SAM-e Information

What is SAM-e? Pronounced as "Sammy", SAM-e is the abbreviation for S-adenosylMethionine and is a naturally occurring compound that helps to regulate brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. It is also purported to generate enzymes that contribute to liver health and in repairing joints. (SAM-e was found in a double-blind clinical trial to be effective in relieving the pain of osteoarthritis as well.)

Our bodies need the amino acid known as methionine for SAM-e production however you can't increase your body's production of SAM-e by taking methionine. Beyond its antidepressive qualities, SAMe is literally involved in numerous life-sustaining metabolic processes.

If you want SAMe for depression symptoms that is understandable but the benefits of SAM-e are not limited to mood enhancement. Some research has been conducted on SAM-e for depression as well so as to answer the question, "does SAMe work on depression?"

The answer appears to be yes. SAM-e is critical in the manufacture of two important compounds found in the brain -- phosphatidylserine and neurotransmitters. As SAMe assists neurotransmitters in binding to receptor sites, there is a consequent increase of serotonin and dopamine activity. These, in turn, strongly influence your moods.

There is convincing clinical data that verifies the claim that SAM-e is an effective antidepressant. According to recent data, 70% of those taking SAM-e receive the antidepressant benefit -- the same degree prescribed antidepressants such as Prozac give. However, it does not give the same side effects like dry mouth, diminished sexual function, insomnia, etc.

Plus, SAM-e works faster than prescription antidepressants. According to Teodoro Bottiglieri, Ph.D., it takes about 10 days to see SAM-e's effects compared to the several weeks it takes for prescribed, antidepressant drugs to take effect. This is important as according to one government report, 10 to 15 million people a year experience clinical depression with an annual cost loss estimated at between $43.7 to $52.9 billion just in the U.S. alone.

SAM-e Pros and Cons

Other SAM-e Information

Be aware of this vital SAM-e information: When you take a SAM-e supplement, it optimally needs to be taken with folic acid and vitamin B12. Ideally, your SAM-e supplement of choice needs to have all of these nutrients. The popularity of SAMe is not limited to Americans. It is an approved, over-the-counter (OTC) prescription in Germany, Italy, Spain, and Russia. SAM-e information is not new around the world as you can see.

If the advantages SAMe provides with countering depression weren't enough, ongoing research suggests it may also be effective for liver disease. SAMe is the human body's major source of glutathione, a compound that helps repair liver damage as well helps detoxify harmful compounds within the system. Glutathione is sometimes referred to as the "master antiooxidant."

In a controlled trial in Spain, it was found that consistent, long-term use of SAMe delays the need for a liver transplant, improving alcohol-induced cirrhosis of the liver. Some herbalists and naturopathic doctors also combine SAMe with the medicinal herb milk thistle for treatment of other liver problems. Lastly, in a 1991 European study, SAM-e has also been shown to help in the treatment of fibromyalgia. This is vital SAM-e information.

Other SAM-e Pros and Cons: Precautions

SAMe seems to be very safe and is free of significant side effects, even when taken for long periods of time. However, experts say that daily doses of 400 mg or higher may cause mild stomach upset, dry mouth, and insomnia.

Key SAM-e Information Point: Like many supplements, with high doses, the supplement may cause diarrhea and heartburn. As always, if you're pregnant and/or nursing, talk to your doctor before beginning a supplement program. If you're taking medications, consult with your doctor as well. Use caution.

SAM-e Information: What To Look for In Choosing SAM-e Supplements

1. Many sellers of SAM-e try to claim the version they use is superior or better absorbed. In truth, only 1 in 5 supplement makers provide a product with the declared ingredients on the bottle! Studies confirm that 90% of supplements are not assimilable. If you want the best health possible, you need the a scientifically created physiological delivery system to optimize nutrient assimilation.

To ensure assimilation, there are two subfactors you should ensure exist with your supplement 1) you need an enteric coated SAMe supplement, so it can withstand the stomach acids (this is where most nutraceuticals break down and rendered useless) and 2) the excipients (the inert substance used as a vehicle for the supplement) need to be of the highest quality. Many manufacturers cut costs here and this contributes to the lack of assimilation and efficacy of the supplement.

2. The raw ingredients used should be pharmaceutical grade and supported by scientific clinical studies. Supplements should ideally be produced at pharmaceutical standard GMP registered facilities. Facilities that are GMP registered comply with the most rigid standards so as to minimize the possibility of product contaminants. These are the same standards pharmaceutical companies in the United States are required to operate under as mandated by the FDA.)

SAM-e Supplement

After a lot of research, we found a company who meets these criteria. This New Zealand company produces pharmaceutical grade, GMP compliant products that exceed FDA sanctioned medication in quality. Their healthy brain and nervous system product is scientifically formulated containing not only SAM-e but also over 70 vitamins, minerals, trace and specialty minerals, enzymes, and nutrient-rich compounds including DMAE, Gingko Biloba, and Gotu Kola -- two proven nutrients shown in clinical studies to improve mental functions.

This brain and mind supplement is truly a comprehensive, one-of-a-kind nutraceutical. I've been taking this company's supplements for more than a year now and can testify to their benefits. I've experience greater energy, better sleep, better skin tone, increased mental functionality, and overall better health.

I hope this SAM-e Information web page has been helpful to you.

Yours in health, hope, and harmony,
Nutritional Supplement Bible