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.

 

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:
 
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)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;