Before John discovered SAMe, he had fallen into a pattern of depression that was dominating his life, leaving him despondent, with little desire to do the ordinary things he used to do. His doctor had prescribed prescription medications for him, but they left him feeling numb and sluggish.
Then, later that year, he discovered a naturally occurring substance called SAMe, (also known as S-Adenosyl methionine or SAM-e), and started to take it. After just a few days, John sat down to write a letter to a dear friend, and he was reminded of an old memory, a pleasant one, and he began to smile, feeling pleasure as he remembered this memory from his past.
But S-Adenosyl methionine is not only a treatment for depression. On this page, I give an overview of it and how using it can benefit you.
What Is SAMe?
S-Adenosyl methionine is the synthetic form of a compound that is formed naturally in your body from the essential amino acid methionine, and the energy producing compound found in all cells, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It was discovered in 1952 in Italy, where it is still manufactured today.
Until lately, very few Americans had heard of it, even though it had been developed as a pharmaceutical in the 1970s. But, several years ago, two U.S. vitamin companies, GNC and Pharmavile began to import it, adding it to their product lines.
S-Adenosyl methionine is not a herb or a hormone, but it's a molecule that all living cells in your body are constantly producing. Your body uses it to manufacture dozens of important compounds.
Furthermore, SAMe is used to produce two compounds important for cell and tissue growth, spermidine and spermine. It also helps to regulate the action of various neurotransmitters, including adrenaline, dopamine, melatonin and serotonin.
SAMe is also involved in the process of methylation in the human body.
From a chemical perspective, methylation is simply adding or removing a "methyl" group to a particular compound. From an atomic perspective, a methyl group is one carbon atom connected to three hydrogen atoms.
Why is methylation important? Methylation is involved in over 100 metabolic processes.
When a compound receives a methyl group, it starts a reaction such as activating an enzyme, or turning on a gene. When the methyl group is lost, the reaction stops.
Methylation is an important way that the body protects itself from developing certain serious diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders and some age-related conditions.
For example, when your brain undergoes methylation, production of melatonin and serotonin is increased. This can translate to a reduced need for sleep aids and antidepressants, as these two substances help to regulate sleep and mood.
In another example of methylation, SAMe can also turn on detoxification reactions, thus eliminating toxic chemicals from the body.
If you're sensitive to certain chemicals in foods, phenols, for example, it will allow you to eat more of these foods,
Methylation can also cause your body to turn off reactions that need to be off, such as feelings of aggression or hyperness, for example.
S-Adenosyl methionine is normally produced in the liver from the amino acid methionine, and is found in many healthy foods. However, it needs folic acid and vitamin B12 for it to be properly synthesized.
What Conditions Does It Treat?
In the 1970s, Canadian researchers discovered that patients being treated with S-Adenosyl methionine for schizophrenia also experienced less depression. This is probably because it increases the amount of the feel-good chemical, serotonin, in the brain.
There have been 47 Evidence Report Summaries done by the United States government on this supplement. A Report Summary evaluates the efficacy of over-the-counter supplements, compared to prescription medications, as a treatment for depression, osteoarthritis and various liver conditions.
In these reports, the government concluded that SAM-e was as effective as prescription medications for depression. It should be noted that most of these studies involved a small number of patients, and the quality of them was not consistent. But the results were so promising; it indicates a continuing need for further research.
Consequently, European studies indicate that it can relieve depression in approximately 70% of all cases.
For many, after beginning supplementation with SAMe, positive results may be felt within a week.
It has also shown to be a useful treatment for pain from osteoarthritis.
In a dozen clinical studies, involving over 22,000 individuals, scientists have learned that it is just as effective as pharmaceutical medications, to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
Additionally, it may help to restore cartilage surrounding the joints.
It works about as well as aspirin and other similar medications for the pain, but it may take twice as long before it begins to work. Some people with arthritis may have to take it for a month before noticing any improvements.
Also, in addition to being as effective as NSAIDs, it lacks the gastrointestinal discomfort often experienced when taking NSAIDs.
It may also prove useful In relieving painful symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
In one double-blind study of individuals with fibromyalgia, given SAMe, itresulted in improvements in the participants’ symptoms, including decreased pain and fatigue, along with decreased stiffness.
It has also been shown to be effective against certain liver conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver.
In one clinical trial, individuals with alcohol-related cirrhosis who took it for two years, experienced a 50% lower death rate and/or liver transplantation rate, compared to the study participants receiving a placebo.
Last, there have been studies indicating that SAMe may be useful as a treatment for migraine headaches. You should commit to using it quite a while, for maximum therapeutic benefit.
Recommended Dosage
SAMe tablets are enterically coated, allowing them to pass through the stomach, where they are absorbed in the small intestine. They are best taken on an empty stomach, but can be taken with meals.
Also, it's probably a good idea to take it during the day, avoiding evening doses, because the body naturally keeps levels of S-Adenosyl methionine high during the day and low at night. It also provides an energy boost, so, to prevent insomnia, take it during the day.
Here are some recommended dosages for several medical conditions:
Depression - Take 400 mg, three or four times each day. Start at a lower dosage of 200 mg, two times a day the first day, increasing to 400 mg, two times a day the third day.
By day 10, increase your dosage to 400 mg three times a day. On day 20, increase the frequency to four times a day.
Osteoarthritis - For osteoarthritis, take 800 to 1200 mg each day.
Fibromyalgia - For fibromyalgia, take 800 mg each day.
Liver disorders - For liver disorders, try taking 1200 mg each day.
Migraines - For migraines, a suggested dose is 1200 mg a day.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Individuals that are bipolar, or have anxiety disorders and other psychiatric conditions should only take SAMe under the guidance of a physician.
Also, you should not take this supplement if you are currently taking an antidepressant.
Side effects associated with taking this supplement are few, but include
Allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, itching, hives, rash or wheezing.
Anxiety, irritability or panic attacks
Dizziness
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Fatigue
Heartburn
Headaches
Insomnia
Nervousness
Restlessness
Sweating
Tremors (individuals with Parkinson's disease could see their symptoms worsen from taking this supplement)
Be advised that taking S-Adenosyl methionine can increase levels of homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine in the blood are associated with a greater risk of heart attacks.
It may also interact with certain medications. Consult with your pharmacist to see if it's safe to take for your particular circumstances before taking it.
If you are suffering from severe depression, it would be wise to consult with a physician before taking SAMe.
In conclusion, if you're looking for an alternative to St. John's wort for your depression, SAMe could be just the ticket.
In dozens of European studies, it performed as well as prescription medication for arthritis and depression. In fact, European doctors frequently prescribe it for depression.
And if you're like me, you'd probably rather take something natural, rather than prescription medications. I've heard that S-Adenosyl methionine has been prescribed for 20 years in Europe, where it outsells Prozac.
