Benefits of SAM-e

While there are numerous alleged benefits of SAM-e, studies suggest that the supplement may only be beneficial for depression, arthritis, and intrahepatic cholestasis. Not enough information is available to determine if it is effective for other uses. Before giving SAM-e to your child, discuss possible SAM-e benefits and risks with your child's healthcare provider, since children are more susceptible to toxicities of supplements.

SAM-e Supplement Information

Possible Benefits of SAM-e: An Overview

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (

SAM-e) is a naturally occurring molecule that is essential for over 100 chemical reactions in the human body. Although the body can make its own SAM-e using methionine (an amino acid), it is also available in supplement form. SAM-e supplements are sometimes claimed to be beneficial for the following conditions:

AIDS-related myelopathy (a spine and nerve disorder associated with AIDS)
Alzheimer's disease
Anxiety
Arthritis
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Bursitis, a painful joint condition
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic lead poisoning
Chronic lower back pain
Dementia
Depression
Fibromyalgia
Heart disease
Intrahepatic cholestasis (a decreased ability of the liver to secrete bile, often caused by pregnancy or other conditions)
Liver disease
Migraines
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Parkinson's disease
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Seizures
Spinal cord injury
Tendonitis.

There is reliable evidence that SAM-e may be beneficial for depression, arthritis, and intrahepatic cholestasis. However, not enough information is available to determine if SAM-e is effective for other uses. Many SAM-e uses have no scientific evidence suggesting any benefit.

(Click Does SAM-e Work? for more information.)

(Benefits of SAM-e Continued: Page 2)