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by Life Extension

WHAT IS IT?

SAMe is S-Adenosyl-Methionine, a metabolite of the amino acid methionine. Each tablet contains 400 mg of SAMe.  Inert ingredients include cellulose, mannitol, hydroxymethylcellulose phthalate, citric acid, sodium starch glycolate, glyceryl triacetate, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, silica, titanium dioxide, yellow ochre.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

SAMe is a methylation agent. Methylation means the transfer of methyl groups (-CH₃) between molecules. Methylation is so vital and critical that life cannot exist without it. It affects virtually every cell and function in the body. Insufficient methylation is an invitation to poor health. Craig Cooney, PhD., the author of the excellent book, Methyl Magic, says, "Think of the methylation process as a central control dial. The setting of that dial can make you sick or it can help keep you in top physical condition."

CAUTIONS

Side effects are minimal, occurring in about 2%  of subjects. They are mostly gastrointestinal (nausea.) Other effects include dry mouth, restlessness, and elation! Do not combine SAMe with other antidepressants without consulting your doctor. SAMe should be taken with its cofactors, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid. Failure to do so converts SAMe into homocysteine, the latest villain in the cardiovascular disease wars.

Since SAMe is expensive, it might be worth considering taking the material that SAMe is made from: TMG. Actually, SAMe is made from methionine. However, some  SAMe is metabolized to homocysteine, TMG donates its methyl groups to the homocysteine molecule and converts it back into methionine and SAMe. By recycling it back into action it gradually builds up the level of SAMe in the body. It might be expected that the results of this process, if it works, will take more time than ingesting SAMe itself.

Methyl groups are made originally by folic acid. In combination with Vitamin B12, Zinc, Vitamin B6, and TMG,  the amino acid methionine becomes methylated. Throw in some ATP and the body makes SAMe. SAMe distributes the methyl groups to DNA, proteins, neurotransmitters, fats and much more. A deficiency of any of these building blocks (and deficiencies are very common) means insufficient methylation. Insufficient methylation means poor health.

Note: A laboratory test showed that of the seven brands of SAMe on the market, only this and one other brand had the full amount of the right kind of SAMe in it. Two had sub potent amounts, one had the wrong kind of SAMe and two had no SAMe at all!

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DOSE

The effective dose ranges from 800 mg to 1600 mg per day, preferably on an empty stomach with water. Suggested is 400 mg twice daily. A third tablet may be added at noon if depression doesn't resolve within 2 days. A fourth dose may also be added. Severely depressed people may take 400 mg 4 times daily initially but may experience nausea or dry mouth.

NHC  sells boxes of 20 tablets of SAMe 400 mg for $26.25. The suggested retail price is $35.00.

CI

These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
 

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Created  March 1, 1998 (Personal page April 25, 1995)
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Gerry Wolke, RPh.