Prescribed in 14 countries, including Germany, Italy and Russia, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) is a genuine nutrition breakthrough with the capability to rapidly change lives. Before introduction into the U.S., SAM-e was studied on thousands of European patients in dozens of multi-center, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trials. These clinical trials demonstrated that SAM-e’s biological effects could benefit over 50 million Americans in need of joint and mood improvement.

Efficacy Not Guaranteed
And, while our dietary supplement industry has become familiar with SAM-e’s potential, people have not learned how to distinguish efficacious SAM-e from ineffective material. SAM-e is so reactive that it is highly unstable and must be made in a very controlled, precise manner to be efficacious. Under conditions of high heat and/or humidity, SAM-e degrades rapidly in a matter of hours. Equally important, SAM-e must be enteric coated by special polymers to resist gastric enzymes. No surprise that a recent independent organization’s test results indicate only half of SAM-e supplements were found to contain label claims. The European clinical trials utilized a stabilized form of SAM-e manufactured under low temperature, low humidity conditions and enteric coated.

Joint Effects
SAM-e supports the production of healthy connective tissue through a process of transulfuration. In this process, critical components of connective tissue, including glucosamine and chondroitin, are sulfated by SAM-e metabolites. SAM-e also increases the production of methyl-thio-adenosine, an intermediate that reduces inflammation which may partially account for the joint benefits of SAM-e. The metabolism of SAM-e also results in the production of L-cysteine, an important amino acid used by the body to construct a family of sulfur-containing compounds of critical importance including glutathione. Some of these compounds are the building blocks needed for the synthesis of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and the bone matrix. For optimal joint health, best results occur when SAM-e supplementation is combined with glucosamine and BIOSIL™ (high absorption silicon in the form of orthosilicic acid).

Brain Metabolism & Methylation
SAM-e is utilized in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC), from phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Commonly known as a lecithin, Phosphatidylcholine is an essential component of all living tissues. One of the most important functions of PC is to improve the fluidity of biological membranes. In liver disorders, the hepatocyte (liver cell) membranes are damaged by substances such as drugs, viruses, alcohol and fatty foods, resulting in loss of cell membrane fluidity. SAM-e promotes cell membrane fluidity and liver cell protection by the synthesis of PC. SAM-e metabolism also supports the synthesis of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-dependent enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase), which are substances important for liver function. Glutathione is necessary for the scavenging of free radicals produced by glycolysis, the breakdown of carbohydrates for energy. The amino acid taurine is another end product of SAM-e metabolism. The glutathione family of compounds and taurine are important for liver detoxification reactions.

Longevity and Energy
Methylation from SAM-e is critical for proper energy production as it converts guanidinoacetate to creatine. Creatine metabolizes to creatine phosphate, which is important for the recycling of ADP to ATP. Creatine maximizes physical performance, reduces exercise fatigue and improves recovery after exercise. SAM-e levels decline in the body as we age, resulting in decreased DNA protection. Methylation of DNA appears to be important in the prevention of DNA imperfections. The demethylation of DNA is considered a contributor to the aging process. Proper methylation through substances such as SAM-e positively influence longevity and reduce homocysteine simultaneously.

Conclusion

A wonder nutrient like SAM-e carries the liabilities of fragility and reactivity. Only if manufactured correctly can the true benefit of SAM-e be realized.