Pharmaceutical-grade SAMe comes in two forms - tosylate and a newer, more stable form called butanedisulfonate. Only Nature Made and GNC sell the new butanedisulfonate version, but several U.S. retailers import reliable tosylate products.
Since SAMe is absorbed mainly through the intestine, it's best taken in "enteric coated" tablets - to pass through the stomach intact.
SAME is expensive - a 400-mg dose ranges from $2.50 (Nature Made) up to $18.56 for an uncoated Natrol product called SAM sulfate.
Experts advise taking it twice a day on an empty stomach
Different people may require different amounts - studies suggest 400 mg a day is an effective dose for arthritis, but the daily doses used in depression trials have ranged as high as 1,600 mg. (Generally with mood problems start at 400 and increase as necessary).
SAMe may alter one's mood in an unexpected fashion - one should begin a SAMe regimen with the lowest dosage available and maybe even take SAMe every other day for the first month.
ALWAYS supplement with vitamins B6, B12 and folate when taking SAMe - to ensure that homocysteine created is converted to methionine, glutathione or other beneficial molecules.
For most people, the real problem is undermethylation of homocysteine - simply upping your intake of B vitamins could deter such as low moods, bad joints, dysfunctional liver, weak hearts . . .
Once SAMe donates its methyl group, it is transformed into homocysteine. When present, SAMe's main cofactors: Vitamins B6, B12 and folate, normally help body produce SAMe and convert homocysteine back to methionine, SAMe or cysteine, glutathione, and other useful substances.
However, if adequate amounts of the vitamins B6, B12, and folate are not present - SAMe may not break down properly, such that its full benefits will not be obtained, and homocysteine may increase to unsafe levels., which can cause inflammatory damage. This shortage of B vitamins is going to lead to problems associated with homocysteine buildup -including: CVD (atherosclerosis,heart attack/stroke), liver damage, risk of spina bifida and other birth defects in pregnancy.
Deficiencies of folate have been found to reduce SAMe concentrations in the CNS and may be involved in neurological and psychiatric problems, including depression, dementia, myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy.
Many nutrients work similarly to SAMe, particularly other methyl donors:
• TMG - dose of 250 mg a day.
• DMG
• DMAE - chemically similar to choline, used for years to enhance focus and clarity of thought. Studies do NOT support its use with Alzheimer's or memory recall, but it seems to help mood/motivation in elderly dementia patients
The following combination of 4 supplements actively combat high levels of homocysteine and enable one's body to produce SAMe naturally (without the expense of supplementing SAMe).
- Vitamin B6, Folic Acid (B9), Vitamin B12 - convert toxic homocysteine into beneficial amino acids, whilst simultaneously producing SAMe.
- Trimethylglycine (TMG) - is converted into dimethylglycine (DMG), a popular, but expensive supplement to enhance energy/vitality.
