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Supports Liver, Brain and Joint Function

• Essential for detoxification enzymes in the liver

• The most important methyldonating substance

• Supports the production of healthy connective tissue

• Blister packed for ultimate protection

What is S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAM-e)?

S-Adenosyl Methionine (S-adenosyl-L-methionine or SAM-e) is an amino acid derivative that has been clinically proven to benefit brain, liver and joint function. Found in all living cells, SAM-e is also called “activated methionine” (an essential amino acid) since it is formed by the combination of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and methionine. Simply supplementing with methionine, however, does not result in SAM-e elevation; conversely, methionine can cause elevation of the toxic amino acid homocysteine.

SAM-e has undergone dozens of clinical trials involving thousands of patients. Researchers studying the beneficial effects of SAM-e have identified many structure and function-based benefits of SAM-e.

Liver Detoxification

SAM-e metabolism supports the synthesis of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-dependent enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-Stransferase), which are important for liver function. Glutathione is necessary for scavenging free radicals produced by glycolysis, the breakdown of carbohydrates for energy. The amino acid taurine is another end product of SAM-e metabolism. The glutathione family of compounds and taurine are important for liver detoxification reactions.

Brain Function

SAM-e supports brain function by its methylation effects. Methylation is the process by which a four atom appendage known as methyl group (unit of one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) is transferred from one molecule to another. Of all methyldonating substances known in mammalian metabolism, SAM-e is the most important. The donation of methyl groups affects proper function of many metabolic processes including brain function, energy production and DNA metabolism. Neurotransmitters, substances involved in the brain’s cell-to-cell communication, are the products of substances known in mammalian methylation reactions. These compounds include L-dopa, dopamine, epinephrine and phosphatidylcholine (a component of lecithin).

Energy Production

Methylation from SAM-e is critical for proper energy production as it converts guanidinoacetate to creatine. Creatine metabolizes to creatine phosphate, which is important for recycling of ADP to ATP. Creatine maximizes physical performance, reduces exercise fatigue and improves recovery after exercise.

Longevity

Methylation of DNA appears to be important in the prevention of DNA imperfections. The demethylation of DNA is considered to be a contributor to the aging process. Proper methylation through substances such as SAM-e positively influence longevity.

Not All SAM-e is Created Equal

Jarrow FORMULAS® SAM-e is of the active (S, S) form. SAM-e is a chiral molecule and therefore consists of two forms: (S,S) SAM-e and (R,S) SAMe. The biologically active form is the (S,S) structure, while the (R,S) structure is biologically inactive. Jarrow FORMULAS® SAM-e is made naturally by microbiological fermentation and then specially processed, without solvents, to preserve 68-80% (S,S) SAM-e, the highest active level available.

Because SAM-e is a highly reactive molecule, it is very fragile. It degrades rapidly under conditions of high heat and/or humidity. Improper handling of SAM-e can cause its degradation in a matter of hours, resulting in a loss of biological activity. This is why the manufacturing process for Jarrow FORMULAS® SAM-e is done under low temperature and low humidity, and the tablet is enteric coated and blister-packed.

Pharmacokinetic studies show that oral supplementation of SAM-e is most effective when enteric-coated by special gastric fluid-resistant polymers. Enteric coating SAM-e results in maximum SAM-e levels in the bloodstream.

Usage and Safety

SAM-e is extremely safe and suitable for long-term supplementation. The usual amount for continued use is 200 to 800 mg per day, the higher level being taken before meals in divided doses. In clinical trials, a loading dosage of 1,200 mg is sometimes used for three weeks, and then a maintenance dosage of 400 to 800 mg per day is followed. Side effects are rare and appear to be limited to gastrointestinal disturbances. In some studies, there were actually more side effects among those using the placebo (inert/inactive compound given to the control subjects) than among those taking the SAM-e.

The only contraindication that has been suggested to date is based upon theoretical concerns with no clinical instances found, and applies only to those with active clinical bipolar manic/depressive disorder and Parkinson’s disease.

Joint Strength with SAM-e and SAM-e JOINT

SAM-e JOINT combines SAM-e with glucosamine in a supplement designed to support joint health. Many individuals already take glucosamine for its nutritional benefits, such as enhanced regeneration of cartilage and other joint tissues. SAM-e provides yet more support in the area of joint health, but through different mechanisms. In SAM-e JOINT, SAM-e and glucosamine are delivered together for added convenience and a synergistic effect.

SAM-e has undergone dozens of trials involving thousands of patients. Researchers studying the healthful effects of SAMe have identified two different actions that may benefit the joints. First, SAM-e increases the production of methylthioadenosine, an intermediate that reduces inflammation and which may partially account for the joint benefits of SAM-e.

Second, SAM-e supports the production of healthy connective tissue through a process called transulfuration. In this process, critical components of connective tissue, including glucosamine and the chondroitin sulfates, are sulfated by SAM-e metabolism. The metabolism of SAM-e also results in the production of L-cysteine, an important amino acid used by the body to generate a family of sulfur-containing compounds of critical importance including glutathione. Some of these compounds are themselves the building blocks needed for the synthesis of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and the bone matrix.

The actions of SAM-e can be further supported through supplementation with additional glucosamine, as is found in SAM-e JOINT. Normally, glucosamine is synthesized in the body by enzymes from a saccharide component obtained from glucose and an amino acid component obtained from glutamine. As a consequence, glucosamine is termed an aminosaccharide. It is a component of joint and intestinal tissue and is involved in the production of the synovial fluid which lubricates the joints. Its transformation into cartilage and synovial fluid requires methylation by SAM-e.

Under stressful conditions, both sides of this process may require support. The body’s own production of glucosamine may prove to be inadequate either because of overuse, advancing years or a combination of the two. SAM-e JOINT is an effective answer to joint needs in either case.

Selected References

1. Murray, RK, et al., (1996) Harper’s Biochemistry (24th edition).
(Stanford, CT: Appleton & Lange.
2. Strementinoli, (1987) Pharmacologic Aspects of S-adenosylmethionine:
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics,
American Journal of Medicine 83, Suppl. 5A, 35-42.
3. McCully, Kilmer S., The Homocysteine Revolution. (New
Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1997)
4. Frankel, Paul and Madsen, Fred, Stop Homocysteine Through
the Methylation Process. (Thousand Oaks, CA: The Research
Corner, 1998)
5. Baidessarini, R., Neuropharmacology of S-adenosyl-Lmethionine,
American Journal of Medicine 83, Suppl. 5A (1987)
95-103.
6. Frankel and Madsen, op, cit., Chapter XIV.
7. Bonanomi L and Gazzaniga A., Toxicliogical, Pharmacokinetic
and Metabolic Studies on Acetylcysteine, Eur J Respir Dis 61
(1980) 45-51.
8. Padova C. di, S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the Treatment of
Osteoarthritis, American Journal of Medicine 83, Suppl. 5A
(1987) 60-65.

Source: Jarrow Formulas