Jarrow Formulas - SAMe (SAM-e 200) - 60 Tabs

Ingredients: S-Adenosyl Methionine ... 200 mg.

Other Ingredients: Enteric coating (methacrylate copolymers), microcrystalline cellulose, manitol, sodium starch glycolate, silicon dioxide, glycerol behenate, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, magnesium silicate, triethyl citrate, and yellow ochre.

Suggested Usage: Take 1 to 3 tablets per day before meal, or as directed by your qualified health consultant. 

Description: * Jarrow Formulas® SAM-e 200 supports Liver, Brain and Joint Function
• Essential for detoxification enzymes in the liver.
• The most important methyl-donating substance.
• Supports the production of healthy connective tissue.
• Blister packed for ultimate protection.

What is S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAM-e)?

S-Adenosyl Methionine (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is an amino acid derivative that has been clinically proven to benefit brain and joint function. Found in all living cells, SAM-e is also called "activated methionine" (an essential amino acid) since it is formed by the combination of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and methionine. Simply supplementing with methionine, however, does not result in SAM-e elevation; conversely, methionine can cause elevation of the toxic homocysteine. SAM-e has undergone dozens of clinical trials involving thousands of patients. Researchers studying the beneficial effects of SAM-e have identified many structure and function-based benefits of SAM-e.

Joint Strength

SAM-e supports the production of healthy connective tissue through a process called transulfuration. In this process, critical components of connective tissue, including glucosamine and the chondroitin sulfates, are sulfated by SAM-e metabolism.

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 generate 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.

Liver Function

SAM-e metabolism supports the synthesis of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-dependent enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase), which are important for liver function. Glutathione is necessary for scavenging free radicals produced by glycosis, the breakdown of carbohydrates for energy. The amino acid taurine is another end product of SAM-e metabolism. The glultathione family of compounds and taurine are important for liver detoxification reactions.

Brain Function

SAM-e supports brain function by its methylation effects. Methylation is the process by which a four atom appendage known as methyl group (unit of one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) is transferred from one molecule to another. Of all methyl-donating substances known in mammalian metabolism, SAM-e is the most important. The donation of methyl groups affects proper function of many metabolic processes including brain function, energy production and DNA metabolism. Neurotransmitters, substances involved in the brain’s cell-to-cell communication, are the products of methylation reactions. These compounds include L-dopa, dopamine, epinephrine and phosphatidyl choline (a component of lecithin).

Energy Production

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 recycling of ADP to ATP. Creatine maximizes physical performance, reduces exercise fatigue and improves recovery after exercise.

Longevity

Methylation of DNA appears to be important in the prevention of DNA imperfections. The demethylation of DNA is considered to be a contributor to the aging process. Proper methylation through substances such as SAM-e positively influence longevity.

Because SAM-e is a highly reactive molecule, it is very fragile. It degrades rapidly under conditions of high heat and/or humidity. Improper handling of SAM-e can cause its degradation in a matter of hours, resulting in a loss of biological activity. This is why the manufacturing process for Jarrow Formulas’ SAM-e is done under low temperature and low humidity, and the tablet is enteric coated.

Pharmacokinetic studies show that oral supplementation of SAM-e is most effective when enteric-coated by special gastric fluid-resistant polymers. Enteric coating SAM-e results in maximum SAM-e levels in the bloodstream.

Usage and Safety

SAM-e is extremely safe and suitable for long-term supplementation. The usual amount for continued use is 200 to 600 mg per day, the higher level being taken as 200 mg three times per day before meals. In clinical trials, a loading dosage of 1,200 mg is sometimes used for three weeks, and then a maintenance dosage of 400 to 600 mg per day is followed.

Side effects are rare and appear to be limited to gastrointestinal disturbances. In some studies, there were actually more side effects among those using the placebo than among those taking the SAM-e.

The only contraindication that has been suggested to date is based upon theoretical concerns with no clinical instances found, and applies only to those with active clinical bipolar manic/depressive disorder.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Warning: Individuals using prescribed medications such as antidepressants, including Seratonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors and MAO Inhibitors should consult a physician before using. Individuals with bi-polar disorder or manic depression should not use SAM-e.

Selected References

1. Murray, RK, et al., (1996) Harper’s Biochemistry (24th edition). (Stanford, CT: Appleton & Lange.
2. Strementinoli, (1987) Pharmacologic Aspects of S-adenosyl-methionine: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, American Journal of Medicine 83, Suppl. 5A, 35-42.
3. McCully, Kilmer S., The Homocysteine Revolution. (New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1997).
4. Frankel, Paul and Madsen, Fred, Stop Homocysteine Through the Methylation Process. (Thousand Oaks, CA: The Research Corner, 1998).
5. Baidessarini, R., Neuropharmacology of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, American Journal of Medicine 83, Suppl. 5A (1987) 95-103.
6. Frankel and Madsen, op, cit., Chapter XIV.
7. Bonanomi L and Gazzaniga A., Toxicliogical, Pharmacokinetic and Metabolic Studies on Acetylcysteine, Eur J Respir Dis 61 (1980) 45-51.
8. Padova C. di, S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis, American Journal of Medicine 83, Suppl. 5A (1987) 60-65.

Product made in Italy.