Supporting Healthy Moods, Joint & Muscle Comfort, & More!
SAM-e (pronounced "Sammy") is the commonly used name for S-Adenosyl-Methionine. SAM-e occurs in every living cell and takes part in several biological reactions in the human body. It is considered effective for depression and arthritis.
The interest in SAM-e as an antidepressant stems from the fact that it seems to have fewer side effects than some other antidepressants and works relatively quickly. It is considered the best clinically-documented, non-prescription antidepressant compound available today. SAM-e readily crosses the blood-brain barrier in humans and even helps people who have not responded to conventional antidepressants (shown in a study by the Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit in Boston, MA).
Interestingly, SAM-e consistently outperforms a placebo by a substantial margin. When matched against a placebo, SAM-e wins hands down.
Depression and chronic illness tend to go hand in hand and, with some illnesses (such as heart disease), pharmaceutical antidepressants may make the chronic illness worse. For these folks, SAM-e could be the treatment of choice.
SAM-e is also considered a good supplement for easing the discomforts of menopause as well. SAM-e is considered safe for those taking hormone replacement therapies. If not on estrogen replacement, SAM-e acts quickly to regulate mood swings -- faster, in fact, than most prescription antidepressants, and, again, with minimal or no side effects.
Fibromyalgia is another experience that is supported by SAM-e, which helps moods and relieves muscle soreness. Europe (Italy & Denmark, in particular) has been the primary source of research into the use of SAM-e and fibromyalgia.
Despite being available (by prescription) in Europe for twenty years, it was only introduced to the U.S. in February 1999, when it became one of the top-selling dietary supplements in the United States.
"Methylation" and Detoxification -- SAM-e & B Vitamins Work Together to Eliminate Homocysteine!
SAM-e takes part in the chemical process called "methylation," which is the way the body synthesizes the chemical components of cartilage and brain chemicals, and detoxifies potentially dangerous substances. Methylation relies on the presence of nutrients that supply the building blocks of methyl groups.
Methyl groups, along with appropriate enzymes, are best known for their role in converting homocysteine, a toxic acid, into methionine, an amino acid that is beneficial to the body. As levels of SAM-e decrease, so does methylation and the body's ability to detoxify itself.
SAM-e supplies the majority of the body's methyl groups and is made from methionine, which interacts with nutrients such as vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, and choline to produce SAM-e. However, the benefits of SAM-e metabolism can be blocked when vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid are deficient.
Thus, SAM-e and the less-than-glamorous B vitamins work synergistically to eliminate accumulation of dangerous levels of homocysteine in the body. (Supercharged SAM-e: B Vitamins, Folate Increase the Supplement’s Effectiveness. Arthritis Support Staff at www.ArthritisSupport.com.)
Interestingly, in a Kings College Hospital (London) study, it was shown that Alzheimer's patients had low SAM-e levels, perhaps because of a malfunction in methylation due to their low SAM-e levels.
Healthy Liver Function
Under normal circumstances, the liver regenerates itself and produces new cells as old one wear out. In cases of liver disease, portions of the liver become hardened and inactive. Studies have shown that patients with liver disease have abnormally low levels of SAM-e.
SAM-e, as it turns out, acts as the precursor compound for both cysteine and taurine, and a tripeptide called glutathione, which is one of the most important detoxifiers and free radical scavengers in the body. Glutathione is what gives the liver the ability to rid the body of poisons and also inhibits the inflammatory response.
An interesting study from New Zealand showed that patients with cirrhosis of the liver had become unable to convert methionine to SAM-e; thus, these patients needed supplemental SAM-e to normalize their overall liver function.
Osteoarthritis Link
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain and inflammation, but may wear down cartilage. In contrast, SAM-e protects cartilage from further destruction and may even help stimulate new growth. SAM-e also helps preserve joint fluidity and flexibility. Some folks have talked about SAM-e as like "putting oil in the Tin Man's joints!"
While scientists are not exactly sure of all the ways SAM-e works to benefit osteoarthritis, a variety of studies are showing protection against "tumor necrosis factor," which adversely affects both synovial cells and matrix protein production in joints. Both of these factors are involved in the arthritic process, which breaks down joint cartilage. SAM-e does boost the level of glutathione, which protects against free radicals that can damage joint tissue.
The therapeutic activity of SAM-e against osteoarthritis is similar to that exerted by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but it is tolerated by many much better.
Why Blister Packs & Enteric Coating Are Essential
SAM-e is unstable so it is important not to take it out of the foil blister pack until you are about to use it. It's also important to be careful with the foil packs, because small nicks to the foil can allow air to penetrate the tablets and damage tablets. If unprotected, SAM-e oxidizes and loses its effectiveness.
Also, SAM-e pills must be "enteric coated" to be effective. This allows them to pass through the stomach and be absorbed in the intestine.
helps my depression 
