Wellness has become an increasingly important topic in recent years as more and more people are recognizing the importance of taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional health.

The fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in can be demanding and stressful, and many people are now turning to wellness practices and lifestyle changes to help them cope with these demands and achieve a greater sense of balance and well-being. 

From yoga and meditation to healthy eating and exercise, there are a wide variety of ways to incorporate wellness into your life, and the benefits can be significant.

One compound which has gained popularity for its health benefits is SAM-e, the focus of today’s blog.

What is SAM-e?

SAM-e, or S-adenosylmethionine, is a naturally occurring compound that is found in every living organism. It plays a critical role in many physiological processes, including mood regulation and joint health. 

In recent years, SAM-e has gained popularity as a dietary supplement for its potential benefits in treating a variety of conditions, such as depression, osteoarthritis, and liver disease. 

SAM-e is a methyl donor that is involved in many physiological processes, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters, hormones, and nucleic acids. SAM-e is formed in the body through the action of the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase, which converts the amino acid methionine into SAM-e.

SAM-e is a critical player in the methylation process, which is a process that is essential for many biological functions, including gene expression, DNA repair, and the metabolism of neurotransmitters. It also acts as a substrate for the formation of the powerful antioxidant glutathione. This means that it is a very important molecule for the body and the proper functioning of the body's cells.

SAM-e is also important for maintaining healthy levels of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play a critical role in regulating mood and emotional well-being. This is why SAM-e is often used as a dietary supplement to help with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

Where is SAM-e found?

SAM-e is most commonly found in the liver, where it is produced in large quantities. However, it can also be found in small amounts in other organs and tissues, including the brain, kidneys, and pancreas. It can also be found in food sources such as meats, fish, and dairy products, but the amounts are not enough to significantly affect the body's levels of SAM-e.

SAM-e supplements are also available and are commonly used as a dietary supplement to help with a variety of conditions as mentioned above. These supplements are typically made by synthesizing SAM-e in a laboratory, and are available in various forms such as tablets, capsules, and injections.

It's important to note that SAM-e is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with bipolar disorder, and those on certain medications like antidepressants. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

Why do people take SAM-e?

As we already mentioned, SAM-e is sometimes used as a supplement to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and OCD.

SAM-e is also used to treat osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions that cause pain and inflammation. Some research suggests that SAM-e may be more effective than some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in treating osteoarthritis, and it may have fewer side effects.

SAM-e is also thought to have a positive effect on liver health, as it plays a role in the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the liver from damage. SAM-e may also help to reduce the symptoms of liver disease and protect against liver damage caused by toxins such as alcohol.

For these reasons and many others, this is why SAM-e is a key ingredient in our Microdose gummy product Mojo. We chose is precisely because of its effects and support on mood balance.

What are the side effects of taking SAM-e?

S-Adenosyl methionine is generally considered safe for most people when taken as directed. However, like any supplement, it can have side effects. These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days of taking the supplement.

SAM-e may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting to take it if you are currently on any medications, particularly antidepressants, blood thinners, or anti-inflammatory medications.

Is there research evidence of SAM-e use?

SAM-e has been the subject of numerous studies in the past decades. A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that SAM-e was as effective as antidepressants in treating depression and had fewer side effects. Additionally, it has been found that SAM-e may be effective in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions that cause pain and inflammation.

In 2016, a review was published in CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug Targets highlighting the impact of SAM-e. In this review, it showed that various studies indicated that SAM-e affected key components that were involved in major depressive disorder. Various controlled trials also showed that SAM-e was superior to both tricyclic antidepressants and placebos. 

Another study found that taking SAM-e orally may improve liver function in patients with liver disease, and one study found that taking SAM-e may reduce the risk of liver damage caused by alcohol consumption.

Then, there is the impact of SAM-e on brain function. Studies have suggested that supplementing with SAM-e can increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can lead to improvements in mood and cognitive function. Additionally, SAM-e has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the brain, which can protect against brain damage and may help to improve brain function. Some studies have also found that SAM-e may also play a role in neurogenesis, the process by which new brain cells are created, which can also contribute to improvements in brain function.

However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects and safety of SAM-e. While some studies have found that SAM-e is effective for certain conditions, other studies have not found significant benefits. Therefore, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of SAM-e. 

How much SAM-e should you take?

The recommended dosage for S-adenosylmethionine can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting to take SAM-e or any other supplement to determine the appropriate dosage for you.

While there is no established ideal dose of SAM-e, for depression the typical dosage is 400-600mg/day, taken in divided doses throughout the day. For osteoarthritis, the typical dosage is 600-1200mg/day.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound that is involved in many important biological processes in the body and is believed to have potential health benefits. It has been used as a supplement to treat a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and OCD, as well as conditions that cause pain and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. 

Keeping this in mind, SAM-e could be a promising supplement to consider as part of a holistic wellness plan, together with a balanced diet, regular exercise and a good sleep routine and stress management.

If you are looking to improve your well-being, it may be worth considering including this important compound in your supplement intake.