SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is a compound the body makes from the amino acid methionine and uses in many cell processes. As a supplement it has been studied mainly for depression, osteoarthritis and liver disease, but NCCIH says the evidence is not conclusive for any of them.
Also known as: S-adenosylmethionine, S-adenosyl-L-methionine, SAM-e, ademetionine.
SAMe has no intake value or upper limit, and NCCIH does not give a standard amount. Some studies used injected SAMe, which may not act the same as SAMe taken by mouth.
It is sold in the US as a dietary supplement. Under the 1994 dietary supplement law (DSHEA), FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are marketed, and the maker, not FDA, is responsible for safety and labeling. In Europe it is known as ademetionine.
NCCIH says at least 40 studies have tested SAMe for depression and many showed benefit, but most lasted only a few weeks, were small and were not of the highest quality. In osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, studies comparing SAMe with NSAIDs found similar pain relief, while the fewer placebo-controlled studies did not consistently show a benefit. Whether it helps liver disease in people has not been established.
Safety, per NCCIH: side effects are uncommon and usually minor, such as nausea or upset stomach. People with bipolar disorder should not take SAMe for depression except under a clinician's care, because it may worsen mania. SAMe may reduce the effect of levodopa, and might interact with antidepressants, L-tryptophan, St. John's wort and other things that raise serotonin. Its safety in pregnancy and over the long term is not established, and there is a theoretical concern for people who are immunocompromised.
We could not find a single published half-life or time to peak for oral SAMe that applies to a supplement dose, so we do not list one.
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