part of a dietary supplement.

What does it do and what scientific studies are there to support this?

SAMe is a remarkable substance that the body utilizes in many ways. SAMe is widely recognized as an effective remedy for osteoarthritis (2), depression (3, 4, 5, 6), fibromyalgia and liver disease. It is used by the body to repair joints (1) and produce neurotransmitters (1,7) and has also been shown to be as effective as some antidepressant drug treatments. (8,9) In clinical studies, SAMe has been shown to be helpful in treating migraine headaches10, increase sperm activity in infertile men11, protect and detoxify the liver and maintain the cardiovascular system. It can also be used to inactivate oestrogenic compounds.

Who needs it and what are the deficiency symptoms?

Anyone can benefit from using SAMe as a supplement. The people who may benefit most from supplementing with SAMe include: Individuals suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, liver conditions, depression or other psychiatric issues, athletes and the general population. Because of SAMe's ability to treat a host of physical and mental disorders, SAMe, while not a cure, offers a welcome benefit as well as a remedy to these individuals who suffer from them. Athletes may benefit from SAMe's ability to maintain neurotransmitter balance, liver and cardiovascular health, as well as its ability to neutralize estrogenic compounds. To date, there are no studies to suggest that SAMe can reduce estrogen levels as well as pharmaceutical drugs, but theoretically, minimizing estrogen can dramatically enable the effects of free testosterone on skeletal muscle. The general population may benefit from supplementing with SAMe, especially since SAMe plays a key role in maintaining psychological health and is a longevity nutrient that theoretically slows the physiological hypertrophy associated with the aging process. Deficiency symptoms include rapid aging, arthritis and depression.

How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?

Follow the directions on the label. When used as directed on the label, SAMe is a safe product. Rare side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances and feelings of nausea. Individuals currently taking any other medication should consult a qualified general practitioner before supplementing with SAMe. Individuals suffering from depression, Parkinson's disease (12), Alzheimer's disease, or other physical or mental ailments should also consult a physician prior to taking SAMe as a supplement.

References

  1. Gastelu, Daniel, M.S., MFS. All about SAMe. www.bodybuilding.com
  2. Di Padova C. S-adenosyl-methionine in the treatment of osteoarthritis: review of the clinical studies. Am J Med 1987;83(suppl 5A):60-4.
  3. Bell KM, Potkin SG, Carreon D, Plon L. S-adenosylmethionine blood levels in major depression: changes with drug treatment. Acta Neurol Scand 1994;154(suppl):15-8.
  4. Bressa GM. S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) as antidepressant: Meta-analysis of clinical studies. Acta Neurol Scand 1994;154(suppl):7-14.
  5. Salmaggi P, Bressa GM, Nicchia G, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of s-adenosyl-methionine in depressed post-menopausal women. Psychother Psychosom 1993;59:34-40.
  6. Kagan BL, Sultzer DL, Rosenlicht N, et al. Oral S-adenosyl-methionine in depression: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Psychiatry 1990;147:591-5.
  7. Fava M, Rosenbaum JF, MacLaughlin R, et al. Neuroendocrine effects of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, a novel putative antidepressant. J Psychiatr Res 1990;24:177-84.
  8. Bell KM, Potkin SG, Carreon D, Plon L. S-adenosylmethionine blood levels in major depression: changes with drug treatment. Acta Neurol Scand 1994;154(suppl):15-8.
  9. Bressa GM. S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) as antidepressant: meta-analysis of clinical studies. Acta Neurol Scand 1994;154(suppl):7-14.
  10. Gatto G, Caleri D, Michelacci S, Sicuteri F. Analgesizing effect of a methyl donor (S-adenosylmethionine) in migraine: an open clinical trial. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1986;6:15-7.
  11. Piacentino R, Malara D, Zaccheo F, et al. Preliminary study of the use of s. adenosyl methionine in the management of male sterility. Minerva Ginecol 1991;43:191-3 [in Italian].
  12. Charlton CG, Mack J. Substantia nigra degeneration and tyrosine hydroxylase depletion caused by excess S-adenosylmethionine in the rat brain. Support for an excess methylation hypothesis for parkinsonism. Mol Neurobiol 1994;9:149-61.