GSE
SAMe and other methyl donors
SAMe - And other Methyl Donor Molecules
SAMe Supplementation
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.
Alternatives to SAMe Supplementation
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
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.
