Posted by
Stephanie Tzemis
Tired of feeling tired? SAM-e supplements might be just what you need to boost your energy levels and improve your overall well-being. SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound that helps produce and regulate important neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
As a result, it has been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue. But with so many SAM-e supplements out there, how do you know which ones are worth trying?
Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best SAM-e supplements available today. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of SAM-e!
What is SAM-e?
SAM-e, aka S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine, is a naturally occurring molecule we can find in all living cells. It plays a crucial role in several biological processes, including methylation. The body uses SAM-e to produce and regulate various compounds such as neurotransmitters, hormones, and DNA. Additionally, SAM-e plays a crucial role in the synthesis of cartilage and other connective tissues, which makes it an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy joints.
The body creates SAM-e by using the amino acid methionine, which is present in various foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products. However, stress, certain medical conditions, and aging can decrease the production of SAM-e in the body. This is why SAM-e supplements can be beneficial, as they offer an external source of SAM-e to support various bodily functions.
Interestingly, SAM-e was first discovered in Italy in 1952 by researcher Giulio Cantoni, who named it “AdoMet” (short for S-Adenosylmethionine). It wasn’t until the 1990s that SAM-e became widely used as a dietary supplement in the United States.
SAM-e supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years and are now available in different forms, including tablets, capsules, and powders. People often use these supplements to manage symptoms associated with depression, osteoarthritis, and liver disease.
Benefits of SAM-e Supplements
Mood Enhancement
SAM-e has been shown to be effective in improving mood and alleviating symptoms of depression. SAM-e plays a key role in the production and regulation of various neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, all of which are important for mood regulation.
In fact, a 2016 meta-analysis of 26 clinical trials found that SAM-e was more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of depression, with comparable efficacy to prescription antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (1).
One theory behind SAM-e’s mood-enhancing effects is that it helps increase the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Another theory is that SAM-e may help reduce inflammation in the brain, which is believed to play a role in depression.
Regardless of the mechanism, many people who take SAM-e supplements report feeling more positive, energetic, and motivated, making it a popular natural alternative to prescription antidepressants.
Protect Against Osteoarthritis
Research has shown that SAM-e can be advantageous for joint health, particularly in those who have osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease causes the breakdown of cartilage, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. SAM-e has been shown to help protect and repair cartilage, as well as reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis (2).
One study published in the journal “BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders” found that SAM-e was as effective as the prescription drug celecoxib (Celebrex) in reducing pain and improving function in people with knee osteoarthritis (3).
SAM-e has also been studied for its potential role in preventing or delaying the onset of osteoarthritis in people at risk, such as those with a history of joint injuries or a family history of the disease.
Liver Health
SAM-e has been shown to be beneficial for liver health, in particular people with liver disease. SAM-e plays a role in the production and metabolism of several compounds involved in liver function, including glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the liver from damage. A study found that the supplementation of SAM-e helps improve liver function and reduce inflammation in people with various liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cholestasis (4).
It’s also been studied for its potential role in reducing the risk of liver cancer. A study published in the journal “Cancer Prevention Research” found that SAM-e supplementation reduced the incidence of liver cancer by 50% in rats exposed to a liver carcinogen (5).
Although additional research is necessary to determine whether SAM-e has comparable effects in humans, this is a promising research area that could have significant implications for liver health.
May Improve Brain Health
SAM-e has a crucial role in methylation, a fundamental process that supports numerous biochemical reactions in the body, including those in the brain.
As individuals age, their ability to methylate may decline, leading to a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Research suggests that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease have lower levels of SAM-e, which may negatively impact their metabolism and brain function. (6)
SAM-e has a role in the production of glutathione, a potent antioxidant that functions inside the cell. Studies suggest that a decline in glutathione levels might be linked to the development of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. (7)
Now that we have explored the potential benefits of SAM-e supplements, let’s take a look at the best SAM-e supplements on the market and how they rank.
1) Doctor’s Best Double Strength SAM-e
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Doctor’s Best SAM-e stands out because of its super high quality and potency.
Doctor’s Best uses only the highest quality Italian Soloesse SAM-e, providing you with a slow, targeted release. This ensures improved GI tolerance and optimal absorption, so you can get out every ounce of benefits from these capsules.
Speaking of benefits…
Doctor’s Best SAM-e helps support mood, neural function, joint comfort and mobility and even supports liver health and detoxification.
They have 400mg of active Soloesse SAM-e in each tablet to guarantee you receive the most potent SAM-e product with the highest percentage of the active ingredient per serving.
There are a few additional points that set this particular product out from the rest.
The tablets are also enteric-coated, which safeguards them from stomach acid. This enables the active ingredient to be more efficiently absorbed by the body, making the supplement more effective.
