Product and Dosing
SAM-e is short for s-adenosylmethionine, which is formed from the essential amino acid methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound that is found in all living organisms. In humans, SAM-e is distributed throughout the body and is involved in many biochemical processes, serving as a methyl donor in over 100 different reactions catalyzed by methyltransferase enzymes. Via enzymatic transmethylation, SAM-e plays a role in the formation, activation, or metabolism of neurotransmitters, hormones, proteins, and phospholipids.
SAM-e is required for the production of these key chemicals in the brain and plays a role in how nerve signals are properly received. These chemicals and the way nerves transmit signals are believed to be related to mood levels.
Research has shown that SAM-e levels decline as people age and it has also shown that certain groups of people, including those with low mood conditions, tend to have lower levels of SAM-e in their bodies.
The chemical formulation of SAM-e is below.
NatureMade SAM-e Complete™ contains:
Active Ingredient
- S-adenosylmethionine
Inactive Ingredients
- Cellulose
- Sodium Starch Glycolate
- Methacrylic Acid Copolymer
- Talc
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Silica
- Magnesium Stearate
- Polysorbate 80
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Iron Oxide (artificial color)
- Simethicone
How Does SAM-e Work?
Through a process called enzymatic transmethylation, SAM-e plays a role in the formation, activation, or metabolism of neurotransmitters, hormones, proteins, and phospholipids.
Since SAM-e is best absorbed in the intestines instead of the stomach, look for pills that are enterically coated to ensure intestinal absorption. (Enteric means the pill is coated to keep it from breaking down in the stomach.) Also look for packages that are blister packed to prevent degradation.
Once absorbed, SAM-e serves as a “methyl donor”, contributing to chemical reactions that allow other molecules to perform their duties. For example, SAM-e helps to convert norepinephrine to epinephrine and serotonin to melatonin.
Mood
Since significant amounts of SAM-e are not available through diet alone, the body is primarily responsible for producing its own SAM-e. When the body doesn’t, SAM-e supplementation can support a number of important functions. SAM-e Complete is a daily over-the-counter dietary supplement available in a large number of retailers nationwide, as well as online.
SAM-e is best known for enhancing mood by promoting a healthy balance of neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, all of which are part of overall healthy brain cell functions.
As a mood enhancer, SAM-e functions by donating its methyl group to CNS acceptors through transmethylation and increases the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. It also improves receptor function linked to phospholipid methylation.
Joint Health
While it’s primary use has been for mood, SAM-e has been shown to help with joint health and liver health as well. For joint health, SAM-e supports sulfate groups’ incorporation into proteoglycans, which help maintain cartilage and protect joints.
Cysteine and glutathione (GSH) are by-products of this process and have potent reducing properties. Additionally, SAM-e’s action in the aminopropylation pathway induces polyamine production, which is essential to cell and tissue growth, and may protect proteoglycans and reduce inflammation and pain.
Liver Health
In the liver, SAM-e supports GSH (Glutathione) production and uptake, which is mainly responsible for detoxification. At the same time, SAM-e is thought to increase methyltransferase activity, which, through phospholipid formulation, helps move bile from the liver to the gastrointestinal tract.
