SAMe - Background information about this Amino Acid

Background information about this Amino Acid

SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) is an amino acid derivative normally synthesized in the body. It is widely used in Europe as an antidepressant. In young, healthy people SAMe is well distributed throughout the body as a result of its synthesis from methionine by enzymes using ATp. However, in sickness and in age, system levels may become depleted. Supplementation of the cofactors folate, TMG, vitamins B6 and B12, together with SAMe appears to be an effective method to overcome this deficiency. SAMe is used by the body in three important pathways:

methylation: contributing methyl groups to activate certain molecules
the synthesis of polyamines: for cell growth, gene expression, neuronal regeneration, etc.
trans-sulfuration: synthesis of cysteine, glutathione and other sulfate chemicals

There is evidence that SAMe may:

be a fast acting, safe and effective antidepressant
be effectively treat fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and osteoarthritis
help to synthesize phosphatidylcholine, which keeps cell membranes fluid and is used in the brain to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
help prevent and reverse liver disease: Liver-Restoration: Studies show that SAMe / S-adenosyl-methionine may be the most effective substance known to regenerate a damaged liver. Even cases of alcoholic liver cirrhosis have been significantly improved with SAMe therapy.

SAM-e can be found in seeds and nuts that are high in methionine. These include sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts. Although the SAM-content therapeutic equivalent to a dose of ibuprofen is 250 grams of sunflower seeds or 500 grams of Brazil nuts, every bit helps.

SAM-e stands for S-Adenosylmethionine, a natural body chemical that is involved in a wide variety of functions. It is present in all living cells and is required in over 40 biochemical reactions. SAM-e is necessary for manufacturing certain neurotransmitters, hormones, proteins, the antioxidant glutathione and some compounds found in health joints.
The body can use the essential amino acid methionine to create SAM-e.

The body's level of SAM-e can be depleted by:

A diet low in proteins or low in methionine
Stress
Aging

SAM-e has decades of history of clinical testing in Europe that has demonstrated benefits for a wide variety of health problems.

Structural system benefits

Involved in the production of several components of cartilage.

SAM-e relieves pain and reduces inflammation.

Nervous system benefits

Needed to manufacture neurotransmitters (including serotonin).
Needed to manufacture hormones (including adrenaline and melatonin).
Needed to manufacture phospholipids
General nerve function
Mood regulation and enhancement. (SAM-e may work more quickly and effectively for depression than St. John's Wort.)

Cognitive function

General Tissue health

promotes cellular regeneration to improve healing and reduce the effects of aging.
Used in the production of glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps the liver detoxify some fat-soluble poisons and helps protect arteries and veins.

Heart and liver functions benefit from supplementation with SAM-e.

Using SAM-e

SAM-e does not give the side-effects of many prescription and OTC drugs. people who can not tolerate these drugs should especially consider supplementing with SAM-e.
It may be beneficial to add a B-Complex vitamin supplement each time you take SAM-e.

Verify that your SAM-e supplement is enterically coated so SAM-e is only released in the small intestine for maximum absorption

people taking prescription antidepressants or who have bipolar disorder should consult a health professional before using SAM-e.
A typical supplement containing 200 mg of S-adenosylmethionine tosylate delivers 100 mg of SAM-e.