Benefits of SAM-eWhat are the benefits of SAM-e? SAM-e is substance naturally found in all body tissues. The body needs it in chemical reactions for making complex substances such as proteins, hormones, neurotransmitters and enzymes. Having enough SAM-e in the body ensures that these essential chemical reactions work at full speed.Low levels of SAM-e may cause many of these life-essential chemical processes to slow down leading to a variety of health problems such as depression and osteoarthritis. The body can make SAM-e and the body has the highest concentration when you are young. The levels decline as you age. 
Evidence of the Benefits of SAM-e
Other Suggested Benefits of SAM-e and Traditional Uses
Information on Selected Research Studies on SAM-e The scientific
name for SAM-e is S-adenosy-L-methionine. It's not a surprise everyone
calls it SAM-e. It is a methyl donor, allowing simple molecules to
join together to form complex molecules. This process is absolutely
essential to life.
Depression SAMe is known
to increase the levels of dopamine (a neurotransmitter) found in the
brain. This helps to regulate mood. Several double-blinded clinical
trials show that SAM-e is effective for treating depression.
The advantage of SAM-e over other herbal antidepressants such as St. John's wort is that it can work quite fast. Indeed some subjects reported significant improvements in about 7 days. Liver Diseases The liver is
not able to produce
SAM-e in liver disease. SAM-e is used to make one of the body's
essential antioxidant glutathione, needed to protect the liver and the
body against oxidative damage.
Clinical studies show that taking SAM-e improves liver function in people suffering from alcohol liver cirrhosis and choleostasis. SAM-e seems to
reduce pain and prevent inflammation. Other studies suggest that it can
protect the joint from further damage.
Several clinical studies show that SAM-e is as effective as prescription anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex (celecoxib), Aleve (naproxen) and Advil (ibuprofen) for treating arthritis pain. Moreover, the volunteers reported much less side effects compared to the prescription pain killers. Fibromyalgia In one study,
volunteers taking SAM-e reported significant reduction in fatigue, pain,
mood and stiffness.
Infertility in Men Some earlier studies seem to show that taking SAM-e can improve sperm speed in men who suffer from infertility. Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults One study
involving adults suffering from ADHD seems to show some benefits of
taking SAM-e. Since the subjects knew what they were taking, there may
be a placebo
effect at work here.
SAMe Side Effects SAM-e side
effects are not common. People taking SAM-e for over 2 years in clinical
studies only reported minor stomach upset.
There are several reported cases of SAM-e causing a person suffering from bipolar disorder to swing from depression to the manic stage. Experts suggest not taking SAM-e in those with bipolar disorder. SAM-e Dosage Recommendations Below are dosages of
SAM-e that have been used in clinical studies. Start with the lower dose
and increase gradually until you see the results. Divide the daily
recommended dose to two or three times daily.
Osteoarthritis - Take 600 to 1,200 mg daily Liver Disease - Take 600 to 1,200 mg daily. Depression - 1,600 mg daily. Fibromyalgia - 400 mg twice daily. Migraine - 800 mg daily.
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