SAMe Complex

...supports healthy joints and positive moods*

Highlights

• Participates in the manufacture of brain chemicals*

• Helps protect joint health and comfort*

• Helps maintain positive moods*

• Helps promote healthy liver function*

• Enteric-coated tablet to maximize absorption

Features & Benefits

        SAMe (S-Adenosyl-l-Methionine) is a naturally-occurring metabolite which plays an important part in over 35 metabolic processes.*1,2 It is naturally produced by the body from the amino acid methionine and energy-producing ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). An increase of methionine doesn’t guarantee an adequate level of SAMe which also depends on sufficient amounts of folic acid and vitamin B-12 as well as optimum functioning of enzyme systems.

        The elderly normally have decreased levels of SAMe, so supplementation may be recommended. SAMe is essential to the synthesis, activation and metabolism of hormones, neurotransmitters, nucleic acids, and to the integrity of cell membranes.*1,2 

        Since synthesis of SAMe is intimately linked with vitamin B-12 and folic acid, deficiencies in both of these vitamins have been found to correlate with lowered SAMe levels and concentration.*1,2 SAMe’s chief metabolic role is methylation, the donation of a methyl group (carbon unit) to another molecule.*1,3 This donation aids in the detoxification of the liver, maintenance of cell membranes, and the production of neurotransmitters.*4 The formation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine indicates that SAMe also has a function in mood regulation.*1,2,5 

        In a preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, it was demonstrated that SAMe possesses the ability to rapidly improve moods with minimal side effects.*6,7,8,9 SAMe also helps people with tenderness at various points in their body.*10 In a double-blind study, 44 people pre-disposed to tenderness and stiffness, reduced muscle strength, and negative moods were monitored after taking 800 mg/day of SAMe. The results indicate that SAMe provided beneficial effects for these individuals, and was well-tolerated.*10

        The naturally-occurring cyclical end of SAMe metabolism is the generation of sulfate groups which help maintain cartilage in joints.*11 In two separate randomized double-blind studies, a total of 72 people used a daily dose of 1,200 mg of SAMe. The results indicate significant improvement in joint mobility with little or no side effects.*12,13  Many other human studies have confirmed these results.14

        SAMe may also provide support to the liver by replenishing antioxidants and other important substances, increasing the fluidity of membranes and improving the flow of bile.*3,4,15

Safety of SAMe

        At daily doses between 400 mg and 1,200 mg, no significant side effects of SAMe supplementation were reported. Occasional side effects affecting a small percentage of people included gastrointestinal upset. Individuals being treated for neurological conditions should consult their healthcare practitioner before using.

Ingredient Highlights

        S-Adenosyl l-Methionine is very sensitive to moisture and heat, therefore it requires careful formulating with stabilizing compounds and a protective enteric coating. Nature's Life SAMe Complex tablets contain 50%-52% of the active ingredient, enhanced with 48%-50% stabilizers. These other ingredients guard the delicate SAMe compound. If tablet disintegration occurs in the stomach, little or no absorption of SAMe will occur. Nature's Life's enteric-coated tablet passes into the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine) to be broken down by digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas. The pH level in the small intestine provides an alkaline environment for maximum absorption of SAMe.

References

1. Chiang PK, Gordon RK, Tal J. S-Adenosylmethionine and methylation. FASEB Journal 1996;10:471-80 [review].

2. Bottiglieri T, Hyland K, Reynolds EH, The clinical potential of ademethionine (S-adenosylmethionine) in neurological disorders.  Drugs 1994 ;48(2):137-52.

3. Frezza M, Terpin MM, Peri A, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) and its use in hepatology.  Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol 1992;38(3):145-51.

4. Friedel HA, Goa KL, Benfield P. S-adenosyl-L-methionine.  A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential in liver dysfunction and affective disorders in relation to its physiological role in cell metabolism. Drugs 1989;38(3):389-416.

5. Fava M, Rosenbaum JF, MacLaughlin R, Falk WE, Pollack MH, Cohen LS, Jones L, Pill L. Neuroendocrine effects of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, a novel putative antidepressant J Psychiatr Res 1990;24(2):177-84.

6. Kagan BL, Sultzer DL, Rosenlicht N, Gerner RH. Oral S-adenosylmethionine in depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Psychiatry 1990;147(5):591-5.

7. Bell KM, Potkin SG, Carreon D, Plan L. S-adenosylmethionine blood levels in major depression: changes with drug treatment. Acta Neurol Scand 1994;154(suppl):15-18.

8. Bressa GM. S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) as antidepressant: Meta-analysis of clinical studies. Acta Nuerol Scand 1994;154(suppl):7-14.

9. Salmaggi P, Bressa GM, Nicchia G, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of s-adenosyl-methionine in depressed post-menopausal women. Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics 1993;59:34-40.

10. Jacobsen S, Danneskiold-Samsoe B, Andersen RB. Oral S-adenosylmethionine in primary fibromyalgia.  Double-blind clinical evaluation Scand J Rheumatol 1991;20(4):294-302.

11. Harmand MF, Vilamitjana J, Maloche E, Duphil R, Ducassou D. Effects of S-adenosylmethionine on human articular chondrocyte differentiation.  An in vitro study. Am J Med 1987;83(5A):48-54.

12. Muller-Fassbender H. Double-blind clinical trial of S-adenosylmethionine versus ibuprofen in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Am J Med 1987;83(5A):81-3.

13. Vetter G. Double-blind comparative clinical trial with S-adenosylmethionine and indomethacin in the treatment of osteoarthritis Am J Med 1987;83(5A):78-80.

14. di Padova C. S-adenosylmethionine in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Review of the clinial studies. Am J Med 1987;83(5A):60-5

15. Osman E, Owen JS, Burroughs AK. Review article: S-adenosyl-L-Methionine- a new therapeutic agent in liver disease? Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1993;7(1):21-8.