Summary
-
What is SAMe?
SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) is a compound that is naturally produced in the human body and is also made synthetically in various chemical forms for use in supplements (see What It Is). -
Health benefits of SAMe:
- SAMe may be effective as a treatment for osteoarthritis and associated joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It may take longer to work than leading anti-inflammatory drugs, but the benefit seems to last longer with fewer side effects.
- SAMe can be somewhat effective as an antidepressant for treating major depression but is not as effective as SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) medications. It may be of some benefit to people who do not respond to prescription treatment.
-
How to choose a SAMe product:
SAMe is sensitive to breakdown if exposed to heat or moisture. Look for a product packaged in a blister pack. SAMe comes in different forms, including tosylate, disulfate tosylate, disulfate ditosylate, and 1,4-butanedisulfonate, although there is no evidence that one form is better than another (see ConsumerTips). Generally, a SAMe supplement should have an enteric coating to protect it from degradation by stomach acids, which can render it ineffective. Be aware that several brands of SAMe have been shown in testing to contain less SAMe than listed, so look for products that have passed independent, 3rd party testing, such as by ConsumerLab.com (see Quality Concerns). -
What did CL's tests of SAMe show?
All 9 of the popular brands (including one for pets) of SAMe selected by CL for testing passed testing (i.e. contain the listed amount of SAMe and, if claimed, had an effective enteric coating), as did two products tested through ConsumerLab.com’s voluntary Quality Certification Program. However, the cost to get a 400-mg dose of high-quality SAMe varied by more than 400% (from 47 cents to more than $2). As SAMe is a relatively expensive ingredient, it pays to compare SAMe products on price, as well as quality (see What CL Found).
-
Best SAMe supplements:
ConsumerLab chose three Top Picks for SAMe, based on quality in testing, enteric coating, protective packaging, lowest cost, and dose, as well as a Top Pick SAMe for dogs. -
How much SAMe should I take?
Daily dosage shown to be effective in clinical trials ranges from 800 mg to 1,600 mg of SAMe (typically in divided doses) (See ConsumerTips for details). -
SAMe safety and side effects:
SAMe may occasionally cause nausea and stomach upset. It should not be used by people with bipolar disorder. Laboratory research suggests potential toxicity with SAMe at unusually high doses (see Concerns and Cautions for more information).
