S-adenosylmethionine

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a metabolite in the body that helps maintain several important biological reactions. Low levels of SAMe in the body are associated with several conditions, including liver conditions, chronic kidney disease (CKD), coronary artery disease (CAD), depression, and neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Supplementation with SAMe might improve liver health and depression, but further high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm those benefits.

Quick Answer

What it is

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a metabolite in the body that helps maintain several important biological reactions. Low levels of SAMe in the body are associated with several conditions, including liver conditions, chronic kidney disease (CKD), coronary artery disease (CAD), depression, and neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Depression Symptoms (Depression)
  • Grade D: Bilirubin (Osteoarthritis (OA))
  • Grade D: Attention (Depression)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: S-adenosylmethionine

Quick Facts: S-adenosylmethionine

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:11
  • Research Outcomes:30
  • Grade B Findings:1
  • Key Effect:Depression
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B1
C0
D5
11 conditions · 30 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Depression Symptoms
Small Improvement
smallImproves
D
Attention
No effect
none
?
Itching
5 studies
Improves
?
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Improves
?
Memory
1 study
Improves
?
Motivation
1 study
Improves
D
Bilirubin
No effect
none
?
Depression Symptoms
Improves
?
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Improves
?
Functionality in Elderly or Injured
6 studies
Improves
?
Itching
5 studies
Improves
?
Pain
2 studies
Improves
D
Bilirubin
No effect
none
?
Depression Symptoms
Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
Worsens
?
Itching
5 studies
Improves
?
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Improves
D
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
No effect
1 study
none
?
Homocysteine
Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
Worsens
D
Bilirubin
No effect
none
?
Liver Enzymes
Worsens
?
Liver Fibrosis
Improves
?
Cholestasis
Worsens
?
Homocysteine
Improves
?
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
Worsens
?
Liver Enzymes
Worsens
?
Early Virologic Response
Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
Improves

Research Citations (23)

Influence of oral S-adenosylmethionine on plasma 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, S-adenosylhomocysteine, homocysteine and methionine in healthy humans
PMID: 9262350
Dietary supplement S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) effects on plasma homocysteine levels in healthy human subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial
PMID: 19422296
Bioavailability and lack of toxicity of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) in humans
PMID: 15537554
S-Adenosyl-Methionine improves depression in patients with Parkinson's disease in an open-label clinical trial
PMID: 11104210
Safety and efficacy of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for osteoarthritis
PMID: 12019049
Comparative clinical trial of S-adenosylmethionine versus nabumetone for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: an 8-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, Phase IV study in Korean patients
PMID: 20110025
Italian double-blind multicenter study comparing S-adenosylmethionine, naproxen, and placebo in the treatment of degenerative joint disease
PMID: 3318442
S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) versus celecoxib for the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms: a double-blind cross-over trial. [ISRCTN36233495]
PMID: 15102339
S-adenosyl-L-methionine for treatment of depression, osteoarthritis, and liver disease.
PMID: 12899148
S-Adenosylmethionine for osteoarthritis of the knee or hip.
PMID: 19821403

Related Supplements

Vitamin D

8 shared conditions · 308 outcomes

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our skin synthesizes when exposed to the sun. It benefits us in many ways, from bone health to mood.

Zinc

6 shared conditions · 148 outcomes

Zinc is an essential mineral that is critical for the function of hundreds of enzymes. Consequently, it plays many roles, including in antioxidant enzymes, brain function, and the immune system. Zinc is most commonly taken to reduce the duration of respiratory infections and the common cold.

Probiotics

6 shared conditions · 215 outcomes

Probiotics are microorganisms that can have a positive effect on health.

Creatine

6 shared conditions · 433 outcomes

Creatine is among the most well-studied and effective supplements for improving exercise performance. It does this mainly by increasing energy availability during high-intensity activity. Creatine may also provide cognitive and mental health benefits in some contexts.

L-Carnitine

6 shared conditions · 558 outcomes

L-carnitine can relieve leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and treat some aspects of metabolic syndrome. Although it’s often also used for fat loss, its effectiveness for that is questionable.

Cannabis

6 shared conditions · 194 outcomes

Cannabis is the common name and genus for a few plants used around the world due to their psychoactive properties. Its major component, known as THC, possesses acute benefits but is subject to rapid tolerance. Additionally, nonpsychoactive components like CBD may have chronic benefits. While therapeutic, particularly for pain relief, the plant is not a panacea.

Spirulina

5 shared conditions · 304 outcomes

Spirulina, commonly known as “blue-green algae”, is a nontoxic cyanobacterium that is rich in various nutrients and bioactive pigments and polyphenols. Spirulina contains many antioxidant compounds and could have beneficial cardiometabolic effects.

Resveratrol

5 shared conditions · 318 outcomes

Resveratrol is a bioactive molecule found in plant sources such as grapes, peanuts, blueberries, and, famously, red wine. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that benefit cardiovascular function, glycemic control, and lipid metabolism. Although it’s promoted for lifespan extension, there’s no evidence for this in humans and limited evidence in animals.