SAMe, or S-Adenosylmethionine, is an amino acid derivative that is produced naturally in your body. If you want to boost your SAMe intake, you have to supplement with pills because it's not found naturally in foods. SAMe helps your body maintain cell membranes, plays a role in immune function and helps your body produce and break down chemicals in your brain like serotonin, according to University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). SAMe supplements have several potential benefits, but they need to be taken under a doctor's supervision.
Fibromyalgia
SAMe may help alleviate your symptoms if you suffer from fibromyalgia, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Such symptoms include fatigue, pain, morning stiffness and depressed mood. However, while some evidence of this benefit exists as of 2010, more research is needed because study results are mixed, with some researchers finding no benefit, according to the experts at NCCAM.
Osteoarthritis
SAMe may provide pain relief and improve body function if you suffer from osteoarthritis, says K.L. Soeken, lead author for a study published in the "Journal of Family Practice." In fact, it works just as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly called NSAIDs, Soeken says. The supplement can improve range of motion, decrease morning stiffness and increase walking pace, all with fewer side effects than NSAIDs, note the experts at UMMC. SAMe also may promote cartilage repair.
Depression
SAMe may be as effective as antidepressant medications for treating mild-to-moderate depression, says Dr. Ray Sahelian of Los Angeles, author of "Mind Boosters." However, doses that are too high can cause insomnia and anxiety. Depression is a serious condition, so it's important to take any supplement under the supervision of a qualified health care provider, Sahelian cautions. The experts at UMMC say that SAMe may work more quickly than antidepressants, which take up to eight weeks to produce results. It also may produce effects without side effects such as headaches and sexual dysfunction. However, as of 2010 more research on this benefit was needed, according to Sahelian and UMMC, because some of the studies on SAMe and depression were not well designed.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: S-Adenosylmethionine
- Ray Sahelian: SAM-e Supplement
- National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine: Fibromyalgia and CAM
- PubMed: "Journal of Family Practice"; Safety and efficacy of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for osteoarthritis; K.L. Soeken et al.; 2002
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