SAM-e for mood and joint health
If you haven’t heard all the buzz about SAM-e as a treatment for depression, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia support, and liver disease, you may want to keep reading. SAM-e, short for S-adenosylmethionine, is a derivative of methionine, a naturally occurring amino acid which forms in the body when methionine is combined with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the major energy source for cellular function. A number of positive effects have been reported when SAM-e is taken as a nutritional health supplement.
SAM-e is a methyl donor, a compound that donates methyl groups containing hydrogen and carbon atoms to other substances. This process called methylation is what protects the body from damage on the cellular level. The methylation process is crucial to numerous pathways in the body responsible for brain and joint activity. Since the methyl donor SAM-e works in combination with folate, choline, B6 and B12, it is recommended that it be taken with an adequate Vitamin B Complex.
As a natural antidepressant, SAM-e has been known to be as effective as medication prescribed to treat symptoms of depression – but without the adverse effects. According to a 2002 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition review by Harvard Medical School researchers, Mischoulon and Fava, “SAM-e may have a faster onset of action than do conventional antidepressants”. Although considered relatively safe, SAM-e has been reported to cause mania in people with bipolar disorder. Therefore, anyone at high risk of bipolar manic depression should consult a physician before taking SAM-e.
When it comes to arthritis and fibromyalgia, SAM-e has proven to be beneficial for joint and muscle pain relief. In a randomized clinical study, SAM-e reduced osteoarthritis joint pain by 20 percent. As a joint health formula, SAM-e possesses anti-inflammatory properties, effective in relieving pain and healing tissue.
The antioxidant, glutathione, found in the liver is synthesized by SAM-e. Glutathione plays a major role in eliminating liver toxins, thus keeping it healthy. Low levels of SAMe have been reported in patients diagnosed with liver disease. As a methylating agent, SAM-e helps keep liver membranes fluid.
It is best to take SAM-e on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before a meal, or two hours after. In clinical studies, benefits were evident after 7-14 days of continuous use. Since SAM-e has been known to be unstable at certain temperatures, to ensure safety and freshness, look for enteric-coated tablets in foil blister packs.
If you have any health questions or concerns, consult a physician or health-care provider before introducing nutritional supplements into your diet.