The tablets also come in blister packs, ensuring a safe and convenient way to take and store your SAM-e. You also have the option of purchasing different strengths, and amounts which is a great alternative for anyone who wants to take it slow and try SAM-e out for a month.
Doctor’s Best delivers the best with a vegetarian, non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free formulation. The price is right too – you can get a 2 month supply of double strength, ultra-clean and powerful SAM-e for just $20.99, which can’t be beaten.
For these reasons, Doctor’s Best SAM-e is our obvious #1 pick.
2) NOW Foods SAMe
NOW Foods is family owned and operated since 1968. Their SAMe formula made it in our top three for many reasons.
NOW SAMe comes in a smaller tablet, so it makes it easier to take for anyone hesitant with swallowing pills. It has the all powerful 400mg dosage per tablet to ensure you are getting an effective dose to maximize benefits.
This product is egg free, dairy free, soy free, made without gluten and is GMO LE certified. Although it comes at a slightly higher price point, NOW is a really amazing option for anyone looking to supplement with SAMe.
3) Life Extension SAMe
Life Extension SAMe helps to maintain a stable mood and supports joint function and liver health. Per blister pack, you get 60, enteric-coated tablets with 400mg of SAMe per serving – a great deal overall.
With Life Extension, you know you’re getting top quality, and this product is no different. This is a non-GMO, vegetarian product, manufactured in the US with 100% satisfaction or money back guaranteed; so really there’s no reason to not give it a try!
4) Pure Encapsulations SAMe
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Pure Encapsulations is a tried and true supplement brand. They’re SAMe capsules are gluten-free, non-GMO and hypoallergenic with a 200mg dose of SAMe per 1 capsule serving.
Although this product is a lower dose than products listed above there are some options, these could be great if you’re new to starting SAMe supplements and want to gradually increase the dose. Or if you just love Pure Encapsulations as the brand, this bottle comes with 60 capsules, so you can simply double up the serving.
5) Jarrow Formulas Natural SAMe
Jarrow Formulas natural SAMe helps to strengthen joints, promote liver detox, and support brain function. You have the choice of purchasing a 20 count or 60 count of blister-packed SAMe capsules.
At 200mg of SAMe per serving, this is really great option for solid products at an affordable price point.
6) Source Naturals SAMe
Source Naturals provides two options with their SAMe product. You can decide between a 200mg or a 400mg tablet.
An overall great product with different options for people looking for more flexibility in starting a new supplement.
How We Ranked
To create our ranking of the best SAM-e supplements on the market, we conducted extensive research into the available products and considered a range of factors, including:
Dosage
We looked at the dosage of SAM-e provided by each supplement, ensuring that it was within a safe and effective range for the conditions it is used to treat.
Quality of Ingredients
We considered the quality of the ingredients used in each supplement, including the source of the SAM-e, as well as any additional ingredients used in the formula.
Customer Reviews
We also looked at customer reviews and feedback to gain insight into the effectiveness and tolerability of each supplement.
Price
Finally, we considered the price of each supplement to ensure that it offered good value for money compared to other products on the market.
Using these criteria, we were able to create a comprehensive ranking of the top SAM-e supplements available today, allowing consumers to make an informed decision when choosing a supplement to support their health and well-being.
FAQs
What is the most effective dosage for SAM-e?
The effective dosage of SAM-e can range from 200mg-1600mg daily. This varies depending on the condition being treated, as well as individual factors such as age, weight, and overall health.
For depression, the typical dosage ranges from 800-1600mg per day, split into two doses taken on an empty stomach. For osteoarthritis, the recommended dosage is typically 600-1200mg per day.
However, it is important to start with a lower dose and gradually increase the dosage as tolerated to minimize the risk of side effects.
What are some benefits from taking SAM-e supplements?
SAM-e supplements have been studied for their potential benefits in mood regulation, joint health, liver function, brain health, and anti-aging.
Are there any side effects to taking SAM-e?
Generally, there aren’t any side effects to taking SAM-e. However, some people may experience digestive problems, such as nausea, diarrhea or constipation, mild insomnia, dizziness, and irritability.
Even though these symptoms should disappear once your body adapts to the new supplement, it is essential to consult with your healthcare team before incorporating anything new into your daily routine.
Can you get SAM-e from any foods?
SAM-e is primarily produced by the body, and it’s not present in significant amounts in food. Small amounts of SAM-e are present in certain foods, such as fish, meat, and dairy products, but it is not practical to rely on these food sources to obtain therapeutic doses of SAM-e.
If you are looking to include SAM-e into your routine, it’s best to get it from supplementation for the most effective dosing.
What’s the best time of day to take SAM-e?
It’s best to take SAM-e in the first half of the day on an empty stomach. Some people experience sleep disturbances if they take it closer to bedtime. Especially if you’re new to taking SAM-e, try to minimize the possible side effects.
