- UPC: 733739001375
# N0137
The Health Benefits and Toxicity of SAMe
S-adenosyl-L-methionine, otherwise referred to as SAMe, is used by many to treat depression - some of these self-prescribed and administered. This can happen because SAMe is not regulated by the FDA, although it is prescription medicine in Europe. Others take it simply to improve mood and their feeling of well-being, while for yet others it relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis. In that respect it offers similar effects to the anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin. It can also be use in cases of cirrhosis of the liver and fibromyalgia, so SAMe is an extensively used medication. Make sure your doctor knows before using it!
Because it is available without prescription in the USA, the question must then arise of toxicity. What are the risks of taking SAMe, if indeed there are any? Perhaps that question could be answered by the fact that in the region of 17 million Italians have been taking SAMe under prescription since 1976 in Europe, so its use has been controlled. Of these, there have been no reports of serious problems through its use.
There have also been no reports of adverse interactions with other drugs or dietary supplements, although 1.6 grams (1600 mg) was the highest dose used so should be regarded as the maximum safe dose. It also makes sense for pregnant and lactating women to seek the advice of their doctor or physician before using it in the USA and SAMe should not be administered to children. Tests on bipolar patients indicate that their switch to extreme elation is evidence that they should refrain from using SAMe until they have sought the advice of their medical advisor.
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Nutrition Info
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Amount Per Serving
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% Daily Value
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| SaMe (s-Adenosyl-L-Methionine)
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200 mg
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†
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| Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin)
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50 mg
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833%
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| Folic Acid
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200 mg
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50%
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| Vitamin B (as Piridoxine HCl)
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2 mg
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100%
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| (from 400 mg of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Disulfate Tosylate)
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* Percent
Daily Values are based on 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established.
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Details
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Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1 tablet 1 - 2 times daily, preferably on an empty stomach. Refrigeration is recommended after opening.
Free of: sugar, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk or preservatives.
Other Ingredients: Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Methacrylic Acid, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source), Silica, Trietyyl Citrate, Stearic Acid (vegetable source), Citric Acid and Ascorbic Acid.
Warnings: Individuals with bipolar (manic) depression should not take SAMe unless under professional supervision. CAUTION: Please discard the inedible freshness packet enclosed.
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Though discovered in 1952, the past six years have crowned SAMe as one of the most widely used supplements in today’s marketplace. As a natural line of support to the nervous system functions, it increases the synthesis and breakdown of certain neurotransmitters, thus enhancing the sensitivity of nerve receptors. It may also aid in the repair of myelin, the sheath of fatty material that surrounds the nerve cells. SAMe may support joint health through transulfuration, a process that takes a certain amount of sulfur from SAMe to create glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates. This enhances proteoglycan synthesis, the molecule responsible for keeping articular joint cartilage lubricated. Important for the production of glutathione, this powerful free radical scavenger defends the body from toxic agents and is necessary for liver detoxification.*
SAMe FAQ's
What is SAMe?
SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) is a naturally occurring compound found in all human tissue and organs. It is a “building block” necessary for the production of many compounds produced by your body, and is used in over 35 different biochemical reactions. SAMe actually donates a part of itself to form these new compounds through a process called methylation or transmethylation. SAME is one of the few dietary supplements on the market today that combines the benefits of several nutrients into one, because the body uses the substances produced from SAMe for numerous bodily reactions and processes.
Are there any side effects associated with SAMe supplementation?
SAMe is a very safe dietary supplement. Minor side effects include nausea and gastrointestinal irritation, due to its sulfur content. These were only noted at very high doses (1200-1600mg) and symptoms diminished with continued use. Persons suffering from manic depression (bipolar disorder) should not take SAMe without prior consultation with their physician. If you experience any of the symptoms above for an extended period of time, you may be allergic to SAMe, or it may not be the right supplement for you.
Why is the dosage information with SAMe supplements so confusing?
SAMe in its ion form as found in human cells has a very short life span and is rapidly metabolized into other necessary compounds as needed, which is good! However, this natural form does not lend itself to the production of a stable and effective dietary supplement. It took scientists years to come up with a way to stabilize SAMe so it could be manufactured as a dietary supplement. It was finally discovered that SAMe must be manufactured in a salt form to prevent rapid degradation. In its salt form, you will actually get 200mg of SAMe in its stable salt form. However, only half of this 200mg is actually raw SAMe ions, hence its yield of 100mg.
Are there size or color variations with your SAMe products, and should SAMe be refrigerated?
Because of the nature of SAMe, NOW® takes special precautions when packaging this product. We bottle SAMe in amber glass bottles to keep light exposure to a minimum, and keep SAMe products refrigerated in our plant until shipping. It is not necessary to keep SAMe refrigerated after purchase, but it can extend the shelf life of the product.
Because SAMe is a natural product, there can be variations in color, usually ranging from white to pale yellow or tan. This is normal and does not mean the product is expired. You may also notice a difference in tablet size. We recently reformulated our SAMe to include less excipients, so there are two different tablet sizes on the market at this time.
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