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Glossary
SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine)
SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is not an herb, vitamin, hormone, or dietary nutrient; it is a synthetic form of a chemical that is naturally produced by the human body. SAM-e exists in cells and is involved in a variety of essential biochemical processes, including cell maintenance and nerve function. It is considered to be a metabolite of the essential amino acid L-methionine. SAM-e is also known by many as ademetionine, S-adenosylmethione, SAM, and SAMe.
SAM-e supplements are marketed for use in connection with a variety of conditions including osteoarthritis, depression, fybromyalgia, and liver disease. Many individuals maintain that SAM-e is as effective for pain relief as aspirin, but does not produce the same side effects such as stomach irritation. It is also believed by some people to be more effective for relieveing depression than many common anti-depressants. Since SAM-e is not regulated by the FDA, it does not require a doctor's prescription. However, in other regions such as Europe, SAM-e is sold as a prescription drug for treating depression, arthritis, and liver disease.
SAM-e is normally produced in the liver from the amino acid methionine found in most healthy diets. Both folic acid and vitamin B12 are required for the synthesis of SAM-e, and deficiencies of either of these vitamins may result in low concentrations of SAM-e in the central nervous system. Lower than normal levels of SAM-e have been detected in individuals with liver cirrhosis, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression.
SAM-e supplements are marketed for use in connection with a variety of conditions including osteoarthritis, depression, fybromyalgia, and liver disease. Many individuals maintain that SAM-e is as effective for pain relief as aspirin, but does not produce the same side effects such as stomach irritation. It is also believed by some people to be more effective for relieveing depression than many common anti-depressants. Since SAM-e is not regulated by the FDA, it does not require a doctor's prescription. However, in other regions such as Europe, SAM-e is sold as a prescription drug for treating depression, arthritis, and liver disease.
SAM-e is normally produced in the liver from the amino acid methionine found in most healthy diets. Both folic acid and vitamin B12 are required for the synthesis of SAM-e, and deficiencies of either of these vitamins may result in low concentrations of SAM-e in the central nervous system. Lower than normal levels of SAM-e have been detected in individuals with liver cirrhosis, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression.
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