Upstream Health Solutions

Sam-E
by Kim Schenck

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) is a compound found in all living cells of the body. SAM-e has shown benefit with depression, osteoarthritis, and liver disorders.

SAM-e is produced in the body from the amino acid methionine and the energy powerhouse, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). SAM-e is involved in over 40 biochemical processes in the human body including detoxification reactions, joint tissue structure and the production of brain chemicals. SAM-e has shown benefit with depression, osteoarthritis, and liver disorders. Exactly how it works in these unrelated applications hasn’t been determined but several theories have been suggested.

An inadequate amount of methyl donors have been implicated an underlying cause of depression. SAM-e, as a methyl donor, may affect brain function by activating brain neurotransmitters (brain chemicals). SAM-e appears to also make brain cells more responsive to neurotransmitters by improving the binding of the neurotransmitters to receptor sites, thus increasing brain levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are associated with emotional well being. SAM-e has been shown to be as effective as antidepressant medication without the side effects the side effects associated with the medication. Several studies have shown SAM-e is also effective at maintaining emotional balance.

SAM-e may promote cartilage formation and repair by enhancing synthesis of proteoglycans, compounds essential for cartilage health. It does this by donating a sulfur group. SAM-e can also restore and maintain healthy joint function.

Studies have shown impressive results with osteoarthritis. Morning stiffness, pain at rest and pain on movement all show improvement. SAM-e has been shown to be as effective as NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain control without the side effects.

SAM-e appears to promote healthy liver function. SAM-e improves the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in detoxification of things such as alcohol, drugs and environmental toxins from the body. SAM-e also enhances healthy liver function by stimulating bile flow from the liver, maintaining normal levels of bilirubin (a component of bile) and improving liver cell membrane function.

SAM-e is not found in abundance in the diet. An essential precursor of SAM-e, methionine, is found in most protein foods. A deficiency of methionine, choline, vitamin B12 or folic acid can inhibit the body’s ability to produce SAM-e.

Healthy people do not need to take the supplement. Typical supplement levels for those who do need it are 1600 mg/day for depression, 800-1200 mg/day for osteoarthritis, 1200 mg/day for liver disorders. All amounts should be taken in divided doses.

SAM-e has been shown to be extremely safe in most individuals. Occasional nausea and gastrointestinal upset has been reported. This usually occurred with large doses being taken. It is recommended to start with a low dose and work your way up.

People with bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, should not use SAM-e without the supervision of their doctors as it can aggravate the “up” cycles. Use of SAM-e is highly contraindicated with Parkinson’s disease. Both animal and human studies have shown increased methylation can cause depletion of dopamine and block the effects of L-dopa.